The Tale of Despereaux

By Kate DiCamillo
Chapters 1-4
1. When Despereaux was born he was different from other mice.
How was he different?

2. What is the sweet sound Despereaux is listening to?

3. In the novel Merlot cannot read. What does she do with the books
instead?

4. The king is nearsighted. What does the king think Despereaux is

when he first sees him?

Ch. 5-8
1. What happened to Despereaux saw Princess Pea? How did he
feel?

2. How does Lester call the council of the mouse?

3. What does Despereaux shout to Pea as he runs away?

4. Why does Lester cry at the end of chapter 8?

Ch. 9 11
1. What does Despereaux say is the only that matters to him?

2. Despereaux tries to excuse his behavior. What is one of the excuses

he gives?

3. What colour is the thread the threadmaster ties around

Despereauxs neck.

Ch. 12-13
1. What will the rats do to Despereaux when he reaches the dungeon?

2. Who is under the first hood?

Ch. 14-15
1. What are the two words that Despereaux repeats as he falls into
the dungeon, and then again when lands?

2. What is left once the rats take a mouse apart?

Book 2: Chiaroscuro
Chapter 16-18
1. What does Roscuro think is the meaning of life?

2. What is Botticellis rope made from?

3. What does Roscuro steal from the prisoner?

Chapter 17-21
1. What is the Queens name?

2. Who spots Roscuro as he hangs from the chandelier in the banquet

hall?

3. What were the Queens last words?

4. What does Roscuro take with him when he returns to the dungeon?

5. What was one of the consequences of Roscuros actions?

Book 3: Gor! The Tale of Miggery Sow

Chapter 24-27
1. Who is Miggery Sows father?

2. What did Migs ears look like?

3. How old is does Mig turn on her birthday?

4. What does Uncle put on his head?

Chapter 28-30
1. Who takes Miggery from Uncle?

2. What does Miggery deliver to the Princess Pea?

3. Who does Mig work for in the castle?

Chapter 31-33
1. Who sees Mig when she first goes into the dungeon?

2. What warning does Gregory the Jailer give Mig?

3. Roscuro uses the word aspiration to describe Migs wish to

become a princess. What other word does he use?

Book 4: Recalled to the Light

Chapter 34
1. What does Mig chop off when she tries to kill Despereaux?

Chapter 35-38
1. In Despereauxs dream what does the knight fight?

2. What are the three things that Miggery carries in her pocket on her
way up to the princesss room?

3. What two things does Roscuro ask the princess to wear on her trip
to the dungeon?

4. What does the author say is one of Princess Peas more

important character traits?

Chapter 39-43
1. What illegal word does Cook shout as she cries?

2. What do the other mice think Despereaux is when they first see
him?

3. What does the king do when Despereaux comes to tell him that the
Princess Pea is in the dungeon?

4. What is the Threadmasters name?

5. What was Cook stirring?

Chapter 44-48
1. What does Cook do when she sees Despereaux?

2. What does Cook give to Despereaux?

3. What happens to the spool of red thread?

4. Who discovers Despereaux in the darkness?

5. What does Despereaux notice scattered all around the dungeon?

Chapter 49-52
1. What does Miggery Sow want?

2. What does Miggery aim for when she swings the knife?

3. What does the princess do to Roscuro?

4. Does everyone live happily ever after? Why or why not?