The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three 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 one another's lives. And what happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.
For this beautifully designed twentieth-anniversary edition, the author has written a brand-new short story, "The Tapestry at Norendy," inspired by the world of Despereaux and presented with a new black-and-white illustration by Timothy Basil Ering.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains dark and disturbing themes, particularly around violence and abuse, which may not be suitable for younger readers. Specific instances of violence include the treatment of characters like Miggery Sow, who has a history of abuse. The book includes dark themes that may be considered scary for younger readers, particularly the elements of abuse and the emotional struggles of the characters. These themes can evoke fear or distress.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have violence?
The book contains dark and disturbing themes, particularly around violence and abuse, which may not be suitable for younger readers. Specific instances of violence include the treatment of characters like Miggery Sow, who has a history of abuse.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have scary content?
The book includes dark themes that may be considered scary for younger readers, particularly the elements of abuse and the emotional struggles of the characters. These themes can evoke fear or distress.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The story is set in a medieval fantasy world and does not include any religious practices or themes.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes are present in the book. The story focuses on anthropomorphic characters and does not address issues of race or racism.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have profanity?
No profanity is present in the book. The language used is appropriate for the intended age group of 7-10 years old.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative does not address environmental issues or activism.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative is focused on themes of courage, friendship, and forgiveness without any sexual themes or references.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. While it features a princess and a female character with aspirations, it does not promote or challenge traditional gender roles explicitly.
Does The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (a Middle-Grade Novel of Courage, Friendship, and Forgiveness - for Ages 7-10) have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are present in the book. The narrative focuses on a mouse named Despereaux and his adventures, with no mention of LGBTQ+ characters or themes.
