Kate DiCamillo is one of America's most beloved children's authors, but there are many adults who have fallen in love with her books too. By Up to Date, Jan 9, 2009
Kansas City, MO – Known for books such as Because of Winn Dixie (a Newbery Honor book) and The Tiger Rising (a National Book Award finalist), DiCamillo solidified her place among the elite in the children's literary world with The Tale of Despereaux. The 2004 Newbery Medal award-winning book was made into a major animated motion picture released last month. The story features Despereaux (a tiny mouse with huge ears who is in love with music, stories, and a princess), Roscuro (a rat who lives in darkness and covets a world filled with light), and Miggery Sow (a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish). The trio embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle and, ultimately, into each other's lives.
Up to Date host Steve Kraske visited Westwood View Elementary School and a class of 6th graders reading Kate DiCamillo's work to talk with DiCamillo about her life and work. They talk about the appeal of the leading mouse and the big lessons we can learn from such a small creature. With over 7 million books in print, find out what continues to inspire the author to create stories that captivate children of all ages.