I remember when my Mom gave The Tale of Despereaux to my oldest daughter when she was only 12 years old. She read it and then put in on the bookshelf for a long time until I discovered it. A book about a tiny mouse? What could be so interesting about that, I thought? I decided to open the book to read for myself.
The Tale of Despereaux is written by Kate DiCamillo who is a #1 national bestseller. Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. This book has also been turned into a major motion picture. It is the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread.
I absolutely love the creative and whimsical way DiCamillo writes her stories. They are engaging right from the get-go. I was so curious how a mouse could interest me to read about; but it sure did! I loved getting to know little Despereaux and all of his little adventures and follies, too! He is quite the character who runs into many discoveries.
I found myself rooting and cheering on Despereaux over and over as he went through one challenge and obstacle after another. Living in a large castle can’t be the easiest thing for someone so small! You will want to read it all the way to the very end to find out the dramatic conclusion to the Tale of Despereaux! It’s so much fun! You can read this alone or with your elementary age school children. It’s a great book no matter your age!
Because of Winn-Dixie
You will LOVE Because of Winn-Dixie! Do you know why? Because it is also written by Kate DiCamillo. Once you pick up one of her books, and you find you like it (as I have), then you most definitely want to read another! Because of Winn-Dixie is full of antics, new friends, learning about life, and the sometimes difficult storms we have to face and, of course, the love between family---including a dog!
In the beginning of the book you’ll be introduced to 10-year-old India Opal Buloni or “Opal.” Opal recently moves to Naomi, Florida, with her father. Her mother, sadly, is not in the picture. Once again, I was totally pulled into this book because of my love for dogs and also the heartwarming adventures Opal goes through—all with Winn-Dixie.
Opal meets Winn-Dixie at a supermarket where the poor dog keeps getting in trouble. Suddenly, Opal makes a hurried decision and claims Winn-Dixie as her own! From there on, adventures await!
This book was also made into a movie and it is wonderful! My two young boys and I sat on our trampoline, this past summer-- all cozy with blankets---while we watched “Because of Winn Dixie” under the summer stars. It was the best!
You’ll love getting to know all of Opal’s friends and wish you could jump right into the story and be in the town of Naomi, Florida.
There is much to be thankful for in Because of Winn-Dixie. Opal realizes this, even greater than ever, at the end of the story. Read with your kids, your friends, on the bus, in the car, in a tent, near or far. Check them both out at your local library!
