Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo is a highly acclaimed American author, well-known for her work in children's literature. She was born on March 25, 1964, in Philadelphia, but spent her formative years in Florida. DiCamillo has described herself as being short and loud, and she has a strong aversion to cooking, despite her love for good food. She is single and has no children of her own, but she is an aunt three times over. She shares her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a dog.

DiCamillo's literary career is marked by remarkable achievements. She is a New York Times bestselling author and a two-time Newbery Medal winner. Her works are popular across various age groups and levels, earning her a place among the six people to have received two Newbery medals. Her notable works include "The Tale of the Despereaux" and "Flora and Ulysses." The former won the Newbery Medal in 2004, while the latter won the same accolade in 2014.

In addition to her Newbery Medal awards, DiCamillo has been recognized by the Library of Congress, which appointed her the U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature for 2014-2015. This recognition underscores her significant contribution to children's literature. Her writing journey began in Minnesota, where she moved in her twenties. Homesickness and a harsh winter inspired her to write "Because of Winn-Dixie," her first published novel, which became a bestseller and earned a Newbery Honor.

DiCamillo's works are not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful. She has sold over 40 million books worldwide, a testament to her storytelling prowess and her ability to connect with readers of all ages. Her writing schedule is consistent, with two pages written daily, five days a week. Her notable works also include the Mercy Watson series, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, and the Bink & Gollie series, which celebrates friendship. Her latest novel, "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures," was released in 2013 to great acclaim, further solidifying her position as a leading voice in children's literature.