I’ve written before about this little Desperaux statue; I’ve had him for at least 15 years now.
A young reader made the mouse for an art project in school, and gave him to me at a signing in San Francisco.
When she handed him to me, she told me that she wanted me to keep him.
I was reluctant.
I said: “But he’s too wonderful. You’ll want him. And besides, what if he gets broken on the way home?”
“I trust you,” she said. “You’ll be careful.”
And I was careful.
The mouse made it home in one piece and has been in a place of honor in my office ever since.
I’m writing about him now because he is an ongoing reminder to me of how we give our hearts to each other in story.
It’s amazing to me, always, that we are willing to trust each other with such fragile things.
So, to that young reader (a grown-up now!) who gave me this Despereaux: thank you for this mouse; thank you for trusting me with your heart.

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