jessieashton's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kgbinks's review against another edition
4.0
It's a cute story that would make for a great read aloud.
foxtrot7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
leahgustafson's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is one of the few Kate DiCamillo books I have not re-read as an adult. However, I recently went to an event to celebrate The Tale of Despereaux’s 20th anniversary so I figured it was the perfect time!
•
The Tale of Despereaux is setup like a fairytale which is super fun and engaging for kids. It’s told in four different parts, and each part focuses on a different character. Eventually, all of these story lines come together. This is a great introduction to books told from multiple perspectives for young readers.
•
The light vs dark imagery is also great for middle grade readers. As with her other books, Kate DiCamillo explores BIG themes (love, courage, family, forgiveness, revenge, and truth) in a way that is accessible to young children. It truly amazes me every time.
•
One of my favorite things about this book is how it highlights the importance of sharing stories with others. I love how this so beautifully captures the magic of reading/stories✨📖✨
•
Check out what I’m reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
•
The Tale of Despereaux is setup like a fairytale which is super fun and engaging for kids. It’s told in four different parts, and each part focuses on a different character. Eventually, all of these story lines come together. This is a great introduction to books told from multiple perspectives for young readers.
•
The light vs dark imagery is also great for middle grade readers. As with her other books, Kate DiCamillo explores BIG themes (love, courage, family, forgiveness, revenge, and truth) in a way that is accessible to young children. It truly amazes me every time.
•
One of my favorite things about this book is how it highlights the importance of sharing stories with others. I love how this so beautifully captures the magic of reading/stories✨📖✨
•
Check out what I’m reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
littleislaygirl's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
katiedoodle's review against another edition
5.0
Charming with an excellent satirical voice. It feels very much like a tale told around a campfire, or by your grandmother as you are nestled in bed.
While the characters aren't particularly deep, they have some nuance to them, some grayness. We see the signs of them having layers and inner conflict, and I think it is explored appropriately for the target audience.
I would have liked perhaps a little more time dedicated to the final encounter. Despereaux is a hero but really gets to do very little in the end, and while still impactful (as is every action, so emphasizes the narrator), it could have used a little more oomph. But I enjoyed the resolution and the framing of empathy and forgiveness as a way of putting one's own heart at peace.
Despite the kind ending, this book really didn't pull any punches. From page one, the world is harsh. I think that's a good thing - children will encounter cruelty, selfishness, and vanity, and stories like these can help them to have empathy and courage.
While the characters aren't particularly deep, they have some nuance to them, some grayness. We see the signs of them having layers and inner conflict, and I think it is explored appropriately for the target audience.
I would have liked perhaps a little more time dedicated to the final encounter. Despereaux is a hero but really gets to do very little in the end, and while still impactful (as is every action, so emphasizes the narrator), it could have used a little more oomph. But I enjoyed the resolution and the framing of empathy and forgiveness as a way of putting one's own heart at peace.
Despite the kind ending, this book really didn't pull any punches. From page one, the world is harsh. I think that's a good thing - children will encounter cruelty, selfishness, and vanity, and stories like these can help them to have empathy and courage.
_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
I've been hesitant to read this book, because I did not particularly enjoy Because of Winn-Dixie. But I saw a preview for the movie and it looked...god help me, I have to say it...it looked CUTE. So I'm reading it.
***
Wow, I am surprised by how dark this book was...pleasantly surprised. So, be warned, all those who liked the saccharine sweetness of Because of Winn-Dixie, and the charming preview for the movie version of Despereaux...the book is dark dark dark. I suppose it reminded me a bit of Coraline, in terms of rat-content at least.
***
Wow, I am surprised by how dark this book was...pleasantly surprised. So, be warned, all those who liked the saccharine sweetness of Because of Winn-Dixie, and the charming preview for the movie version of Despereaux...the book is dark dark dark. I suppose it reminded me a bit of Coraline, in terms of rat-content at least.
aemkea's review against another edition
1.0
I got this as a present once.
It was cute, but I think I was too old by the time it was gifted to me. I was pretty bored with it, even knowing that I probably would have liked it as a young child, and not a teenager.
It was cute, but I think I was too old by the time it was gifted to me. I was pretty bored with it, even knowing that I probably would have liked it as a young child, and not a teenager.
nickymarie's review against another edition
3.0
Cute story about believing in yourself and never giving up despite the odds. Now that I've read it I'm excited to see the movie. (Although that rarely turns out well.)