Kate DiCamillo
Author of Because of Winn-Dixie
About the Author
Kate DiCamillo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 25, 1964. She received an English degree from the University of Florida. At the age of thirty, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and worked for a book warehouse on the children's floor. After working there for four and a half years, show more she fell in love with children's books and began writing. DiCamillo wrote the 2001 Newbery-honor book, Because of Winn-Dixie, which was adapted into a film in 2005. In 2004, she won the Newbery Medal for The Tale of Despereaux, which was also adapted into a movie in 2008, and for Flora and Ulysses in 2013. Her other works include the Mercy Watson series, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and The Magician's Elephant. She was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress for the term 2014-2015. Kate's title, Raymie Nightingale, mde the New York Times bestseller list in 2016. show less
Series
Works by Kate DiCamillo
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread (2003) 17,660 copies, 577 reviews
3 More Adventures on Deckawoo Drive: 3 Books in 1 (Tales from Mercy Watson's Deckawoo Drive) (2024) 7 copies
Mercy Watson 4 copies
Mercy Watson Thinks Like A Pig 2 copies
Leroy Ninker saddles up 1 copy
Завдяки Вінн-Діксі 1 copy
The Beatrice Prophacy 1 copy
Bởi Vì Winn-Dixie 1 copy
Dzielny Despero 1 copy
Great Joy 1 copy
Tygrys się budzi 1 copy
Books 1 copy
Příběh o Zoufálkovi, aneb, Vyprávění o myšákovi, princezně, troše polévky a špulce niti (2007) 1 copy
Stories About Friendship: Bink & Gollie / Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend / The Ant & the Grasshopper: Library Edition (2014) 1 copy
X-Acto 1 copy
Tale of Dexpereaux, The 1 copy
Associated Works
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales (2011) — Contributor — 980 copies, 48 reviews
The Creativity Project: An Awesometastic Story Collection (2018) — Contributor — 114 copies, 3 reviews
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- DiCamillo, Katrina Elizabeth
- Birthdate
- 1964-03-25
- Gender
- female
- Education
- University of Florida (English)
- Occupations
- writer
author
novelist - Awards and honors
- National Ambassador for Young People's Literature (2014-2015)
- Short biography
- Kate DiCamillo's writing journey has been a truly remarkable one. She grew up in Florida and moved to Minnesota in her twenties, when homesickness and a bitter winter led her to write Because of Winn-Dixie -- her first published novel, which became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. The Tiger Rising, her second novel, was also set in Florida and went on to become a National Book Award finalist. Since then, the best-selling author has explored settings as varied as a medieval castle and a magician's theater while continuing to enjoy great success, winning two Newbery Medals and being named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. She now has almost 30 million books in print worldwide.
Now, for the first time ever, Kate DiCamillo is returning to the world of a previous novel to tell us more about a character whom her fans already know and love. In Louisiana's Way Home, set two years after the events of National Book Award finalist Raymie Nightingale, she picks up the story of Raymie's friend Louisiana Elefante, who uncovers difficult truths about her past -- and makes choices that will determine her future.
Kate DiCamillo's books' themes of hope and belief amid impossible circumstances and their messages of shared humanity and connectedness have resonated with readers of all ages around the world. In her instant #1 New York Times bestseller The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a haughty china rabbit undergoes a profound transformation after finding himself face down on the ocean floor -- lost and waiting to be found. The Tale of Despereaux -- the Newbery Medal-winning novel that later inspired an animated adventure from Universal Pictures -- stars a tiny mouse with exceptionally large ears who is driven by love to become an unlikely hero. The Magician's Elephant, an acclaimed and exquisitely paced fable, dares to ask the question What if? And Kate DiCamillo's second Newbery Medal winner, Flora & Ulysses, was released in 2013 to great acclaim, garnering five starred reviews and an instant spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
Born in Philadelphia but raised in the South, Kate DiCamillo now lives in Minneapolis, where she faithfully writes two pages a day, five days a week. - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Places of residence
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Clermont, Florida, USA
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA - Map Location
- USA
Members
Reviews
India Opal Buloni, newly moved to the town of Naomi, Florida with her preacher father, is lonely and looking for something to occupy her summer when she walks into the local Winn Dixie (a supermarket chain common in the South) and discovers the chaos wrought by one unkempt but lovable stray dog. Determined to save this canine from the pound, she claims that the dog is hers, promptly naming him Winn Dixie, and bringing him home to her father. Winn Dixie soon involves Opal, as she is more show more commonly known, in many adventures, leading to her newfound friendships with many of the people in town, from Miss Franny Block, the elderly librarian at the Herman W. Block Memorial Library, to shy Otis, the ex-con musician working at Gertrude's Pets. Winn Dixie also brings Opal closer to 'the Preacher,' as she calls her father, leading him to open up a bit about her mother, who left them when Opal was still a little girl...
