Children's · Fantasy
The Tale of Despereaux
A tiny mouse with oversized ears loves music, stories and a human princess. His devotion draws him into the dungeons, where a rat and a lonely serving girl have their own grievances.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2001
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 272
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you enjoy fairy-tale narrators who speak straight to the reader about courage and forgiveness.
Skip this if you prefer fast, modern fantasy with lots of action and little commentary.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about The Tale of Despereaux
- What is The Tale of Despereaux about?
- A tiny mouse with oversized ears loves music, stories and a human princess. His devotion draws him into the dungeons, where a rat and a lonely serving girl have their own grievances.
- Who should read The Tale of Despereaux?
- Read it if you enjoy fairy-tale narrators who speak straight to the reader about courage and forgiveness. Skip it if you prefer fast, modern fantasy with lots of action and little commentary.
- How long and how fast is The Tale of Despereaux?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 272 pages, first published in 2001.
- Does The Tale of Despereaux have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Tale of Despereaux for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Tale of Despereaux; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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