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Kate DiCamillo’s writing journey has been a truly remarkable one. She grew up in Florida and moved to Minnesota in her twenties, when homesickness and a bitter winter led her to write Because of WinnDixie – her first published novel, which became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. The Tiger Rising, her second novel, was also set in Florida and went on to become a National Book Award finalist. Since then, the bestselling author has explored settings as varied as a medieval castle and a magician’s theatre while continuing to enjoy great success, winning two Newbery Medals and being named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She now has almost 30 million books in print worldwide.
In 2016, Kate DiCamillo published her most autobiographical novel to date, Raymie Nightingale, which was a National Book Award finalist. And then, for the first time ever, she returned to the world of a previous novel in Louisiana’s Way Home to tell us more about a character that her fans already knew and loved. That novel garnered seven starred reviews and was, like its predecessor, a #1 New York Times bestseller. And now Kate DiCamillo returns once more to complete the Three Rancheros’ stories by writing a book about toughas-nails Beverly Tapinski.
Kate DiCamillo’s books’ themes of hope and belief amid impossible circumstances and their messages of shared humanity and connectedness have resonated with readers of all ages around the world. In her instant #1 New York Times bestseller The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a haughty china rabbit undergoes a profound transformation after finding himself facedown on the ocean floor – lost and waiting to be found. The Tale of Despereaux – the Newbery Medal–winning novel that later inspired an animated adventure from Universal Pictures – stars a tiny mouse with exceptionally large ears who is driven by love to become an unlikely hero. The Magician’s Elephant, an acclaimed and exquisitely paced fable, dares to ask the question What if ? And Kate DiCamillo’s second Newbery Medal winner, Flora & Ulysses, was released in 2013 to great acclaim, garnering five starred reviews and an instant spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
Born in Philadelphia but raised in the South, Kate DiCamillo now lives in Minneapolis.
A Q&A with Kate Di Camillo:
You made the decision to write Louisiana’s story after her relentless voice consumed your notebooks. What made you want to write a novel about Beverly? Was there a voice, quote, or image that came to you that set her story in motion?
Well, it’s odd. Beverly’s voice was relentless, too, but in a much less dramatic way than Louisiana’s. Telling Beverly’s story was like crouching in the woods with my hand out, hoping that a wild animal would come and eat out of my hand. I could feel her presence; I knew she wanted to speak. But I had to hold very, very still. And wait. The story started with the simple, declarative sentence “Buddy died.” And everything, all of it, unspooled from that.
Once again you have created a novel that deals very pointedly with parental abandonment, and Beverly’s situation is possibly the most dire in all of your books. Is that theme still difficult to explore, or do you find you have more courage now than ever to tackle these kinds of raw and difficult truths?
These “difficult truths” show up in my stories no matter what I do. I have, in recent years, I suppose, turned and faced them more head-on, more directly. I am haunted by parental abandonment, and so it keeps showing up in my stories.
If Raymie Nightingale was the true story of your heart and Louisiana’s Way Home was a return to storytelling in the style of Because of Winn-Dixie, what is the personal impetus or connection for you to Beverly, Right Here?
Beverly is so much braver than I am. I wanted to leave and I couldn’t. Beverly does. Every time Beverly showed up in Raymie’s story, I was impressed by her ferocity, her tenderness, her utter lack of regard for the rules. She was the kind of kid I wanted to be. She is the kind of young adult I wanted to be.
This is a return to the characters of Di Camillo’s Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana’s Way Home – though it is not necessary to have read either novel to appreciate this story. Precipitated by the death of her dog companion, Buddy, Beverly has no reason now to stay at home, so she leaves. She is 14 years old, but by a sequence of good luck, and a lift from a cousin, she ends up in Tamaray, bunking with a grandmother figure in a trailer park community and getting a job with a very disorganised café owner. This story could have been very bleak, but the wonderful characters DiCamillo draws, and the humour with which she tells this story make it very engaging. Obviously set in the US this gives the landscape an exotic feel, and the characters have a wonderfully transatlantic humour that can be appreciated anywhere. This is the story of Beverly’s survival, and the rebuilding of her grief battered resilient character – so she can eventually return to her hometown, her close friend and her less than satisfactory mother. An ultimately uplifting story of survival, acceptance and friendship in unlikely places.
