The Tale of Despereaux = A Bestseller

Did you know that the paperback edition of The Tale of Despereaux: Being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread has been on the New York Times bestseller list for 57 weeks? The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo, is an odd and engrossing novel-length fairy tale. In fact, it has a lot in common with Grimm's fairy tales. The hero, Despereaux Tilling, is a mouse with large ears. The Tale of Despereaux is not only a excellent book for 8-12 year olds, it is also a terrific read aloud for younger kids. Kate DiCamillo was awarded the Newbery Medal for this very entertaining novel, which was first published in 2003 by Candlewick Press. The Tale of Despereaux continues to be very popular with children and families, as well as with elementary school teachers who use it as a read aloud, to the delight of their students. A special boxed edition of the book (pictured) is also now available. Have you and your children read the book? If so, click on "Comments" below and share your opinions about it.

(Cover art courtesy of Candlewick Press)