Purpose of the Book
In this book, DiCamillo tells the story of a mouse called Despereaux, who is different from the other mice in his community. While his fellow mice spend their days scavenging for food and avoiding danger, Despereaux dreams of adventure and romance. He is captivated by stories and music and endeavors to explore the world beyond his small corner of the castle (DiCamillo, 2020).
Based on the nature of the characters and the book’s theme, the intended audience is mainly children aged 8 to 10 who rejoice over beautiful and fascinating stories. The purpose of this book is to convince children that it is acceptable to be different and to follow their dreams, even when they seem impossible. Using the character of Despereaux, the author encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and to pursue their desires with courage and determination.
DiCamillo also emphasizes the significance of forgiveness and second chances. As Desperaux makes mistakes along the way, he learns from them and is given the opportunity to correct them (DiCamillo, 2020). The characters in the book exhibit flaws and repeatedly make unwise choices, but they are ultimately redeemed through acts of kindness and compassion.
The book also intends to illustrate the power of storytelling to connect people and inspire change. Throughout the book, characters share stories with one another, and these stories serve as sources of guidance, comfort, and inspiration. The author encourages children to use their imaginations and creativity to tell stories and to find their own unique voice.
Summary of the Book
One of the main goals of The Tale of Despereaux is to encourage readers to embrace their individuality and fight the fear of standing out from the crowd. Despereaux, the book’s protagonist, is constantly ridiculed and ostracized by the other mice for his appearance, love for reading, and chivalry. Nevertheless, Despereaux never loses sight of his true self and remains loyal to his nature, which ultimately leads him to become a hero. Kate DiCamillo effectively conveys the message that being different is acceptable and that one should embrace one’s unique qualities. Another primary goal of the book is to teach readers about the power of hope, love, and forgiveness. Despereaux’s sincere love for the princess and his determination to save her from harm are the driving forces that motivate him on his journey.
This book is renowned for its unique writing style, as the author incorporates various literary devices to engage readers and convey the story’s message effectively. An example that highlights the author’s style is evident in the following passage:
“In the dungeon, rats ran in packs, and cockroaches roamed freely. But Despereaux was not interested in the rats or cockroaches. He was interested in the light that came from the small window high up on the wall. He was interested in the stories that the light told” (DiCamillo, 2020, 05:12).
This passage showcases the author’s use of vivid imagery to paint the picture of a setting and the main character’s interests. DiCamillo uses descriptive language to make the dungeon come to life in the reader’s mind. By focusing on the light from the window, she highlights Despereaux’s curiosity and desire for something more.
The author’s style in this example exhibits clarity, originality, and fullness of development. Her use of vivid imagery makes it easy for readers to visualize the dungeon and understand the setting while also making the main character’s interests and motivations clear. Furthermore, the author’s use of unique language and phrasing adds an element of originality to the text, making it stand out from other children’s books. Lastly, the above example is fully developed, offering enough detail to help readers understand the setting and Despereaux’s motivations without being overly wordy or repetitive.
Relevance
The book belongs to the genre of children’s literature and, specifically, the sub-genre of fantasy. The author wrote it in a third-person omniscient point of view and featured short chapters, simple vocabulary, and a linear plot, making it an appropriate choice for readers who are just beginning to explore chapter books. The book’s themes of bravery, love, and redemption make it an excellent read for children who are learning about these important life lessons. The Tale of Despereaux is a well-crafted children’s book that combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming storytelling, making it a beloved classic for young readers.
Reaction
The Tale of Despereaux has been a significant source of motivation for me. I have always been of the opinion that children should listen to their parents’ wishes about the kind of education they get, the friends they keep, and the activities they participate in. On the other hand, the lesson in the book opened my eyes to the fact that we should encourage our children to pursue their own goals and ambitions so long as doing so is in their best interest.
References
DiCamillo, K. (2020). The Tale of Despereaux [Video]. YouTube. Web.