1
of
1
The Tale of Despereaux
Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 211,176 ratings, 13,209 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Tale of Despereaux. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
A heartwarming young adventure story, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Welcome to the story of Despereaux, an unforgettable literary hero for our time from the pen of award-winning writer Kate DiCamillo.
The Tale of Despereaux takes the reader back to the timeless genre of fairytales, but with a fantastic modern twist and a wryly witty authorial voice.
The Tale of Despereaux is the story of a tiny, fragile-looking mouse with a huge heart. It is a fairytale of heroes and villains; of a beautiful princess who inspires love and courage in the unlikely hero; of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in a dark, bleak dungeon and longs for the light; and of a servant-girl whose one wish is to be a princess.
These characters’ lives become inextricably entwined in this classic new story for all ages.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo is praised for its ability to entertain, involve, and enlighten readers. The story is expertly told, featuring vivid characters and frequent asides to the reader, making it appealing to all ages. Described as a magical fairy tale, it’s compelling and difficult to put down, with charming themes of courage and goodness triumphing over evil.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780744598698
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 May 2004
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Walker Books Ltd
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 19.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 202.0mm
Weight: 306g
Pages: 272
About the Author
Kate DiCamillo is the author of many beloved books for young readers, including The Tale of Despereaux and Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, both of which received a Newbery Medal; Because of Winn-Dixie, which received a Newbery Honor; The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, which won a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award; and the bestselling Mercy Watson series. Kate DiCamillo, current National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in the US, lives in Minneapolis.
Also by Kate DiCamillo
View all-
Mercy Watson Is Missing!
“As the final book in the beloved Mercy Watson universe, this will lure fans like a certain pig sniffing out buttered toast.” —Booklist (starred review) When Mercy Watson the pig goes missing, all of Deckawoo Drive is in an uproar. The Watsons are inconsolable, and the local police department, fire department, and Animal Control are no help whatsoever. Bossy neighbour...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Because of Winn-Dixie
Funny and poignant, this 2001 Newbery Honor novel captures life in a quirky Southern town as Opal and her mangy dog, Winn-Dixie, strike up friendships among the locals. One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries – and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It’s because of...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The #1 New York Times bestseller is available in paperback! This timeless tale by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, complete with stunning illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline, honours the enduring power of love. Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane — A New York Times bestseller! A classic tale by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, America’s beloved storyteller. Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who adored him...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid August -
The Magician's Elephant
Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling fable about trusting the unexpected and making the extraordinary come true. When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Flora and Ulysses
Winner of the 2014 Newbery Medal A New York Times bestseller! Holy unanticipated occurrences! A cynic meets an unlikely superhero in a genre-breaking novel by master storyteller Kate DiCamillo. It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who...Hardback$2300Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Raymie Nightingale Three-Book Collection
As featured on The Today Show’s Read with Jenna Jr. Book ClubKate DiCamillo’s sequence of novels about the Three Rancheros is now complete — and with this beautiful hardcover boxed set, readers can savor all three.First came Raymie Nightingale, the “triumphant and necessary book”* that would become a National Book Award Finalist. Then followed the tender Louisiana’s Way Home, featuring...Hardback$5999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Orris and Timble: The Beginning
From beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes the first book in a warm and funny early-reader trilogy about a misanthropic rat and a naive owl—and the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Orris the rat lives alone in an old barn surrounded by his treasures, until the day his solitude is disrupted by a sudden flutter of wings and a loud screech....Hardback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Lost Evangeline
A captivating original fairy tale set in the world of The Puppets of Spelhorst and The Hotel Balzaar, featuring an exclusive colour illustration and gilded edges. When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl (as small as a mouse!) in his shop, he takes her in, names her Evangeline, and raises her as his own. The shoemaker’s wife, however, fears that...Hardback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Orris and Timble: Lost and Found
Every friendship faces challenges. Orris and Timble are back in a poignant and evocatively illustrated tale of trust from a two-time Newbery Medalist. Orris and Timble: Lost and Found features Orris the rat and Timble the owl as unlikely friends. Each night, Timble visits Orris in the barn and listens to his stories. But Timble is growing up, and one...Hardback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Ferris
The masterful Kate DiCamillo has outdone herself with a hilarious and achingly real love story about a girl, a ghost, a grandmother, and growing up. It’s the summer before fifth grade, and for Ferris Wilkey, it is a summer of sheer pandemonium. Her little sister, Pinky, has vowed to become an outlaw. Uncle Ted has left Aunt Shirley and, to...Hardback$2499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Mercy Watson Is Missing!
Every favourite character from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books makes an appearance in this extended, riotously funny series crescendo. When Mercy Watson Is Missing!, all of Deckawoo Drive is in an uproar. The Watsons are inconsolable, and the local police, fire, and animal control departments are no help whatsoever. Bossy neighbour Eugenia Lincoln is not quite...Hardback$2700Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseLonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
B is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid August -
Signed CopyNew ReleaseThe Curse of the Carnivorous Cactuses
(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......Paperback$1400Elsewhere:$1499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
17% offNew ReleaseBluey: Rain
It's raining! Bluey is trying to dam the water in the front yard, but does she need Mum's help? Join Bluey as she plays in the water when a heavy summer rain thunders over the Heeler home. Can Mum stop Bluey from dirtying the house? Featuring: A nearly wordless picture book with visual storytelling that mimics the dialogue-free episode. A...Hardback$1500Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseEd Sheeran
Discover talented singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran's life story, from writing his first song aged just 11 to becoming a global superstar! Ed Sheeran's love of music began in childhood in Suffolk, where he sang in a church choir and taught himself guitar while still at primary school. Little Ed was bullied at school, but his music gave him confidence and a...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
