The Tale of Despereaux

I vaguely remember reading this book and finding it okay but really nothing memorable, and in fact struggle to recall plot details now. Unlike other children's books with mice it really didn't make much of an impression on me - Mrs. Frisby is a far superior character from a far better book. Another book with mice I'd recommend over this is the Redwall series. Heck, even Narnia stuck in my head better, it also had a mouse, even though the Christian stuff and the silly old fashioned gender roles made me roll my eyes.

One possible upside is I remember the text was definitely easier to read than some other books, although for a precocious child that may be more of a downside than anything else.

When I first read this as a teen, I would've given this 5 stars hands-down! I remember the audiobook being excellent. Rereading it now, though, not all of it holds up as well for me as I'd hoped. This reading would've been more like 3 stars for me, so I'm averaging it at 4.

True classic. Beautiful , poetic, lovely and full of adventure like how children's book should be and yet real and very grounded (especially the climax), like how an adult book should be. Best book. Well written.

Awww. This is a wonderful, kind, uplifting and hopeful story. I heartily endorse every sentiment it expresses, even if it is a little hard on rats, and it is a book that should be read aloud to older kids and young teens, for it is full of love and sweetness.