The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, Vocabulary List Chapters 4-6

to stop having or doing

He went to the library and read over and over again the story of the fair maiden and the knight who rescued her.

to act in the way that is required by (something, such as a rule, belief, or promise)

Now, while Despereaux did not indulge in many of the normal behaviors of mice, he did adhere to one of the most basic and elemental or all mice rules.

attractive and interesting in a way that holds your attention

The song was as sweet as light shining through the stained-glass windows, as captivating as the story in the book.

conditions at a certain time or place

Do not ever, under any circumstances, reveal yourself to the humans.

to grasp or hold tightly with or as if with the hands or claws

He clutched his whiskers with his front paws and shook his head from side to side in despair.

put somewhere for people to see

Then, without any real planning on Despereaux's part, the whole of him was on display.

basic and important : fundamental

Now, while Despereaux did not indulge in many of the normal behaviors of mice, he did adhere to one of the most basic and elemental or all mice rules.

a failure to be correct or accurate : MISTAKE

As for Despereaux, he was beginning to realize that he had made a very grave error.

to put into effect : perform or carry out

And, executing a classic scurry, Furlough went off to tell his father, Lester Tilling, the terrible, unbelievable news of what he had just seen.

very serious

As for Despereaux, he was beginning to realize that he had made a very grave error.

to become involved in (something, especially something that is considered wrong or improper)

Now, while Despereaux did not indulge in many of the normal behaviors of mice, he did adhere to one of the most basic and elemental or all mice rules.

a way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is not learned : a natural desire or tendency that makes you want to act in a particular way

The music made him lose his head and act against the few small mouse instincts he was in posseSsion of.

to free from danger : SAVE

He went to the library and read over and over again the story of the fair maiden and the knight who rescued her.

cut short so as not to sound connected

He lowered it and turned his back to his wife and closed his eyes and took a deep breath and began to beat the drum slowly, one long beat with his tail, two staccato beats with his paws.

a court of justice

"He must be brought before the tribunal."