The Tale of Despereaux

• Genre: Fiction; middle-grade fantasy/adventure
• Originally Published: 2003
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 670L; grades 3-6
• Structure/Length: 4 parts; 52 chapters; approximately 267 pages; approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Despereaux Tilling is a small mouse with large ears, in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. The story follows his adventures as he navigates the world of the castle, including the dungeons, ultimately leading to his quest to rescue Princess Pea.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of rejection and loneliness; scenes of mild peril; cruelty toward animals; physical and verbal abuse

Kate DiCamillo, Author

• Bio: Born 1964; renowned American children’s author; work is often characterized by elements of magic and adventure; her books are widely read and have been translated into multiple languages; received numerous awards for her contribution to children’s literature; served as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature; continues to write and inspire young readers
• Other Works: Because of Winn-Dixie (2000); The Tiger Rising (2001); The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2006); Flora & Ulysses (2013)
• Awards: Newbery Medal (2004); Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature (2004)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Creating Your Own Destiny Through Storytelling
• Nonconformity and Unlikely Heroes
• The Transformative Power of Forgiveness

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will: