Tale of Despereaux

The Newbery Medal winner from 2004, this has become a widely read and loved story by Minnesotan Kate DiCamillo. It is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with a human, Princess Pea. Other major characters are Roscuro, a rat who lives in a dungeon, but craves the light; and Miggery Sow a slow-witted serving girl who longs to be a princess. The author skillfully weaves these four storylines together into a tale that is a wonderful read-aloud. The book was nominated for the Minnesota Book Award in 2004, and has been a nominee or winner in a number of other state book awards.