Readers first met Louisiana Elefante in Kate DiCamillo’s unforgettable Raymie Nightingale, now she has her own story, and what a tale it is. Louisiana has always believed that her parents were high wire stars, killed in an accident when she was very young, but driven by terrible toothache and an urge to come to terms with her own past, her granny suddenly reveals that everything Louisiana knows about her life is a lie. Abandoned in a motel miles from her old home in Florida, Louisiana is left to decide who she wants to be. She is befriended by a boy called Burke Allen and his family including his seventeen cake baking mother, and the kindness of strangers helps her to new happiness and security. A story of grief and confusion becomes one of love, hope and resilience. DiCamillo writes with extraordinary sensitivity and perception, and readers of all ages will be touched and moved by Louisiana’s story. Readers who enjoy this book should also read The Road to Ever After by Moira Young.
This beautiful picture book delivers an extraordinary message of hope in a one syllable text. A little girl sings – ‘La’. When no reply comes she stomps off, then chases a golden leaf. As more leaves fall she follows them out of a world of greys into a sun-drenched landscape full of plants and flowers. But even there no-one replies to her call. She returns at night, the landscape now saturated in velvety purple and, fascinated by the moonlight, sings to the moon. It takes more pages, and more determination from the girl, but eventually the moon replies. The final image shows the little girl in the light of the moon, both singing their hearts out. There’s no need for extra words to tell this story, children will understand exactly the girl’s need to be heard, seen and answered; impeccably told, it’s a story that speak to us all. ~ Andrea Reece
Some momentous things happen in the course of this book: a father leaves, buildings are burgled, a cat is lost and found, hearts are broken, good deeds attempted, and someone is saved from drowning. More affecting than all of that however, is the friendship formed between three girls, and the anxieties soothed as a result. In the hope of becoming Little Miss Central Florida Tyre, Raymie is having baton-twirling lessons with the fearsome Ida Nee. There she meets Louisiana, orphaned daughter of high wire stars the Flying Elefantes, and Beverly Tapinski, gruff, stubborn and fearless. Together they become the Three Rancheros, and as such their worlds are changed. DiCamillo lets readers see through Raymie’s eyes, live through the summer with her and it’s an unforgettable experience. ~ Andrea Reece
Some momentous things happen in the course of this book: a father leaves, buildings are burgled, a cat is lost and found, hearts are broken, good deeds attempted, and someone is saved from drowning. More affecting than all of that however, is the friendship formed between three girls, and the anxieties soothed as a result. In the hope of becoming Little Miss Central Florida Tyre, Raymie is having baton-twirling lessons with the fearsome Ida Nee. There she meets Louisiana, orphaned daughter of high wire stars the Flying Elefantes, and Beverly Tapinski, gruff, stubborn and fearless. Together they become the Three Rancheros, and as such their worlds are changed. DiCamillo lets readers see through Raymie’s eyes, live through the summer with her and it’s an unforgettable experience. ~ Andrea Reece
This is an exquisitely told story from No. 1 New York Times Bestseller and Newbery Award Winner Kate DiCamillo. Walking through the woods early one morning Rob is stunned to find a tiger locked in a cage. He tells no one and heads off to school. On that same day, Rob meets a new girl to the school who like Rob is immediately bullied. Reaching out he tells the girl about the tiger and from that moment on, their world is changed forever. Intense and incredibly powerful this is a story that will move all who read it.
