• 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)

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What listeners say about The Tale of Despereaux

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful!

Wonderful story. Skillfully written. A true fairtale full of darkness and light, witty and wry, with a keen appreciation and love for the awkwardness and eccentricity of real life. Not for the littlest ones. Best for 10 or older. Great for adults. Graeme Malcolm is brilliant.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I love this book! Still a favorite no matter my age.

Fantastic Narrator! When my children were younger I would read to them bedtime stories. This book was our favorite and as years pass it continues to be a favorite no matter my age. I enjoy children’s books, it has a way of lifting my soul.

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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

One of the bests books ever

I love this book i am ten and I had the best time Eder listening to it and reading it so if you ever don’t have anything to read read this!

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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

Amazing narration of a sweet story..

my husband and I enjoyed this sweet story on a road trip. Narration was perfection. Sweet story, amazing narration. Who could ask for more?

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Tale of Despereaux is a must-read

love this. I had low expectations thinking it was like a kid's Disney movie but it was a complicated and beautiful and sweet story. The author is completely gifted in this type of writing. And the performance here was impeccable. Spot-on. Loved it!!!

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

Awesome

This is such a great book about a small but big eared mouse that loves a princess

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

My children and I loved it. Laughed from chap. 1

We loved the book. A heartwarming story of forgiveness and love. Kate Dicamillo has a way of making you laugh while covering deep topics. Love her books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful!

Such a delight. Listened to it with my 6 year Olds and we couldn't stop listening. The narrator was brilliant!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Everything 5

My son loves this story, the storytelling and the feeling he gets from listening.

Thank you

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AMAZING

That was a incredible story and it was read with so much meaning in it.

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