The Tale of Despereaux- (1) Fantasy/Science Fiction- Chapter Book

The Tale of Despereaux

By: Kate DiCamillo Illustrated by: Timothy Ering

Genre: Animal Fantasy

Award: John Newbery Medal

Grade Level: When considering the word choice and length of this novel I would consider this book to be at an appropriate reading level for sixth grade. Additionally, the concepts discussed and the dark tones paired with specific comprehension and recall of details and events makes this book at a higher reading level. The slight humor of the story can be appreciated by the older students of sixth grade. The illustrations and the animal fantasy element are still incorporated to maintain interest of the plot.

Summary: The Tale of Despereaux is a dark story about Despereaux, a particularly small mouse, and his quest to maintain courage over evil. The beginning starts out with introducing Despereaux and his dysfunctional family, who eventually get him sent to the dungeon of the castle in which they live along with Princess Pea, her father-the king, and the rats. While in the dungeon Despereaux over hears Roscuro, a sheisty rat, discussing with Miggery Sow, a servant in the castle, a plan to overtake Princess Pea’s crown and make her miserable. Being in love with the princess and determined to honor her, Despereaux, through many epic conflicts ranging from person-against-self, person-against-person and person-against-society, eventually rescues her and even mends relationships along his journey.  The personification of the animal characters in the story allows them to be identified and relatable to students. The artistic media of the illustrations found in the book consist of black and white drawings which hint at the time period of the setting.

Classroom Activities:

To identify comprehension of the symbolism utilized throughout the book, encourage students to list the symbolism they identified throughout the reading and what it could mean. For example, the color red is mentioned throughout the story from the red string around Despereaux’s neck to the table cloth traded for Miggery, which may symbolize a negative future ahead.

Many questions throughout the book go unanswered and leave the reader wondering. Have the students create additional chapters to the book by answering these questions as they see fit. For example, it is never discussed how the Threadmaster knows of fairy tales, or what ever happened to Gregory from the dungeon.

ESOL: The two classroom activities allow for showing patterns, brainstorming, problem solving, and summarization.

Read Aloud: I would read chapter 21 pages 110-113, because this is an action packed chapter where the reader finally discovers what happened to Pea’s mother, the reason bowls and spoons are all in the dungeon, why rats are so hated, and what Roscuro has against the princess. Additionally, the slight humor in the chapter will entertain the students throughout the read aloud.

Personal Opinion: Though I enjoyed reading The Tale of Despereaux, I do not believe I would utilize it in a classroom because of its subtle ending and dark undertones. I did however enjoy the plot, the relation the characters have with one another through conflict, and the personification of animal characters. Additionally, the symbolism used gives the story an insightful element paired with the mystery of unanswered questions keeps the reader guessing what will happen next.