A note to lovers of children’s literature

Several weeks ago I went in search of an appropriate birthday gift for an 11-year-old girl. While browsing the children’s section of my local Barnes and Noble, I came across a delightful book called “The Tale of Despereaux – being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread.” The cover has a drawing of a tiny mouse with a needle tied around his waist, as though it were a sword.

If that description is not enough to whet your imagination, then I humbly suggest that you are out of touch with your inner child. I spent a lazy first day of January 2007 curled up on my couch engrossed in Despereaux’s tale. (I kept the first copy of the book for myself and bought a second one for the birthday girl.)

After finishing the book, I was satisfied that I had chosen a very good gift, but then wondered if the intended audience for such a book would appreciate it as much as I had. While sophisticated adolescent readers will appreciate the author’s irony and humor, adult readers are likely to understand the book’s artistry and depth that much more.

Despereaux has a lot to teach us about courage and loyalty, and I suggest you give him a try.