Ages 8+1-min guideFantasyAnimalsKindness
The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
Good fitA great fit for most kids 8 and up. A fairy tale about a brave little mouse, with a dark dungeon and some cruelty. The narrator talks to the reader warmly throughout.
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What it’s about
Despereaux is a tiny mouse who loves music, stories and a human princess named Pea. When a rat and a servant girl plot to kidnap the princess, he sets out to save her.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossSomeThe queen dies of fright when a rat falls in her soup. Mig’s mother and the jailer also die.
Mean adultsSomeA girl is sold and struck on the ears by her 'uncle'.
Scary momentsSomeDespereaux is sent to a dark dungeon full of rats to die.
ViolenceSomeDespereaux’s tail is cut off with a knife. Later, so is Roscuro’s.
LanguageNone
RomanceA littleA sweet, innocent love for the princess.
Why kids like it
A mouse with huge ears who is braver than everyone.
Free printable quiz
- 1Who does Despereaux love?
- 2What does the king ban after the queen dies?
- 3Who is Roscuro?
- 4Who is the servant girl?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
