Let me introduce you, readers, to a lovable tale about a mouse who loves a princess, a rat who wants beauty in his life, but instead finds heartbreak, and a cauliflower eared servant girl who hopes to be a princess. In her book The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo flawlessly weaves a tapestry of longing and betrayal, love and despair, darkness and beauty. Through this simple story about a mouse, a rat, and a servant girl, Kate presents a heartwarming story that reminds readers of all ages about the importance of beauty, hope, and love in a world that can otherwise seem so dark.
Moments of Brilliance:
Voice:. I have to admit, this is the first and (so far) only book I’ve read by Kate DiCamillo. But readers, I am in love with her voice. Her narration is charming; it is absolutely endearing. In fact, it makes me feel like we are close friends–a friend I could listen to all day. From frequent addresses to the reader to advice to look words up in the dictionary, the voice of this book creates an intimate fairy-tale flavor that I’m sure would have kept me reading even if the storyline itself had not. And even more, this style of narration allows for the incorporation of little moments of instruction or insights that allow the story to transcend from simply a book for children to a lovable story that reminds us all that love is deep and beautiful, hearts are fragile, and life is made wonderful by things unexpected.
Roscuro, the “Villain”:The richness of this story lies in the complexities of the characters, especially the spoon wielding villain, Roscuro. Have you ever wanted to hug a rat? I mean really just pick it up and embrace it, squeeze it? I can honestly say that, in real life, I have not. But while I was reading this book, all I wanted to do was pluck the poor villain Roscuro right out of the story and give him a big ol’ hug. The character of Roscuro is brilliantly crafted; he is a rat who, confined to the life of a dreadful rat in the dungeons, develops an intense longing for the world of the light–a world of beauty– and a life that is not defined by the limitations of being a rat. Readers are able to watch this poor rat struggle, experience heartbreak, and fall into a life of vengeance. Through the development of this character from a pitiable rat to a crooked, broken villain, Kate reminds readers that every person has the potential for good; love, or the absence of love, is the powerful mold that essentially defines us all.
Favorite Quotes:
“The world is dark, and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story.”
“Reader, you must know that an interesting fate awaits almost everyone, mouse or man, who does not conform.”
“Love is ridiculous. But love is also wonderful. And powerful.”
“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark. Begin at the beginning. Tell Gregory a story. Make some light”
“All living things have a heart. And the heart of any living thing can be broken.”
“There are those hearts, reader, that never mend again once they are broken. Or if they do mend, they heal themselves in a crooked and lopsided way, as if sewn together by a careless craftsman.”
“And hope is like love... a ridiculous, wonderful, powerful thing.”
