So, I brought this topic up very briefly on the last day of my Lit course, but I still have lots to say.
We were prompted to bring in our favorite piece of literature to share with the class. I didn’t get the memo, but my teacher, being a sweetheart let me have the soap-box to speak wonders for my favorite book, that being the ‘The Tale of Despereaux’.
Some people, upon speaking of their favorite books receive nods and compliments about how brilliant they must be to understand such complex theories, and things like that. But in my case, the usual response is, “Wait, but isn’t that a children’s book?”
Well… yes. But I don’t see why on earth that should make it a less valid choice. I could easily say ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’, or ‘Dracula’ or ‘Life of Pi’, all of which I do like, but none of which hold a candle, in my eyes to ‘The Tale of Despereaux’.
“The world is dark, and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story.”
Just reading those words makes me cry; this book truly changed me.
The book itself speaks often of the importance of stories, and it makes me sad to think that a story is often seen as immature, shallow and meaningless when it’s directed at kids.
That is why I so adore the quote by Doug Walker from his ‘Cat in the Hat’ review:
“No. They’re not just simple kid’s books. They’re stories we are continuing to read even today. They’re stories that we remember years later even when other stories fade from our memory. They’re stories we’ll never forget, and for good reason. They’re stories that helped shape our childhoods, through well thought out writing, imaginative drawings and endearing morals, and the idea of this shaping somebody’s childhood- the fact that it even has the same name just makes me sick to my stomach. Maybe these “simple kid’s books” are far more adult than you give them credit for. And I guarantee that’ll show, when years later, both children and adults will still be reading these “simple kid’s books” while pandering bullshit like this disappears out of people’s consciousness, also for good reason. Good art doesn’t come from focus groups and statistics. It comes from people who share how they see things in their own unique way.”
And I agree, wholeheartedly. I wrote a children’s book called, ‘Sophie Browne Isn’t Dead’ and when people ask me if it is meant for kids, I often struggle, since although I meant it to be for younger people, I don’t want anyone to feel like they shouldn’t read it as an adult. I have read ‘The Tale of Despereaux’ six times, I think, and I’ll probably read it many more times!
It is such a good story, exploring very dark and gritty reality, yet ultimately showing the beauty and kindness of the world. I adore this story so much, I’m getting teary-eyed just remembering how much it means to me.
I’m a rather morbid person, and I shan’t deny it, so this story never phased me, though it is dark. I love the darkness of it, it makes my heart break, only to mend it up with red thread.
I just hate the stigma that stories for kids are just saccharine and stupid. I think the stigma might come from the idea that readers must be “well-read” and by that, they ought to read the classics instead of some silly little kid’s book. But believe me, I’ve gained more from Tale of Despereaux than any other book I’ve ever read. It made me enter that world and run a gamut of emotions. It was the first book to make me realize that stories held amazing power, and made me want to be a writer. I’m crying again…
I know not everyone thinks that kid’s books are simplistic, but the looks I get when I tell people that I see this children’s book as a masterpiece, makes me realize that adults do have a distinct idea of what children’s books should be.
When I talk about SBID as a kid’s book, people are sometimes horrified that I would speak of death and involve my dark humor in something aimed at children, but I see no qualms.
My background of ‘Tale of Despereaux’ as my favorite book and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ set it in my mind that perceived darkness is fine for kids. I love it!
I’ve begun mentioning my love for ‘Tale of Despereaux’ but I have yet to speak of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
I get less gaff for mentioning this as my favorite due to it being marketed recently as a cool teenage product at hot topic, and all that, and I must admit, I have jack skellington PJs, a poster, and stationary.
Still, as a child when I proclaimed my love for it, my family and friends were put off by it. I aspired to be the pumpkin king when my friends aspired to be a disney princess. (Oh, alright I wanted to be a princess, too… of Halloweentown!)
Back then I loved Jack as a character- his longing for more, his creativity, optimism and passion. The world, or worlds- the character designs and colors. The music and voices. Just everything! I still do! Now I see it for its artistry, but as a child I saw it as a world I wanted to live in.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ is seen as too dark for kids, and ‘Tale of Despereaux’ is seen as too immature for adults. You can’t win for losing, I suppose; they are my favorites still and likely shall be forever!
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