This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, are used fictitiously.

Text copyright © 2003 by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrations copyright © 2003 by Timothy Basil Ering
Cover illustration copyright © 2015 by Timothy Basil Ering

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without prior written permission from the publisher.

First electronic edition 2009

The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

DiCamillo, Kate.
The tale of Despereaux / Kate DiCamillo ; illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. — 1st ed.
p.   cm.
Summary: The adventures of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse of unusual talents, the princess that he loves, the servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin.

[1. Fairy tales. 2. Mice — Fiction]   I. Ering, Timothy B., ill. II. Title.
PZ8.D525  Tal  2003
[Fic] — dc21     2002034760

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Teacher’s guide available at www.candlewick.com