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Authors & Illustrators

At Home With Best-Selling Author Kate DiCamillo

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Photography by Dina Kantor

It’s not everyday that you get to snoop around the space where not one—but several—best-selling books have been written. But thankfully, beloved kid-lit author Kate DiCamillo said “yes” to our ask, inviting us into her Minnesota home and the office where she writes every morning—two pages, sometimes three, and onward.

After her first book, Because of Winn-Dixie (2000), became a smash hit, she’s gone on to write dozens more successful titles (including The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses, The Beatryce Prophecy, and the Mercy Watson series) that have captured the hearts of children and adults alike. Still, she stays humble.

“I remember saying to my best friend early on: ‘This is all so overwhelming, how do I deal with people expecting things of me?’ And she said: ‘It’s not about you, pumpkin.’ I keep those words in mind when I write,” says Kate. “My job is to get out of my own way and tell the story. The rest of it—what happens when the story goes out into the world—I can’t control that.”

Meet Kate DiCamillo and visit her book-filled office in our slideshow!

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  1. Ken Rowland says...

    Kate,
    Been watching your career and you have done an impressive job. Don’t know if you remember me or not, but I was friends with Mike Griffis. We use to go to Leonardos and hang out here and there. Last time I saw you was at Mike’s wedding.

    I’m married now for 29 years and put a son and daughter through UF, Go Gators.

    Anyway, been wanting to say hi for a while, but didn’t know how. Saw this form so I thought it was a good place to try.

    Hope to hear from you.

    Ken

  2. Norma Henderson says...

    Ms DiCamillo,

    I am doing book studies for third through fifth grade, using your Edward Tulane. Edward is my favorite. I was wondering if you had any study guides to go along with the books or ideas on questions to ask. Thank you for your time. Norma

  3. J. Houde says...

    Reading Louisiana’s Way Home right now. It is so good. The story makes me want to read on. Thanks Kate and you are so cute in the Mothermag photos.

  4. Avery hartshorn says...

    she is amazing i love her book and she is my favorite author

  5. Avery hartshorn says...

    she is amazing i love her book

  6. Avery hartshorn says...

    Dear Ms. Kate DiCamillo you are my favorite author and i love your books like
    Louisiana’s Way Home and Beverly, Right Here and
    Raymie Nightingale

  7. Darlene Rose DeMaria says...

    Kate, I am an unbelievable fan of your writing. I am an Educational Therapist in private practice here in Burlingame California. My magic space is Edu-Therapy Learning Center 340 Lorton Avenue Suite 204. I have been reading your books with the students and their families who have come to me for therapy through the years. Once when you were doing a book talk in MenloPark California I arranged to have all of my students and their families come down and hear you speak, it was so wonder filled for all of them. I am currently working with a very talented creative student who has fallen in love with your writing and hopes to meet you one day! I am being called to write a children’s book and want you to know from my heart, you are quite a bright light inspiration for my heart of heart’s voice! Bless you for this and for all the in SPIRIT ation you continue to glitter upon us. May we meet again, Darlene Rose DeMaria

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