• The Tale of Despereaux

  • Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
  • By: Kate DiCamillo
  • Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
  • Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,132 ratings)

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The Tale of Despereaux  By  cover art

The Tale of Despereaux

By: Kate DiCamillo
Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
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Editorial reviews

What is it about mice? Ever since Aesop paired a little rodent with a mighty lion, mice have been the stars of literature. Stuart Little, the gallant Reepicheep of the Narnia books, the heroes of Redwall - mice all.

Now comes Despereaux, and he does his fore-mice proud. This is a wistful story that is given a properly dreamlike reading by Graeme Malcolm. You can imagine him sitting by a crackling fire as he tells the tale of a misfit, sensitive mouse who falls in love with a princess and finds his place in the world.

At 3-1/2 hours long, this is the perfect listen for a family trip. It's the kind of story that parents will appreciate for the lessons it imparts - and children will cherish for its memorable adventures of a determined mouse.

Publisher's summary

This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in darkness but covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl with a simple, impossible wish. These characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and ultimately, into each other's lives.

And what happens then?

Listener, it is your destiny to find out.

Click here to see a full list of Newbery Medal Winners and Newbery Honor Books.
©2003 Kate DiCamillo (P)2003 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

  • Newbery Medal Winner, 2004, Most Distinguished American Children's Book

"A charming story of unlikely heroes....With a masterful hand, DiCamillo weaves four story lines together in a witty, suspenseful narrative that begs to be read aloud....This expanded fairy tale is entertaining, heartening, and, above all, great fun." (School Library Journal)
"Forgiveness, light, love, and soup. These essential ingredients combine into a tale that is as soul stirring as it is delicious." (Booklist)

Featured Article: The Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages


Sharing stories with your family can leave a lasting impression. As a parent, you probably remember the magic of having a book read aloud to you as a kid, and family audiobooks offer that same experience for your own children. Whether you’re looking to help increase literacy or discover the joy of group listening, our list has some of the best family audiobooks, from best sellers to newcomer favorites. Here are the best family audiobooks.

What listeners say about The Tale of Despereaux

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

I love how the narrator talks w the listener
we loved this great story, thank you

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Chapter Books!

When a kid reaches a broader understanding of their everyday world and when Chapter Books(!) excite them, this is a wonderful story listen.
Fabulous YA writer and wonderful narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What A Story

This is one of my favorite stories. I love to read and re-read it because it simply never gets old. A tale of knights, princesses, and the hope of love. Are not these the perfect ingredients of a great story?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Delicious through and through

A wonderful story, masterfully performed by Graeme Malcolm. Even my stoic husband would stand riveted, spoon in hand, or still dripping from the pool, whenever I had this on, not even trying to pretend he had some other reason for standing in the middle of the living room, other than listening to this story.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Symbolism in abundance and quite an adventure!

A tale of bravery and forgiveness, keeps you listening in anticipation of what's next. The reader's accent is most soothing!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely wonderful!

This is a beautifully written, intriguing story that captures your attention and holds onto it. Bravery. Love. Courage. Hurt. Heartache. You learn each characters heart through this thrilling adventure story. I loved it!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Delightful, Deep, and (somewhat) Disturbing

This was an easy listen, but more complex than I expected. Fantastic vocal performance with distinct and recognizable characters throughout!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Enraptured

The story verges on poetry. Superbly written, compelling, thoughtful. An utterly delightful listen and read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

best narration yet

The story is a classic and the narration was the best I've heard yet. Entertainment for our whole family on a road trip. Definitely a little violence but my 4 yo did fine with it. A great adventure with a loveable mouse.

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Amazing!!

OH IT WAS AMAZING, AND I REALLY LIKED THE STORY AND PLOT AND THE CHARACTERS.

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