The second novel I have read from Kate DiCamillo, after the marvelous The Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn Wixie is an immensely engaging, entertaining, and moving book. Winn Dixie himself is a wonderfully realized character - I loved the descriptions of his smile! - but then so is Opal, her father, and her new friends. The people in this story feel real, and although it is a fairly slim book, it leaves behind quite an impression. I thought DiCamillo did an excellent job exploring some of the pitfalls of meeting new people - making snap judgements, as Opal does with Amanda Wilkinson, unaware that she too is struggling with her own sorrow - while also highlighting the many joys of building a sense of community. Recommended to anyone looking for moving stories of children and their dogs, or to anyone interested in tales of moving to new homes and communities. show less
The second novel I have read from Kate DiCamillo, after the marvelous The Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn Wixie is an immensely engaging, entertaining, and moving book. Winn Dixie himself is a wonderfully realized character - I loved the descriptions of his smile! - but then so is Opal, her father, and her new friends. The people in this story feel real, and although it is a fairly slim book, it leaves behind quite an impression. I thought DiCamillo did an excellent job exploring some of the pitfalls of meeting new people - making snap judgements, as Opal does with Amanda Wilkinson, unaware that she too is struggling with her own sorrow - while also highlighting the many joys of building a sense of community. Recommended to anyone looking for moving stories of children and their dogs, or to anyone interested in tales of moving to new homes and communities. show less
A china rabbit learns to love in this gentle and moving toy fantasy from two-time Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo. Well-dressed and well-cared for, Edward is the beloved companion of a little girl named Abilene, but he is unmoved by her devotion, or indeed, by anything in the human world, preferring to reflect upon his own fineness. But when Edward is lost overboard during a sea voyage, he embarks on a long journey in which he comes into contact with many different people - a fisherman show more and his wife, a tramp and his dog, a young boy caring for his terminally ill sister - and slowly learns to open his heart. In the process he learns much about sorrow, but also much about joy.
As I continue my Kate DiCamillo reading sprint - this is the fourth of her titles I have read in the last week - I am amazed that I have waited so long to really investigate her work, and I am struck by how thought-provoking and emotionally resonant her stories are. As these are two qualities I particularly value in a book, I think I have found a new favorite author! The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was an engrossing read, and will keep young children involved in the ups and downs of its rabbit hero's journey. It will also make them ponder (as it did me) the necessity of love, in leading a full life - in being alive at all, really - and the inextricable ties between love and suffering. I loved Edward's slow awakening to a more fully realized way of being, and how DiCamillo managed to capture this in a character who is outwardly inanimate. I also loved the cast of characters with whom Edward comes into contact - the episode with Bryce and Sarah Ruth was particularly moving - and thought the author created a believable and engaging world. Recommended to readers young and old who enjoy tales of toys out in the world, or stories with a little melancholy and a little joy mixed together. show less
As I continue my Kate DiCamillo reading sprint - this is the fourth of her titles I have read in the last week - I am amazed that I have waited so long to really investigate her work, and I am struck by how thought-provoking and emotionally resonant her stories are. As these are two qualities I particularly value in a book, I think I have found a new favorite author! The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was an engrossing read, and will keep young children involved in the ups and downs of its rabbit hero's journey. It will also make them ponder (as it did me) the necessity of love, in leading a full life - in being alive at all, really - and the inextricable ties between love and suffering. I loved Edward's slow awakening to a more fully realized way of being, and how DiCamillo managed to capture this in a character who is outwardly inanimate. I also loved the cast of characters with whom Edward comes into contact - the episode with Bryce and Sarah Ruth was particularly moving - and thought the author created a believable and engaging world. Recommended to readers young and old who enjoy tales of toys out in the world, or stories with a little melancholy and a little joy mixed together. show less
With tons of quirky family drama and a ghost in the mix, this read holds more than a couple surprises.
Ferris wants to enjoy her summer before fifth grade begins, but quite a few monumental things are happening... and many things aren't quite as normal as people might think. Her little sister is determined to become an outlaw and, unfortunately, is spunky enough to really give it a go if she has the chance. Ferris' grandmother now sees ghosts, which even becomes more unsettling when the older show more woman is discovered to have a heart problem. Ferris' uncle has decided to use her to spy on her aunt as their marriage has gotten more than a little rocky. And her father...well, he has his own issues. Add a horrendous haircut, and the summer is quite the ride.
