Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux follows a small mouse with oversized ears who falls in love with a princess, defying mouse conventions to become a hero. Through interconnected stories involving Despereaux, a rat, a serving girl, and the princess, DiCamillo creates a fairy tale about courage, forgiveness, and light conquering darkness. The novel becomes both classic adventure and meditation on bravery, proving that DiCamillo understands children deserve complex stories and that the smallest creatures can be the bravest.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because DiCamillo wrote a fairy tale that honors the genre's traditions while creating something entirely her own. This Newbery Medal winner reminds us that courage means being afraid and acting anyway, that forgiveness is powerful, and that mice with big ears and bigger hearts make perfect heroes.

DETAILS: • Author: Kate DiCamillo • Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA) • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: December 8, 2015 • ISBN: 9780763680893 • Award: Newbery Medal • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days