February 06, 2008

Review: The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo

I'm finally getting around to reviewing this delightful little tale. I listened to it last week for the Sunday Salon and quickly passed it on to my kiddos. It was one of those cosy fantasy stories that make you wish the world was filled with little mice that would rather read books than eat them; mice who honor the human princesses they love.

That is the main premise of the book. Despereaux is an extraordinarily small mouse who is different than all other mice. He behaves as if he were human. It is also the story of the lovely Princess Pea whom the mouse is in love with. And the heart-broken rat, Roscuro, plays a large roll in the story as well. And don't forget Miggery Sow, the girl with the ears like califlowers.

I'm not going to tell you anything more about the story. It didn't win the Newbery Award in 2004 for nothing. You really need to read (or listen to) the tale for yourself. It is a treat, like the perfect bowl of soup. =)

And when you're finished reading the book you will be happy to know that the animated movie will be released in theaters at the end of summer. It sounds like a family movie night to me.

5 comments:

CJ said...

First Chris, then Nymeth (I think) and now you. I need to give up and read this book. Y'all make it sound so good!

cjh

1morechapter said...

I loved this book. I didn't know it was going to be made into a movie! Yay!

Robin said...

I loved this book and hope they do a really good job with the film. The line-up of voice actors is terrific, so I'm very hopeful!

Petunia said...

CJ-I think it must be a sign. Go read the book now.

3M-isn't it exciting. I can't wait to see the trailers.

Robin-I know! The list of actors is fabulous. It's bound to be a good movie.

Framed said...

I just read this book last year and loved it. I'm excited to see the movie.