This is set a bit back in history (the 1980s?), although this is never directly stated. This gives Ferris tons of romping room, and she needs it for everything going on. As always, this author writes with a playful tone, carefully picking words, which add liveliness to the descriptions and a slightly quirky atmosphere. Yet, the problems Ferris faces are real...although a bit over-the-top thanks to the dramatic family members. Her energy mixes with her good intentions as she steers the, at times, ridiculous situations, while keeping her love for her family golden. It's this constant flow of odd occurrences, which push the story forward and create much of the plot.
The characters pack personality. The grandmother is a treat with her wise sayings and unusual attitude toward life and the world. The aunt puts a smile on the face, while the uncle comes across a bit as a lost professor to make a lovely mix. The younger sister definitely packs her own direction, but this one takes a slightly darkish turn, and I wondered that there weren't more consequences. Her character contrasts with the wholesome goodness of the rest of the family, which will hit some readers better than others.
It is fun to read through each moment and enjoy the chaotic atmosphere, and the paranormal twist gives extra spice. I'm not sure this one will resonate as well with reluctant readers, since the clever wording and older phrases doesn't always create the easiest read. Still, it is one to put a smile on the face and enjoy family silliness the entire way through. show less
Ferris wants to enjoy her summer before fifth grade begins, but quite a few monumental things are happening... and many things aren't quite as normal as people might think. Her little sister is determined to become an outlaw and, unfortunately, is spunky enough to really give it a go if she has the chance. Ferris' grandmother now sees ghosts, which even becomes more unsettling when the older show more woman is discovered to have a heart problem. Ferris' uncle has decided to use her to spy on her aunt as their marriage has gotten more than a little rocky. And her father...well, he has his own issues. Add a horrendous haircut, and the summer is quite the ride.
This is set a bit back in history (the 1980s?), although this is never directly stated. This gives Ferris tons of romping room, and she needs it for everything going on. As always, this author writes with a playful tone, carefully picking words, which add liveliness to the descriptions and a slightly quirky atmosphere. Yet, the problems Ferris faces are real...although a bit over-the-top thanks to the dramatic family members. Her energy mixes with her good intentions as she steers the, at times, ridiculous situations, while keeping her love for her family golden. It's this constant flow of odd occurrences, which push the story forward and create much of the plot.
The characters pack personality. The grandmother is a treat with her wise sayings and unusual attitude toward life and the world. The aunt puts a smile on the face, while the uncle comes across a bit as a lost professor to make a lovely mix. The younger sister definitely packs her own direction, but this one takes a slightly darkish turn, and I wondered that there weren't more consequences. Her character contrasts with the wholesome goodness of the rest of the family, which will hit some readers better than others.
It is fun to read through each moment and enjoy the chaotic atmosphere, and the paranormal twist gives extra spice. I'm not sure this one will resonate as well with reluctant readers, since the clever wording and older phrases doesn't always create the easiest read. Still, it is one to put a smile on the face and enjoy family silliness the entire way through. show less
This feels like a classic - with language in the vein of A Little Princess or The Velveteen Rabbit. Meaning that it will endure and feels sort of reminiscent of an older time/era, despite being recently published. It's enchanting with sort of a wondrous, hazy fairy tale vibe about it and is beautifully presented and told. It assumes the readers's intellligence if not their age.
It gently presents big themes - camaraderie, and purpose, longing for adventure, love lost and found, finding your show more place and people, and being a small part in a bigger story.
Rumor has it this is the first installment of what's intended to be a series involving the same characters, but this one stands alone and well even if you don't read further.
May equally appeal to child-at-heart adults or old-soul-type children.
Highly, highly recommended. show less
It gently presents big themes - camaraderie, and purpose, longing for adventure, love lost and found, finding your show more place and people, and being a small part in a bigger story.
Rumor has it this is the first installment of what's intended to be a series involving the same characters, but this one stands alone and well even if you don't read further.
May equally appeal to child-at-heart adults or old-soul-type children.
Highly, highly recommended. show less
Lists
Childhood books (1)
Best Dog Stories (1)
Female Author (1)
mom (1)
Princess Tales (1)
Five in a Row (1)
KID BOOKS (2)
4th Grade Books (2)
Newbery Adjacent (2)
Christmas Books (1)
Elementary Reads (1)
Favourite Books (1)
Sonlight Books (1)
Books About Boys (1)
Ryan's Books (1)
Allie's Wishlist (1)
Awards
You May Also Like
Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 108
- Also by
- 12
- Members
- 89,518
- Popularity
- #114
- Rating
- 4.1
- Reviews
- 2,765
- ISBNs
- 1,030
- Languages
- 22
- Favorited
- 70
