Despereaux is a very small mouse with very large ears. Born with his eyes open, he is sensitive to beauty and different from the other mice; they cannot understand him. In this fairy tale, where a mouse can love a princess and become her knight in shining armour, where a rat plots revenge, and a mistreated serving girl dreams of becoming a princess, light and darkness, love and hope and forgiveness are all themes. Philosophical and humourous at the same time, DiCamillo's story is full of symbolism in the names and some quirky references that may make sense only to those of us of an earlier generation. No matter. This is story telling of the highest order, and when tiny Despereaux faces up to his fears and descends to the dungeon for the second time - not because he is made to, but because he chooses to - we cheer. Despereaux knows in his heart what is important in life, and we learn through his story. The production values of this beautiful hardback - fine illustrations in chalk (true chiaroscuro) and rough paper edges redolent of Despereaux' quest - add hugely to the story. Read it - whether you need to feel good about being different or not.