First published 2003
Despereaux Tilling is born different from other mice. His ears are too large, he refuses to scurry, and he reads books instead of eating them. When he hears Princess Pea's voice in the castle library, he falls instantly in love. The Mouse Council banishes him to the dungeon for this forbidden love. There he meets Roscuro, a rat whose own encounter with the princess changed everything. Miggery Sow, a servant girl who dreams of becoming a princess herself, becomes entangled in their fates. Each character carries deep wounds and impossible longings. Despereaux must find courage he never knew he possessed when darkness threatens the princess he loves. The story weaves together their separate journeys of hope, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome fear.
Genres: fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: forbidden-love, found-family
Setting: Castle
272 pages · Hardcover · Candlewick Press