Monday, February 22, 2010

What to learn from a little mouse named Despereaux

Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite author's.
"The Tale of Despereaux" won her a Newbery Medal.
*
What did 11 year old children
and a 54 year old teacher
learn from a little mouse
named
Despereaux?

~ COURAGE ~ 
is not measured by physical size,
but by the certainty of hope - honor - and a quest. 

~ LOVE ~ 
doesn't give up nor does it abandon,
it can move a mouse to do the impossible.

~ FORGIVENESS ~
is not just to excuse the perfidy of another, 
it's about saving your own heart. 

~ PERSUASION 
can be a devious rat's expertise,
but, from a princess or an honorable mouse, it can encourage good in others.

~ LIGHT ~
is what we seek,
it brings hope, kindness and deep joy.

The Tale of Despereaux
is such a worthwhile read, not just for a child,
but for you and me!
~Courage, love, forgiveness, persuasion and light~
essential themes that swirl into a tale that is soul stirring.

Illustrations by Timothy Basil Ering

Dear Readers,
Enjoy your week 
"with the whole of your heart."

ps:  The book is better than the movie!

From her FAQ's

Q: What was it like to win the Newbery award for The Tale of Despereaux?






A: It was the most amazing, unbelievable, wonderful, fantastic, extraordinary thing. Truthfully, I still can't believe it. I cried for days. And when I think about it now, it still makes me feel weepy.





Q: Does that mean there's going to be another book about Despereaux?






A: I'm not planning on writing another Despereaux book, but who knows? Anything is possible. And if the mouse comes and sits on my shoulder and whispers another story in my ear, I will certainly write it down.


19 comments:

  1. What a pleasure it was visiting you, Maria. 'The Tale of Despereaux' is a wonderful book. Last year at the Christmas holiday, I posted a children's poem and included some reading material in the sidebar of my blog. One of the books I recommended was the story of this little mouse.(smile) I'm so glad I came by today...

    Blessings,
    Mattie

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  2. Oh Maria!
    What a sweet sweet sweet book.
    I must get this for my Mother and send it to her.
    We collect children's books.
    Oh the sweet expressions on the little mouse' face.
    Thank you for thinking about me sweet friend.
    What a dear you are.
    XXOOXX
    Happy Week to you!!!

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  3. What a precious book! Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Great pick today my friend...I love love that book. We can all take away something from it. Thank you for your amazingly sweet comments your left for me again...what a faithful friend you are...I feel so so blessed to have found you. Sending you endless love for a terrific week and Happy reading. xoxox I am off to watch some more Olympics...pairs ice dance. Wishing the USA teams many blessings...boy are they good. xoxoxo

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  5. Oh thank you for sharing this delightful and precious post.

    I love this book, but do not have a copy.... now I will for sure.

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  6. Looks like a really sweet book and I love the illustrations too, I love that in any book! :D

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  7. It definitely will be one I will buy for Alivia. She and her mom have been leaving crumbs outside for a little field mouse this winter.

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  8. Dear Maria, looks like a heavenly book. I didn't know about it yet.The illustrations are so so sweet. I'm off to visit google.. and probably amazone....

    Have a joyful week too, Maria!

    Saskia
    xo

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  9. I want this book in my collection, not only for myself..but for my little boys...It's fun to see how we can bring out these virtues through animals and share them visually with our children.

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  10. Just what I needed to be reminded of today. Thank you so much! Your blog is such a gift!

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  11. Hello, Maria,
    The book is always better than the movie, isn't it? Such a beautiful and heartfelt post, thank you! I must get this book for myself and my grandchildren. When I was still in the classroom not a day passed that I did not read to my class! I think this is one of the greatest ways to encourage our students to read. Thank you for being an encourager for your students! They are very lucky! Vicki

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  12. I love children's books and I haven't read this one. I should get it for the little grands. I love the message.

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  13. I always wanted to see the movie but never was able to. Now I think I'd rather read the book!
    Love Di

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  14. I love children's literature too Maria. There is such beauty and so many beautiful life lessons in the really good books. Thank you for sharing this. I just may have to get myself a copy.
    I think you must be the most wonderful teacher.

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  15. Mom,
    I love this post especially all of your pieces of wisdom. I love the one on Forgiveness and Persuasion the best! What a great story!
    Love you,
    Amanda

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  16. Hi Maria,
    I didn't know how to email you back, so thought I'd answer your question here.
    CSN contacted me about the giveaway. I was so surprised they would want to use my blog. I don't get the kind of traffic some of the "bigger" blogs do. However, they said they didn't mind.
    I don't know if you can contact them, but you could sure give it a try. They were very, very nice.
    Thank you again for all of your dear comments. You are so sweet.

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  17. oh! i have been wondering about that book/movie! and now...i want to get it for my own little ones....

    sounds like a must see/read. :)

    ps i think you should TOTALLY crochet daisies for napkin rings....SWEET IDEA!! here's the link that i followed to make mine..

    http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/05/embellish-it-senior-challenge.html

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  18. Dear Maria,
    NAMASTE!
    Good Evening!
    First time here and I loved your template!so nice and beautiful post!Reading is my hobby and I spend a lot of time with books.I haven't read this book.Thanks a lot for sharing!
    A mouse teaches such valuable messages!Great!
    Wishing you a lovely evening,
    Sasneham,
    Anu

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  19. Beautiful book. Thank you for sharing Maria.

    Have a lovely weekend.

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments add sunshine to my day~