If you had the misfortune of seeing the Hollywood movie adaptation of this book a few years ago, please cast that monstrosity from your mind; it did the book a great injustice.  The Tale of Despereaux is a fairy tale full of love, hope, despair, tragic characters, and brave characters.  It offers something to all readers, regardless of age.  Author DiCamillo crafts depth and life in each character–from the hero, Despereaux, to one of the victims of life, Mig.  DiCamillo doesn’t shy away from sadness, but strikes the right balance between the light and the dark for young readers.  Stylistically, the novel is written in a manner that makes it perfect for a read-aloud and it is enhanced by endearing illustrations. One of the most enchanting children’s book I have read…ever.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  General threats and threats of death; reported death of 3 separate characters; a character’s tail is chopped off; scene where character encounters the skeletons and other remains of mice; a character pokes another character with a needle; kidnapping.

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a family member, physical abuse of a child,

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Character trades for cigarettes.