The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup… (2003)

While this book is long in length, the author did a great job with this. Inside the book are 4 separate stories that are all about different people and creatures. One thing that makes this book great, is the author makes all four separate stories connect. Some students could relate to certain characters in the stories while others would choose different characters. This book is a great book for students to read and use their imagination and picture themselves there in each story as they read, even though it is a lengthy book. ( )

One of my favorite chapter books growing up, this story introduces bravery and determination to the reader. An unusual fairy-tale that tells a tale about the brave unordinary mouse Despereaux who saves a princess, a rat, and a servant. This is a book I want in my classroom to remind students to be brave and stand up for what they believe in. ( )

This story follows a mouse named Despereaux Tilling, who loves reading and is friends with a human Princess. When she is put in a dungeon, Despereaux sets out t save her from the rats in the dungeon. I loved this book, and I think its a great book to have in your classroom. ( )

I love this book. It is a very unique and creative story. I found the book an easy read and one that lets your imagination grow. Making a tiny mouse the hero makes it all the better. Mice may be the most looked down upon animal out there and to share that even a mouse can be a hero sits well with all readers. It even opens up opportunities for kids to learn that all should be accepted for who they are and never judge anyone for being themselves. ( )

This adventurous tale follows the life of the main character, a tiny mouse, named Despereaux Tillings and how the lives of others put him on his quest for happiness. Through the storyteller's words, we experience the lives of a peasant girl, a rat, and how in turn all three of our them are intertwined, like a spool of thread, with the princess. In four different stories, the lives of all the characters all tie together in a simple yet elegant conclusion that could be considered a "happily ever after" which is then followed by a short coda in which the storyteller, "hopes we found some light," within the story.
A story like this within the classroom would be beneficial in showing that for every action we take there is always a reaction, and sometimes that reaction may result in a consequence. Also, it shows that no matter how hard life may get, always try to find that "light" in the darkness and to keep moving forward. ( )