The first book of four tells Despereaux's sad story, where he falls deeply in love with Princess Pea and meets his cruel fate. The second book introduces another creature who differs from his peers--Chiaroscuro, a rat who instead of loving the darkness of his home in the dungeon, loves the light so much he ends up in the castle& in the queen's soup. The third book describes young Miggery Sow, a girl who has been "clouted" so many times that she has cauliflower ears. Still, all the slow-witted, hard-of-hearing Mig dreams of is wearing the crown of Princess Pea. The fourth book returns to the dungeon-bound Despereaux and connects the lives of mouse, rat, girl, and princess in a dramatic denouement.

Children whose hopes and dreams burn secretly within their hearts will relate to this cast of outsiders who desire what is said to be out of their reach and dare to break "never-to-be-broken rules of conduct." Timothy Basil Ering's pencil illustrations are stunning, reflecting DiCamillo's extensive light and darkness imagery as well as the sweet, fragile nature of the tiny mouse hero who lives happily ever after. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.5

Rating - 5 Date: 2009-01-06
Content: My granddaughter was thrilled with this book, and I loved the quality of the package.
Summary: Fabulous

Rating - 2 Date: 2009-01-05
Content: I will admit that I plan to reread this book. I first read it a couple years ago to see if it was something my kids would enjoy as a read-aloud book. It had received rave reviews so I was looking forward to it. I hated it and almost didn't finish it but did so because I kept holding out hope it would improve. It was truly dark (think WWII writings) and morbid and I found very little uplifting, humorous,etc. I read a bit to my one daughter (the most serious who has patience with most books) and she even lost interest quickly. Now I see they have made a movie of it and I was shocked! I thought what a depressing film. But I know everyone now seems to love it so I'll give it another shot and re-read it. But I guess I'd warn people to read a chapter online or in library before buying it, just to see if its what you expect in tone and style.
Summary: In the minority...hated it

Rating - 1 Date: 2008-12-30
Content: This is a horrible story: abuse, powerless/stupid/fat/beaten up young girl. What else could happen to this young girl. I read this story to my girls, the first few chapter and decided to go further on my own just to make sure the story would take a "lighter" turn.

It didn't it went from ok to worse. No wonderful role model here for young girls.

Very sad and disturbing story.

Summary: If I could use a ) star I would

Rating - 3 Date: 2008-12-29
Content: This was a great read-aloud book (we actually started listening to the audio version together in the car, but had to return it to the library). I would highly recommend the audio version - the narration was beautiful. So, we finished it together (my son and I) last night. I'm not sure he thought much of it, but it was a lovely little book. Not as much plot, or excitement, as I think he was expecting, but fun nevertheless. We're looking forward to seeing the movie this holiday!

Summary: A Lovely Little Book

Rating - 1 Date: 2008-12-27
Content: The book is OK, and the movie is OK (not great) but there is a trailer for a film called Coraline about a girl who is asked to sew buttons on her eyes, it is a dark horror tale and my kids are having nightmares. Despereaux is G, there is no wa Coraline can get a G. Either go late, or make sure your kids don't see the Coraline preview - if they do you will regret it.
Summary: Don't take a child to the movie!