The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo - Timothy Basil Ering - First Edition Children's Books

Sorry, this item has sold.

First edition, pre-Newbery award edition of The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.

Written by Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering. 2003, first edition, first printing. Candlewick Press, Cambridge MA.

Kate DiCamillo (1964 - ) was awarded a Newbery Medal for The Tale of Despereaux. We also love DiCamillo as the author of Because of Winn-Dixie (Newbery Honor), Flora & Ulysses (Newbery Medal), and the Mercy Watson series (Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book).

Front flap:

"This is the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in darkness but covets a world filled with light. And it is 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?

"Reader, it is your destiny to find out."

Etsy.com/shop/TheCharmedBookshop
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more first edition children's books.

Condition*: Fine/Fine. As a true first edition, the dust jacket lacks the Newbery Medal seal, having been published before the Newbery Awards were announced.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1-3 business days

Estimated shipping times

  • Australia : 1 - 3 business days
  • United States : 1 - 3 business days
  • North America : 1 - 3 business days
  • Europe : 1 - 3 business days
  • Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
  • Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
  • Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
  • North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
  • Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery

Privacy policy

* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gift wrapping and packaging

I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.

Care instructions

1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.

I also recommend the following care instructions.

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA

2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.

3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.

Order processing time

I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.