One of our Books of the Year 2014 - Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014- Winner of the IBW Children's Award 2014 Award-winning Kate diCamillo tells a zany, bitter sweet story of how Flora Belle Buckman, a self-declared cynic, rescues a squirrel from the neighbour’s super-powered vacuum cleaner and, in doing so, finds herself on a journey of discovery. Ulysses the squirrel’s escapade seems to invest it with super powers – including the ability to type - while the appearance of William Spiver, the neighbour’s great great-nephew who has a passion for words, gives Flora a friend. Flora’s journey of self discovery is highly entertaining. Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award Judge Frank Cottrell Boyce said: “Squirrel acquires superpowers after collision with lawn mower - you KNOW you want to know more.” Describing the process of writing the book, Kate DiCamillo says, “There is a line from the thirteenthcentury poet Rumi that I kept close by as I worked on this novel: The grief armies assemble, but I’m not going with them. For me, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is a book about joy and laughter, about moving away from grief and turning toward love. Additionally, it is a book about seal blubber.” In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'This was a truly heartwarming, witty story. And it was the best book I have ever read! I loved everything about it and am looking forward to reading another book by this fantastic author.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014- Winner of the IBW Children's Award 2014 Award-winning Kate diCamillo tells a zany, bitter sweet story of how Flora Belle Buckman, a self-declared cynic, rescues a squirrel from the neighbour’s super-powered vacuum cleaner and, in doing so, finds herself on a journey of discovery. Ulysses the squirrel’s escapade seems to invest it with super powers – including the ability to type - while the appearance of William Spiver, the neighbour’s great great-nephew who has a passion for words, gives Flora a friend. Flora’s journey of self discovery is highly entertaining. Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award Judge Frank Cottrell Boyce said: “Squirrel acquires superpowers after collision with lawn mower - you KNOW you want to know more.” Describing the process of writing the book, Kate DiCamillo says, “There is a line from the thirteenthcentury poet Rumi that I kept close by as I worked on this novel: The grief armies assemble, but I’m not going with them. For me, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is a book about joy and laughter, about moving away from grief and turning toward love. Additionally, it is a book about seal blubber.” In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'This was a truly heartwarming, witty story. And it was the best book I have ever read! I loved everything about it and am looking forward to reading another book by this fantastic author.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo and cartoonist Harry Bliss introduce some delightfully doggy dogs in a warm, funny tale of a timid pup who needs a friend. Rosie is a good dog and a faithful companion to her owner, George. She likes taking walks with George and looking at the clouds together. But the closest she comes to another dog is when she encounters her reflection in her empty dog bowl, and sometimes that makes Rosie feel lonely. One day George decides to try taking Rosie to the dog park, but the park is full of dogs that Rosie doesn't know, which makes her feel lonelier than ever. So when big, loud Maurice and small, yippy Fifi bound over and want to play, Rosie's not sure how to respond. Is there a trick to making friends? And if so, can they all figure it out together?
This is a return to the characters of Di Camillo’s Raymie Nightingale and Louisiana’s Way Home – though it is not necessary to have read either novel to appreciate this story. Precipitated by the death of her dog companion, Buddy, Beverly has no reason now to stay at home, so she leaves. She is 14 years old, but by a sequence of good luck, and a lift from a cousin, she ends up in Tamaray, bunking with a grandmother figure in a trailer park community and getting a job with a very disorganised café owner. This story could have been very bleak, but the wonderful characters DiCamillo draws, and the humour with which she tells this story make it very engaging. Obviously set in the US this gives the landscape an exotic feel, and the characters have a wonderfully transatlantic humour that can be appreciated anywhere. This is the story of Beverly’s survival, and the rebuilding of her grief battered resilient character – so she can eventually return to her hometown, her close friend and her less than satisfactory mother. An ultimately uplifting story of survival, acceptance and friendship in unlikely places.
Follow-up to the New York Times Bestselling Raymie Nightingale, from an internationally revered author, twice winner of the Newbery Medal. When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from best friends Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of the small Georgia town in which they find themselves - including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder - she starts to worry that she is destined only for goodbyes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana's and Granny's heads. But that is a story for another time.) Called one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations by The New York Times Book Review, the heartbreakingly irresistible Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale - and now, with humour and tenderness, Kate DiCamillo returns to tell her story.
Every porcine wonder was once a piglet! Celebrate the joy of a new arrival with this endearing picture-book prequel to the New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson series. Mr Watson and Mrs Watson live ordinary lives. Sometimes their lives feel a bit too ordinary. Sometimes they wish something different would happen. And one day it does, when someone unpredictable finds her way to their front door... In a delightful origin story for the star of the Mercy Watson series, a tiny piglet brings love (and chaos) to Deckawoo Drive - and the Watsons' lives will never be the same.
Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo and cartoonist Harry Bliss introduce some delightfully doggy dogs in a warm, funny tale of a timid pup who needs a friend. Rosie is a good dog and a faithful companion to her owner, George. She likes taking walks with George and looking at the clouds together. But the closest she comes to another dog is when she encounters her reflection in her empty dog bowl, and sometimes that makes Rosie feel lonely. One day George decides to try taking Rosie to the dog park, but the park is full of dogs that Rosie doesn't know, which makes her feel lonelier than ever. So when big, loud Maurice and small, yippy Fifi bound over and want to play, Rosie's not sure how to respond. Is there a trick to making friends? And if so, can they all figure it out together?
