from the back cover:
Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess, who laughs often, and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl, who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery and old-fashioned courage. And, reader, it is a tale of treachery ...unlimited treachery. It is The Tale of Despereaux...