I had seen the animated movie before I was aware of the book, so I was grateful to find so much relational wisdom in Desperaux's interactions with his family, the rats, the princess, the king, and even the cook. The book reminded me of elements from "The Secret of Nymh". The mysterious challenges waiting for him in the dungeon, complimented by the hope of glory and love make Mr. Tillings adventures the most exquisite of stories. Though life may be dark at times, there is always light nearby.

Recommended for any age group, whether as a read-aloud in class, at home before bed, or for an adult who's still young at heart. Masterfully crafted and woven, this tale will make the dear reader laugh, cry, gasp and run the full emotional spectrum.

I love this book!

I love this book i think this book is for all book lovers

I recommend this book for parents to allow their children to read or even to read with their children. This book is a good read, it is very interesting and it keeps you wondering "what is going to happen next?" Young readers will enjoy this book and while reading, will not want to put it down. The few illustrations in the book also assist in intriguing the reader and leaving them wanting to read even more. I believe that parents would enjoy reading this book with their child/children as well. A child reading about a talking mouse in love with a princess would be very entertained and would enjoy maybe even acting out certain parts of the book making it that much more interesting.

A truly excellent book! It has been the best book I have ever read. It's a great story about the brave and small mouse Despereaux and his journey.There is a little of adult content such as a character is threatened with a knife. So with younger readers, I suggest an adult read with them. A great book though! I have also read other books by her and they are great! Her other books also have adult content and with young readers, should be read with an adult.

The smallest mouse in the grandest of adventures; the author manages to maintain the image that this is a noble quest, despite the characters used. It might have a silly coating, but the meat of it is a very serious story about being oneself, cause and effect, and the encounters one has with others.

I can't remember me or anyone else saying, "Why did I ever read The Tale of Desperaux? It was a terrible waste of my time." All I've heard is great reviews. Two cheers for this book. Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!

My son and I have read this story 3 times already. Kate is a fabulous writer with a rich vocabulary. I can't rave enough about her works. Despereaux has a few parts that are adult content, like when a character uses a knife to threaten another, which is why i read it with him. He is 7.

I really liked this book! There were different varieties and I loved it. Well, some of my teachers recommended, so I read it. I give this book 4 stars and a half.