The Tale of Despereaux cover art

The Tale of Despereaux

Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread

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The Tale of Despereaux

Written by: Kate DiCamillo
Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
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This is the story of Desperaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also 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?

Listeners, it is your destiny to find out.©2003 Kate DiCamillo; (P)2003 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group Animal Fiction Animals Animals & Nature Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths Fantasy & Magic Literature & Fiction Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels Science Fiction & Fantasy
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Featured Article: The Best Audiobooks for Kids

Whether you’re getting ready to embark on a cross-country road trip with the whole family or just want a new chapter book to enjoy at bedtime with Alexa, each superb story on this list is a great place to start. Each one is a tale of whimsy and adventure brought to life with the help of talented voice actors like Jim Dale, Kate Winslet, Neil Patrick Harris, and more. These imaginative listens—fan favourites, classics, and newcomers alike—are sure to be loved by young listeners. Here are the best audiobooks for kids.

The Best Audiobooks for Kids
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A wonderful tale with a beautiful ending. Hope, tragedy, redemption and forgiveness interwoven with an unlikely hero and the captivating force of beauty upon the inner workings of the soul. A delight for all ages. Narrator is excellent.

Cozy up with a mug & the magic of Despereaux

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As someone who doesn’t turn to reading as their first choice of entertainment, this was the one book I remember reading multiple times as a kid. In an attempt to get into the habit of reading as an adult, I decided to try this audio book for some easy listening.

Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely an elementary school level book with its writing style and pace, but I can’t help but to love its simplicity. So many emotions are clearly portrayed and explained throughout this book; joy, hate, sorrow, empathy, longing, and grief, which aren’t always explored in children’s novels. The chapters are short (I love when that happens) & the story is easily digestible.

This book doesn’t try to be anything it’s not - at it’s core it’s just a story about a mouse who falls in love with a princess and it’s just as good as I remember it being close to 15 years ago.

Worth the re-read

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