Follow-up to the New York Times Bestselling Raymie Nightingale, from an internationally revered author, twice winner of the Newbery Medal.When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from best friends Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of the small Georgia town in which they find themselves - including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder - she starts to worry that she is destined only for goodbyes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana's and Granny's heads. But that is a story for another time.)Called "e;one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations"e; by The New York Times Book Review, the heartbreakingly irresistible Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale - and now, with humour and tenderness, Kate DiCamillo returns to tell her story.
Follow-up to the New York Times Bestselling Raymie Nightingale, from an internationally revered author, twice winner of the Newbery Medal.When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from best friends Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of the small Georgia town in which they find themselves - including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder - she starts to worry that she is destined only for goodbyes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana's and Granny's heads. But that is a story for another time.)Called "e;one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations"e; by The New York Times Book Review, the heartbreakingly irresistible Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale - and now, with humour and tenderness, Kate DiCamillo returns to tell her story.
A nearly wordless story following a little girl in search of someone who understands... Kim has created sumptuous images. DiCamillo's text leaves room for children to fill in the silences with their own boundless imaginations New York Times La la la... A little girl stands alone and sings, but hears no response. Gathering her courage and her curiosity, she skips further out into the world, singing away to the trees and the pond and the reeds - but no song comes back to her. Day passes into night, and the girl dares to venture into the darkness towards the light of the moon, climbing as high as she can... Now, will she be heard? With an enchanting palette and captivating expressiveness, Jaime Kim brings to life Kate DiCamillo's endearing character in a transcendent landscape that invites readers along on an emotionally satisfying journey.
Readers first met Louisiana Elefante in Kate DiCamillo’s unforgettable Raymie Nightingale, now she has her own story, and what a tale it is. Louisiana has always believed that her parents were high wire stars, killed in an accident when she was very young, but driven by terrible toothache and an urge to come to terms with her own past, her granny suddenly reveals that everything Louisiana knows about her life is a lie. Abandoned in a motel miles from her old home in Florida, Louisiana is left to decide who she wants to be. She is befriended by a boy called Burke Allen and his family including his seventeen cake baking mother, and the kindness of strangers helps her to new happiness and security. A story of grief and confusion becomes one of love, hope and resilience. DiCamillo writes with extraordinary sensitivity and perception, and readers of all ages will be touched and moved by Louisiana’s story. Readers who enjoy this book should also read The Road to Ever After by Moira Young.
Tulip is not looking forward to being the only kid in her class with glasses, so she decides her glasses give her X-ray vision.
What will it take for a cynical older sister to realize she's a born accordion player with music in her heart?Eugenia Lincoln is a practical person with no time for gee-gaws, whoop-de-whoops, or frivolity. When an unexpected package containing an accordion arrives at her house, she is determined to have nothing to do with it. But her plans to sell the accordion, destroy the accordion, and give the accordion away all end in frustration. How can Eugenia stop being tormented by this troublesome package? Might she discover that a bit of unforeseen frivolity could be surprisingly . . . joyous?
This beautiful picture book delivers an extraordinary message of hope in a one syllable text. A little girl sings – ‘La’. When no reply comes she stomps off, then chases a golden leaf. As more leaves fall she follows them out of a world of greys into a sun-drenched landscape full of plants and flowers. But even there no-one replies to her call. She returns at night, the landscape now saturated in velvety purple and, fascinated by the moonlight, sings to the moon. It takes more pages, and more determination from the girl, but eventually the moon replies. The final image shows the little girl in the light of the moon, both singing their hearts out. There’s no need for extra words to tell this story, children will understand exactly the girl’s need to be heard, seen and answered; impeccably told, it’s a story that speak to us all. ~ Andrea Reece
Some momentous things happen in the course of this book: a father leaves, buildings are burgled, a cat is lost and found, hearts are broken, good deeds attempted, and someone is saved from drowning. More affecting than all of that however, is the friendship formed between three girls, and the anxieties soothed as a result. In the hope of becoming Little Miss Central Florida Tyre, Raymie is having baton-twirling lessons with the fearsome Ida Nee. There she meets Louisiana, orphaned daughter of high wire stars the Flying Elefantes, and Beverly Tapinski, gruff, stubborn and fearless. Together they become the Three Rancheros, and as such their worlds are changed. DiCamillo lets readers see through Raymie’s eyes, live through the summer with her and it’s an unforgettable experience. ~ Andrea Reece
What if timid Baby Lincoln broke free of her bossy sister and set off on an unexpected journey? Kate DiCamillo presents a touching new adventure set in Mercy Watson's world.Baby Lincoln's older sister, Eugenia, is very fond of telling Baby what to do, and Baby usually responds by saying "e;Yes, Sister."e; But one day Baby has had enough. She decides to depart on a Necessary Journey, even though she has never gone anywhere without Eugenia telling her what to take and where to go. And in fact Baby doesn't knowwhereshe is headed only that she was entirely happy in the previous night's dream, sitting aboard a train with a view of shooting stars. Who might Baby meet as she strikes out on her own, and what could she discover about herself? Will her impulsive adventure take her away from Eugenia for good?
