A review by leahgustafson
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is one of the few Kate DiCamillo books I have not re-read as an adult. However, I recently went to an event to celebrate The Tale of Despereaux’s 20th anniversary so I figured it was the perfect time!
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The Tale of Despereaux is setup like a fairytale which is super fun and engaging for kids. It’s told in four different parts, and each part focuses on a different character. Eventually, all of these story lines come together. This is a great introduction to books told from multiple perspectives for young readers.
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The light vs dark imagery is also great for middle grade readers. As with her other books, Kate DiCamillo explores BIG themes (love, courage, family, forgiveness, revenge, and truth) in a way that is accessible to young children. It truly amazes me every time. 
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One of my favorite things about this book is how it highlights the importance of sharing stories with others. I love how this so beautifully captures the magic of reading/stories✨📖✨
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Check out what I’m reading next on Instagram @LeahsLitReview!
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