Kate DiCamillo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kate DiCamillo
|
|
|---|---|
DiCamillo at the 2018 National Book Festival
|
|
| Born | Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo March 25, 1964 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Genre | Children's fiction |
| Notable works |
|
| Notable awards | Newbery Medal 2004, 2014 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature 2014–15 |
| Signature | |
_(cropped).png) |
|
Kate DiCamillo, born on March 25, 1964, is a beloved American author. She writes wonderful stories for children and young adults. Many of her books have become very popular. She has published more than 25 novels. Some of her most famous books include Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, and Flora & Ulysses. Her stories have sold millions of copies worldwide. Several of her books have even been turned into movies and musicals! Kate DiCamillo is special because she has won the prestigious Newbery Medal twice. She won for The Tale of Despereaux and Flora & Ulysses. This makes her one of only a few authors to achieve this honor.
Kate grew up in Clermont, Florida, after moving there from Philadelphia as a young child. She studied English in college. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked different jobs. She even worked in a book warehouse, which helped her discover her passion for writing children's books. Her first big success was Because of Winn-Dixie. This book helped her become a full-time author.
From 2014 to 2015, Kate DiCamillo served as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. In this role, she encouraged kids across America to read. She lives in Minneapolis and continues to create new stories. Her book, The Hotel Balzaar, was published on October 1, 2024.
Contents
Growing Up and School
Kate DiCamillo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 25, 1964. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was an orthodontist. When Kate was five, her family moved to Clermont, Florida. They hoped the warmer weather would help with her frequent illness. As a child, Kate often had pneumonia and spent time in the hospital.
Reading became a great comfort to her during these times. She loved visiting the local library. Kate's mother helped her discover a deep love for books. For a while, she even dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.
Kate went to public schools in Florida. She later attended several colleges. She eventually earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Florida, Gainesville in 1987.
Finding Her Path to Writing
After college, Kate worked many different jobs in Florida. She worked at places like Walt Disney World and a greenhouse. In 1994, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, she found a job at a book warehouse called The Bookman.
At first, Kate was not thrilled to work in the children's book section. But this job turned out to be very important. It was there that she discovered amazing children's books. These books inspired her to start writing her own stories. She began waking up early every weekday to write before her work shifts.
Kate sent her stories to many publishers. She received hundreds of rejection letters. But she kept trying! Other authors, like Louise Erdrich, encouraged her to continue. Her hard work and determination eventually paid off.
Becoming a Famous Author
Kate DiCamillo's first published book was Because of Winn-Dixie in 2000. This heartwarming story is about a girl and her stray dog. The idea for the book came to Kate when she missed her home in Florida. She also wished she could have a dog in her Minnesota apartment. The book was a huge success. After its publication, Kate was able to become a full-time writer. She made it a habit to write two pages every day.
Award-Winning Books
Because of Winn-Dixie won a Newbery Honor award. Her second book, The Tiger Rising, was published the next year. In 2004, Kate won the prestigious Newbery Medal for The Tale of Despereaux. This book tells the story of a brave mouse. She wrote it after a friend's child asked for a story about an "unlikely hero."
Another popular book is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2006). It is about a china rabbit who learns about love. Kate also created the fun Mercy Watson series, which stars a pig. This series began in 2005. Her 2010 novel Bink & Gollie won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal.
In 2014, Kate won her second Newbery Medal for Flora & Ulysses. This story was partly inspired by an injured squirrel she saw. Winning two Newbery Medals is a rare achievement for an author.
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
From 2014 to 2015, Kate DiCamillo held an important role. She was the fourth National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. In this position, she traveled across the country. She encouraged young people to read and share their stories. Her theme was "Stories Connect Us."
Kate continues to write and publish new books. Her novel Ferris was published on March 5, 2024. Her latest book, The Hotel Balzaar, was published on October 1, 2024.
Awards
Kate DiCamillo has received many awards for her wonderful books.
Books on Screen and Stage
Many of Kate DiCamillo's books have been made into films and stage shows.
- Because of Winn-Dixie became a movie in 2005.
- The Tale of Despereaux was adapted into an animated film in 2008.
- Flora & Ulysses was released as a streaming film on Disney+ in 2021.
- The Tiger Rising was released as a film in 2022.
- The Magician's Elephant became an animated film in 2023.
Kate helped write the screenplay for the Winn-Dixie film. She also gave advice for The Tale of Despereaux. She even had a small role in the Flora & Ulysses movie! Her book The Magician's Elephant was also turned into a musical. It premiered in 2021.
List of Works
.jpg)
Novels
- Because of Winn-Dixie (2000)
- The Tiger Rising (2001)
- The Tale of Despereaux (2003)
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2006)
- The Magician's Elephant (2009)
- Flora & Ulysses (2013)
- Raymie Nightingale (2016)
- Louisiana's Way Home (2018)
- Beverly, Right Here (2019)
- The Beatryce Prophecy (2021)
- Ferris (2024)
- The Hotel Balzaar (2024)
Early Reader Chapter Books
- Bink & Gollie series (Candlewick Press), text by DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illus. Tony Fucile
- Bink & Gollie (September 2010)
- Bink & Gollie: Two for One (June 2012)
- Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever (April 2013)
- Mercy Watson series (Candlewick Press), text by DiCamillo, illus. Chris Van Dusen
- Mercy Watson to the Rescue (August 2005)
- Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride (May 2006)
- Mercy Watson Fights Crime (August 2006)
- Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise (July 2007)
- Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig (July 2008)
- Mercy Watson: Something Wonky This Way Comes (July 2009)
- A Very Mercy Christmas (September 2022)
- Tales from Deckawoo Drive series, text by DiCamillo, illus. Chris Van Dusen
- Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume One (August 2014)
- Francine Poulet Meets the Ghost Raccoon: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Two (August 2015)
- Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Three (August 2016)
- Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Four (October 2017)
- Stella Endicott and the Anything-Is-Possible Poem, Volume Five (June 2020)
- Franklin Endicott and the Third Key, Volume Six (June 2021)
- Mercy Watson is Missing!, Volume Seven (December 2023)
- Orris and Timble series, text by DiCamillo, illus. Carmen Mok
- Orris and Timble: The Beginning (April 2024)
- Orris and Timble: Lost and Found (April 2025)
Picture Books
- La La La (2019)
See also
In Spanish: Kate DiCamillo para niños
