5 Minutes For Books

The Tale of Despereaux

by

I was curious to read this book because it is being made into a major motion picture (coming out in theaters this month). The idea behind the story sounded cute– an unlikely hero in a big-eared and tiny-bodied mouse. The story did not disappoint from the creativity standpoint. I was highly entertained.

This book would make a fun read-aloud for a family and/or a quick read for an adult. The chapters in this book are 2-3 pages long which makes it good for ages 8 and up, I would say. Published by Candlewick Press, The Tale of Despereaux is the story of a tiny mouse who was born in a castle with his eyes open, the only surviving mouse in his litter. His parents weren’t sure whether he was destined for greatness or if he was just an oddity. In his world, mice are not to talk to humans, let alone be touched by them. Despereuax not only breaks this rule but dismisses it with gusto when he befriends the Princess Pea herself. For his crime in interacting with this member of the royal family, he it sent to the dungeon. But, as DiCmillo explains in the story, every action has a reaction and a consequence and in this case it was a good thing that Despereaux was sent to the dungeon for it was there that he learned about a plot to kidnap Princess Pea.

This book was imaginative and fun. It is compelling and I can see how it would easily draw a young reader in and keep them heartily entertained. As an adult reader this made for a fun quick read, but it is clearly meant to appeal to a younger audience.

I am curious to see the movie now that I’ve read the book. I’m glad that I read the book first though. To find out more information about the movie, you can check out the official movie website.

In order to encourage you to read the book as well as (or before) seeing the movie, Candlewick Press has graciously offered to give away a hardback copy of this book to one of our readers. If you would like to win a copy of this book, leave a comment here. This contest is open to U.S. residents only. We’ll leave it open for two weeks and announce the winner on Wednesday December 31.

Here are the winners of last week’s giveaways:

Diabetes and Heart-Healthy Meals for Two goes to #104 Marcy Strahan.

The winners of Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas are

#67 Kayla Pease
#14 Jayme
#9 Deidre

If you didn’t receive an email from us, please send us your shipping info via our contact form.

Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.

Comments

  1. I’d love a copy of this book. I read it over Thanksgiving and enjoyed it – a very original story! I’m hoping that the movie is just as good and that it is something that my five year old will enjoy.

  7. I didn’t know there was a book to go with the movie! Now I’ll have to read it. 🙂 This book reminds me of The Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews.

    P.S. I’m now reading the Titanic book you reviewed a while back, and enjoying it. Thanks!

  8. Thanks for your review! Sign me up for this. I’m diggin’ that you said the chapters are short. This would be perfect for my six year old son. He reads like crazy, but it’s oftentimes tricky to find him books that he enjoys, that don’t bore him or are too hard for him. Keeps me on my toes! 🙂

  13. We’re looking forward to the movie here too, but would LOVE to read the book first! It’d make a great read-aloud for our daughter!

  14. I didn’t know there’s a book too – I just saw the previews for the movie, yesterday! Would LOVE to read this with my son. =)

  15. I am looking forward to taking my son to this movie – I would love to win a copy of this book!

    Thanks,
    Krist
    kherbrand(at)comcast(dot)net

  23. Sounds like a cute book, my niece is going to go see the movie next week for her class trip. Thanks for entering me!

  26. I have been seeing the previews for this delightful mouse tale! Please enter me in your fabulous book giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi

  27. I know my son read this a couple of years ago, but I’d like to read it too.

    rsgrandinetti (at) yahoo (dot)com

  28. My daughter has been asking me to get this book to read to her so she would just love it if I won! Thank you for the chance.

  35. My son would just LOVE this book! He loves books and he LOVES mice so this is a winning combination. Thank you for the review and for this lovely giveaway. Merry Christmas.

  36. I always try to read the book before a movie comes out. This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time. Just haven’t had the time. I’m hoping to read it soon.

  37. The kids and I listened to this as an audiobook a few years ago. It was one of our favorite audiobooks ever. World magazine gave it a great review. I don’t want to be entered in the book giveaway. Just wanted to put my two cents in!

  38. My daughter is looking forward to the movie and we have the book on her nightstand for bedtime after we finish The Wizard of Oz. Glad to hear that it’s a good one. No need to enter me in the drawing, just wanted to comment and say thanks for the review.

  43. My son, who fights us tooth and nail to read, actually said he wanted to read this story. That is an awesome thing and we are happy to hear that. So we’d love to win a copy of this book. ANYTHING to get our son to read.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

  46. Hi and thanks for the chance to win this great book. My son would love, it have not seen the film yet and probab;ly won’t until its shown on Tv. But would love to read the book first, thanks so much.

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