The Great Big Beautiful Podcast, Episode 70: Kate DiCamillo
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This week, we’re joined by the absolutely delightful Kate DiCamillo. Kate is coming off of a two-year stint as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (so named by the Library of Congress), she’s the current National Summer Reading Champion, she won the 2004 Newbery Medal for The Tale of Despereaux, she won her second Newbery Medal in 2014 for Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, and, oh yeah, she’s also the author of a long list of amazing books.
Her most recent book, Raymie Nightingale, is the story of three unlikely friends over one unforgettable summer. It’s a beautiful book that deals with loss, loneliness, and the meaning of friendship. And in typical Kate DiCamillo fashion, it examines a deep sadness with a twinge of hope and a dash of optimism. I really recommend it.
On this episode, we talk to Kate about perseverance and determination in the face of rejection, the expectations that come with awards and critical acclaim, her writing regimen, and how writing maintains her sanity. We also talk about her amazing character names and where they come from, because – seriously – I defy you to name an author with more evocative names: India Opal Buloni, Despereaux Tilling, Miggery Sow, Baby Lincoln, Francine Poulet, Louisiana Elefante, Beverly Tapinski, and so many more.
Connect:
- Kate DiCamillo is online here.
- The show is on Twitter here and Facebook here.
- Jamie is on Twitter and Instagram as @theroarbots.
- Justin is on Twitter and Instagram as @140JustinC.
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