This is the story of Desperaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl with a simple, impossible wish. These characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and ultimately, into each other's lives.

And what happens then?

Listeners, it is your destiny to find out.

KATE DICAMILLO lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is the author of The Tale of Despereaux, which won the Newbery Medal, and The Tiger Rising, which was named a National Book Award Finalist.