Kate DiCamillo: podcast appearances and interviews

Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo, born on March 25, 1964, is an American author of children's fiction known for her extensive body of work including over 25 novels. Her publications include notable titles such as Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tiger Rising, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant, the Mercy Watson series, and Flora & Ulysses. Her books have achieved significant commercial success, selling approximately 37 million copies, and have been adapted into films and musical settings. DiCamillo is distinguished as one of seven authors to have won the Newbery Medal twice, with The Tale of Despereaux and Flora & Ulysses each receiving this honor. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Clermont, Florida, she earned an English degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville. After working various entry-level jobs in Clermont, she moved to Minneapolis in 1994 where she worked in a book warehouse and pursued her writing career. Her breakthrough came with the acceptance of her first published book, Because of Winn-Dixie, which garnered critical and commercial success, prompting her to become a full-time author. From 2014 to 2015, DiCamillo served as the American National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. She continues to reside in Minneapolis and actively writes, with her recent works including Orris and Timble: Star Stories, published in April 2026, and her upcoming book Love & Mercy, scheduled for release in December 2026.