DiCamillo launches readers into the tale of the miniature mouse quite abruptly, in fact within only a few pages Despereaux is on trial before the Mouse Council because he has committed an unspeakable act in the world of mice, he has spoken to a human. His over-sized ears led him to follow the sweet tune of the King singing to his daughter Princess Pea. As he sits mesmerized by the gorgeous music, Despereaux's brother spies on him and leaks the discovery to his father and the mouse council. Talking to humans is punishable in only one fashion, a sentence to life in the rat-infested dungeon below the castle. With red ribbon tied around his head Despereaux is led into the depths of the dungeon to fend for his life amongst the lurking rats. When he has accepted the fact that he might soon die he is greeted by an old fellow, the jailer of the dungeon.
As the tale continues to unfold Despereaux crosses paths with a rat by the name of Roscuro and a servant girl with cauliflower shaped ears named Miggery Sow. DiCamillo cleverly introduces the characters by beginning a new section, or book, in the tale and retracing their past lives. In fact, after Roscuro encountered Roscuro in the dungeon DiCamillo quickly began a "book" about his life, before the mouse and rat crossed paths. This approach provides readers with the back story of each character to help them better understand the events of the story. In addition to flashbacks to the past, DiCamillo uses a clever literary device in which she narrates the story while also speaking to the reader directly. Throughout the tale she interjects the story to ask the reader a question or provide the reader with helpful information to further his or her understanding of the intricate characters and twisting plot. When Mig, the servant, dreams of becoming a princess, DiCamillo makes readers ponder whether her dreams are even worthwhile and challenges them to question the character's motives. She writes, "Reader do you think it is a terrible thing to hope when there is really no reason to hope at all? Or is it (as the soldier said about happiness) something that you might just as well do, since, in the end, it really makes no difference to anyone but you?".
You may not think it possible, but DiCamillo cleverly uses the story of a small mouse to approach seemingly humanized themes of forgiveness, love, courage, and good vs. evil. DiCamillo's marvelous writing style and ability to truly capture her readers' attention won her the well-deserved Newbery Medal.
Curious as to why Mig has cauliflower ears or perhaps you are wondering the fate of poor Despereaux? Then go to your local library and check out The Tale of Despereaux. You won't be disappointed!
Have you already read the book? Then motion picture version of the Tale of Despereaux, but only do this if you have read the book first.
If you like this tale you may even want to try other books by DiCamillo, such as Because of Winn-Dixie, Mercy Watson to the Rescue, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and The Tiger Rising.
This sounds really cute. I can't believe that I haven't read it before...I also am fascinated by the idea that the author sometimes interjects the story to talk to the reader. I feel like I would have loved that as a child and that my students would also think that's pretty cool and unique.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really great book. This review really makes me want to read this book or at the very least see the movie.
ReplyDeleteThe structure of this book really intrigues me. I'm not sure if I understand from your description, but it seems complicated.
ReplyDeleteI remember knowing about this book when I was younger, but being turned off of it because it was about dingy-old rodents. I'd probably be more open to it now.