Kate DiCamillo, a two-time Newbery Medal winner (one of only six people to have that honor), is smart, funny, self-deprecating, and above all, wonderful with, and respectful of, the children who come to see her. A few years back, I saw her give a talk, and she spoke a bit about her writing process, her life, her childhood, her losses, the importance of storytelling, and her continual search for what she called “radiant connections,” which, as best as I can describe them, are moments of grace, beauty, illumination, and communication, and which are the true subjects of her work.

She told her audience about writing The Tale of Despereaux; we were fortunate to get to hear its origin story: Ms. DiCamillo’s friend’s young son had asked her to write a story about an unlikely hero with big ears…and she thought of a mouse. The rest, as they say, was history, and Despereaux is now beloved by children far and wide.

The author was patient, answered questions and took them seriously, and although it was getting late and it was a school night, our party was sufficiently charmed to stay for the opportunity to get some books signed. It took a while. The event organizers did their best to keep things organized, and had the individual names written out on Post-Its and placed on the title pages, and lined us up, row by row. The line moved quite slowly, and as we neared the author table, I saw exactly why that was. She made a point of greeting and speaking to each of her young fans individually, posed for photographs, signed multiple books, and generally continued to be impressive. (I actually rather wish she’d move into my neighborhood and be my new best friend.) When it was, at long last, our turn to meet Ms. DiCamillo, I admitted that I’d never read any of her books before, but I promised to remedy that. And, so I did. (I keep my promises, especially when potential new best friends are involved.)

I readThe Tale of Despereaux the very next day. (It didn’t take long.) It’s a wonderful story; kudos to the committee that recognized and honored it. The unlikely hero with big ears is a tremendous protagonist, and we are soon told (via one of many wonderful authorial asides), “Reader, you must know that an interesting fate (sometimes involving rats, sometimes not) awaits almost everyone, mouse or man, who does not conform.” And Despereaux doesn’t conform, being interested in reading books (as opposed to eating them), being brave, appreciating music, and falling in love with a human princess. The unlikely hero, it turns out, is just as charming as his creator. What’s more, he’s resourceful, forgiving, kind, generous, and a true friend. It’s a lovely, heartening story about light, the important things in life, adventure, family, and the goodness of soup. Reader, take up this book and find some radiant connection. If you can read it to a child, all the better.

NOVEL: The Tale of Despereaux

AUTHOR: Kate DiCamillo

YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2003

IMAGE: book cover, Scholastic