Writing/Essay/Journal
Although children’s author Kate DiCamillo doesn’t have children of her own and does not submit her work to children to read, she has an uncanny ability to think like a young person. Her response to this is, “I was one.” Are you able to think like a younger person? Do you remember what it was like being 5? 8? 10 years old? How does the world look different through the eyes of younger people? How do you think the world will look to you as you get older? Has DiCamillo always wanted to write? Who is her primary audience? How is her work received?

Activity
DiCamillo keeps the letters and mementos sent to her by readers. Write a letter to your favorite author telling him or her know how the book affected you.