As one of our read-aloud assignments, Bryce and I just finished the "Tale of Desperaux" by Kate DiCamillo. We loved this book and it may just become one of our all-time favorite books!!
I'll admit that I was a little surprised that this book was to be read to a 6-year old. It's part of the first grade curriculum from Build Your Library that we're using as a guide for school. Many of the themes are quite mature for a young boy. It begins with the Queen dying. Then Desperaux's family rejects him for not confirming to the mouse culture and is sentenced to the dungeon where the rats will eat him. Mig is a mistreated child who's mother dies, her father sells her for almost nothing to her "Uncle" who gives her "clouts" to the ear daily. The princess is kidnapped by the rat and taken to the dungeon that could make me have nightmares.
Sounds like a great book, doesn't it?
But through all of the adversary is a tale of a mouse who is smart, courageous and forgives his family. A princess that sees the best in others. Mig, who maybe retarded, but still deserves love and respect. A rat who's heart is broken and struggles to make the right decisions. A king that worships his daughter and misses his wife. It's a book about light and darkness. A story about courage, bravery, heroism, honesty, honor, pride and self-esteem.
As we read the book, we discussed the topics. Bryce cried a few times at the thought of family rejection and being mistreated. However, he also rejoiced in the chivalry and bravery of Desperaux and the forgiveness of the Princess. I often wonder how a "privileged" child like Bryce will get to experience adverse events in order to build character. Certainly, you don't want your child to experience mistreatment. Maybe. . . just maybe. . . by reading a book and feeling empathy for others, he'll build character without the negative life experiences.
Once the book was over, we were excited to watch the movie together. Of course, the movie was not nearly as good as the book!
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