Despereaux Tilling is the very last mouse to be born to his mother—and the only one of his litter to survive. But his arrival is not a joy. His mother is discouraged by the loss of her other babies. And the rest of the family can't see beyond Despereaux's many oddities: his ears are too big, his body is too small, and his eyes are wide open from the start.

And there is a lot for one little mouse to see. The castle where the Tillings nest is a maze of wonder and exploration for young Despereaux. Before long he sees and falls in love with the beautiful—and human—Princess Pea. But speaking to her lands him in the dungeon, where scary creatures roam. Will this be the end of Despereaux? Or will his cheerful and heroic nature see him through…and maybe even lift the spirits of those around him?

Rich, pencil-sketch illustrations add to the magic of this delightful quest fantasy, an ideal family read-aloud.