The Tale of Despereaux: A Satisfying Story
“Stories are light. Light is precious in a world so dark.”
The Tale of Despereaux, a delightful book about a misfit, love-sick mouse, is indeed full of light. Inspiring themes of love, redemption, forgiveness, and hope shine bright throughout the tale as the likable characters and the intriguing plot move us towards a resolution that is deeply satisfying.
Just like soup.
Speaking of soup, soup actually plays a key part in the plotline. It goes like this: A queen loves soup. A rat falls from the chandelier into her soup. She dies from the shock of it. The grieving king outlaws soup, soup bowls, and soup spoons from his kingdom.
The loss of the queen (not to mention the loss of soup) is one of many difficult things that happen in this story. Author Kate DiCamillo does not sugar coat the hard things of the world, reminding readers that “everything, as you well know . . . cannot always be sweetness and light.” Yet, using a variety of techniques, she expertly crafts her story so that it is accessible and appropriate for kids.
For example, animal characters that do human things (anthropomorphism) is a classic and fun way to nudge a story a safe distance from reality. Also, the narrator regularly addresses the reader directly providing frequent reminders they are being told a story. This provides space for the reader to take an emotional step back while processing all that is happening.
But for me, the most reassuring part of the story is that the distinction between light and dark, good and evil, is made crystal clear, and there is never any real doubt about which side would win out. From the beginning, the story carried with it a prevailing sense that the light would win the day.
And, of course, it does.
The betrayed forgive.
The grieving find comfort.
Hope prevails and love endures.
If it seems ridiculous to think that a story about a mis-fit, lovesick mouse could pack such a meaningful punch, well, that is actually part of the point. Throughout the story DiCamillo repeatedly asserts that the most beautiful things often seem rather ridiculous in a world that is dark and dreary.
“Love is ridiculous. But love is also wonderful. And powerful. And Despereaux's love for the Princess Pea would prove, in time, to be all of these things: powerful, wonderful, and ridiculous.”
This story is kind of like that; ridiculous in the best kind of way, wonderful and powerful.
And deeply satisfying.
Just like soup.
For a satisfying bowl of soup to go with this satisfying story, whip up a pot of my potato soup, creamy sausage and tortellini soup, or cheeseburger soup.
For other great read aloud ideas check out my list of Best Read Alouds from 2021.
