This excellent fiction fantasy if full of light fun, animals and moments that bring understanding to anothers feelings. The writing style the author employs creates a story that is perfect for orating and literacy groups of young readers.

This animal adventure story about an adorable, abnormally small young mouse with very large ears shows readers what it is like to be ostracized by his own kind. Readers follow little Despereaux as he finds the courage to love and sacrifice for love. A sad rat named Roscuro, who loves music and light, becomes twisted when he finally conforms to the dark ways of his kind. He creates a sneaky plan to kidnap Princess Pea that would make all rats swell with pride. Only Despereauxs devotion to the Princess can save her. Insight into the troubles of abused kids, the haunting loss of a child and dreams so powerful they can over come prejudices and social barriers... all of this and more are waiting for readers of Desperaux and his quest to save Princess Pea from the dungeon maze.

Author of five other books, Kate DiCammillo has successfully created a lovable character that will be cherished by young readers for generations and is sure to become a classic in childrens literature. Her style creates a warm feeling of being told the story rather than reading it.

Both the author and the book have won numerous awards including the John Newbery Medal, which honors the most distinguished contributions to children literature in America. The ripped page edges give the book an antiqued feel and make it seem so much more special as if the book was handed down for generations.

Numerous pencil sketch images are incredibly talented work - expressions on the faces and the details, even in the shading, make them worth the price of the book alone. Illustrator Tim Ering has been kept busy at his career with several other books and magazine projects as well as working with theaters, galleries and more. This talented artist is also the author of The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone.

Desperaux is a National Best Seller book, has won at least twenty-four awards, including Chapman awards for Best Classroom Read Alouds, and is quite frankly, one of the most enjoyable stories to read. Teachers, educators and parents will find the appropriate to young people aged 7-12 or Grades 2-7. Tucked neatly in the story are small literary lessons, such as the meaning of perfidy. Without hesitation, I give this book the highest rating possible and recommend it to anyone who enjoys light animal adventure stories.

Author: Kate DiCamillo Illustrator: Tim Basil Ering Publisher: Candlewick Press ISBN: 076362529-9