The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux
First edition of the book from 2003
AuthorKate DiCamillo
IllustratorTimothy B. Ering
Cover artistDavis Right
LanguageEnglish
GenreFantasy novel
PublisherCandlewick Press
Publication date
August 25, 2003
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (slick back)
Pages276
ISBN0-7636-1722-9
OCLC50693525
LC ClassPZ8.D525 Tal 2003

The Tale of Despereaux (/ˈdɛspər/, DES-per-oh) is a 2003 children's fantasy book by American writer Kate DiCamillo. The main plot follows the adventures of a mouse named Despereaux Tilling, as he sets out on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess from the rats. The book won the 2004 Newbery Medal award and has been adapted into a film, a video game, and a stage musical.