if so, what activities did you do to integrate w/ the story? I'm going to help out at our co-op and reading this book aloud to 1st-3rd graders next spring. thanks!

Yes!  We read it aloud as a bedtime book at home.  We all thoroughly enjoyed it, but I didn't plan any activities to go with it.  I'll think a little more about the story, and if I come up with any ideas, I'll share them here.  = )

~Jori

We also read it together and really enjoyed it.  But also didn't do any activities.  Maybe making something red and talking about the significance of Despereaux  receiving the red thread, that was the symbol that he'd been ostricized.   I will have to think about this a little more also!  Blessings, Carrie

Did you know a movie is in the works based on the book?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420238/

Here's a link about the book:

http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?mode=book&isbn=0763617229

The Teacher's Guide:

http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763617229.mis.1.pdf

HTH!

Thanks for thinking about it everyone! And yes, I did know about the movie, thanks!  I was wondering, is there a light vs dark allegory goin on here? Mercy? Grace? hmmm....