Mixed Up Files #3 - Card Games

How do you feel about the way Jamie wins in cards against Bruce?  How do you think friends should treat one another?

Mixed Up Files #2 INJUSTICE!

Claudia thinks that she is running away because of injustice.  What's your opinion about Claudia's sense of injustice?

Mixed Up Files #1 - Flattery

Why does Mrs. Frankweiler say that flattery is an important machine?

How does Claudia use flattery on Jamie?

Despereaux 18: Book the Fourth

Why are some people's hearts very dark while other people's are full of light?

Despereaux 17: Book the Fourth

Did the story have a happy ending for everyone? Think about each of the primary characters and explain your thoughts clearly.

From Trent...

This song is perfect from a certain characters point of view...

Despereaux 15: Theme Song

OK, guys!  Time to find a theme song for each of the main characters.  I need ideas for Miggery, Roscuro, Botticelli, the Princess, and of course - Despereaux.  I chose the attached song for Despereaux.  It seemed fitting. What do you think?  You can reply with a character, song title, artist's name, and the reason for choosing that song.  If you really want to get crazy, you can try to attach the lyrics to your post.  That would be cool, too!  Song lyrics can be dangerous.  Keep it appropriate.

Despereaux 14: Roscuro and the Princess

What similarities can you find between the Princess and Roscuro?

Despereaux 13: Imagery

What is the meaning the author wants the reader to interpret from the picture above?

Despereaux 12: Miggery Sow

One of our earlier prompts in the story was about the meaning of light and dark, and the way Kate DiCamillo uses it in this story.  After reading Book III, do you believe there is more darkness or light in Miggery Sow's life?  Please back-up your thoughts with evidence from the story.

  

Despereaux 11: Similarities

After reading the first three sections of the Tale of Despereaux, what similarities can you identify among Despereaux, Roscuro, and Miggery?

Despereaux 10: Mig is Coming Over for Dinner!

Miggery Sow is coming for dinner.  Write a letter home to Mom or Dad and tell them about your friend you're bringing over for dinner.  Tell them what they should expect when Mig comes to your home.

Despereaux 9: Botticelli

Can you find any similarities between the fictional rat, Botticelli, and the famous artist, Botticelli?

BOTTICELLI
1445 - 1510

INTRODUCTION

Botticelli was a very talented artist. He became very popular in the Renaissance times. His work is still respected and valued very much.

BACKGROUND

Botticelli was born in Florence, Italy, in 1445. He spent his whole life in Florence except for a visit to Rome. Botticelli was a member of the Medici family. His real name was Alessandro Filipepi. He was nicknamed Botticelli when he went to live with his brother. There he worked as a goldsmith.People say that he had deep-set eyes, flowing locks and a salient nose (easily seen or noticed). It was also said that he was a jokester or a prankster.
When Botticelli was 14 or 15 he was sent to the great painter, Fra Filippo. There he learned how to mix colors and clean brushes. Botticelli was greatly influenced by his teacher.
By 1465, Botticelli had his own studio. After the age of 56 no paintings were found that were painted by him. Botticelli died alone and infirm. He lived to be about 65 and died around 1510

Despereaux 8: Chiaroscuro - Darkness or Light?

By the end of the Book the Second, do you believe Roscuro is filled with more darkness or light?  How can you tell?

Despereaux 7: Chiaroscuro

Are you convinced that Roscuro wants to be the kind of rat that Botticelli thinks he should be?  Explain your thoughts clearly.

Despereaux 6: Book the First - Evaluation

Readers,

     Do you believe Despereaux deserved to be sent to the dungeon?  Were his actions worthy of such a harsh punishment?

     If you were on the Council of the Mouse, how would you vote?  Would you send Despereaux to the rats, or would you do something different?  Explain your thoughts clearly.

Despereaux 5: Perfidy Abounds!

As if it wasn't bad enough that Furlough ratted out his brother for sitting with the King and Princess.  His own father beat the drum that ultimately lead to the decision that Despereaux was being sent to the dungeon to be devoured by the rats.  Mrs. Tilling bids Despereuax "farewell" and Furlough actually leads Despereaux to the dungeon.  Such betrayal.  Should Despereaux survive this ordeal, how will he ever forgive his family for these acts of perfidy?

Can you think of any other stories, movies, or even real events in history where someone has been betrayed by another person close to him or her?  Write about your ideas below.