Some momentous things happen in the course of this book: a father leaves, buildings are burgled, a cat is lost and found, hearts are broken, good deeds attempted, and someone is saved from drowning. More affecting than all of that however, is the friendship formed between three girls, and the anxieties soothed as a result. In the hope of becoming Little Miss Central Florida Tyre, Raymie is having baton-twirling lessons with the fearsome Ida Nee. There she meets Louisiana, orphaned daughter of high wire stars the Flying Elefantes, and Beverly Tapinski, gruff, stubborn and fearless. Together they become the Three Rancheros, and as such their worlds are changed. DiCamillo lets readers see through Raymie’s eyes, live through the summer with her and it’s an unforgettable experience. ~ Andrea Reece
New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving yet witty story of an unforgettable summer friendship. For fans of Jacqueline Wilson, David Almond and Katherine Rundell.In her seventh novel, international bestselling author and twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal Kate DiCamillo tells a masterful story that blends pathos and humour. Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father - who has run away with a dental hygienist - will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton, but she has to compete with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante with her show-business background and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship - and challenge them to come to each other's rescue in unexpected ways.
Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving, masterful story of an unforgettable summer friendship.Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.From the Compact Disc edition.
In this timeless fable, New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal and US National Ambassador for Children's Literature Kate DiCamillo evokes the largest of themes - hope and belonging, desire and compassion - with the lightness of a magician's touch. Another classic in the making by Kate DiCamillo, New York Times bestselling author and twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. What if? Why not? Could it be? When a fortune-teller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he must ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortune-teller's mysterious answer (An elephant! An elephant will lead you there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it is true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be told by Kate DiCamillo.
Deckawoo Drive's intrepid Animal Control Officer meets her matchor does she? A funny, heartfelt, and fast-paced romp from the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.Francine Poulet is the greatest Animal Control Officer in Gizzford County. She hails from a long line of Animal Control Officers. She's battled snakes, outwitted squirrels, and stared down a bear. "e;The genuine article,"e; Francine's dad always called her. She is never scareduntil, that is, she's faced with a screaming raccoon that may or may not be a ghost. Maybe Francine isn't cut out to be an Animal Control Officer after all! But the raccoon is still on the loose, and the folks on Deckawoo Drive need Francine back. Can she face her fears, round up the raccoon, and return to the ranks of Animal Control? Join a cast of familiar charactersFrank, Stella, Mrs. Watson, and Mercy the porcine wonderfor some riotous raccoon wrangling on Deckawoo Drive.
A heartwarming young adventure story, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. A deftly crafted fairy tale adventure story from a New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess who laughs often and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery and of old-fashioned courage. And, reader, it is a tale of treachery - unlimited treachery...
A heartwarming young adventure story, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal.A deftly crafted fairy tale adventure story from a New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess who laughs often and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery and of old-fashioned courage. And, reader, it is a tale of treachery - unlimited treachery...
The Incredible Journey meets The Mouse and His Child, an enchanting tale that begs to be read aloud. The magical story of the adventures of a lost toy rabbit from a New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the Newbery Medal. Abilene loves her blue china rabbit, but Edward Tulane is extremely vain and only loves himself. On a voyage from New York to London, Edward falls overboard and from there finds himself on an amazing journey. He travels with tramps, works as a scarecrow, comforts a dying child ... and finally learns what it is to truly love.
Funny and poignant, this 2001 Newbery Honor novel captures life in a quirky Southern town as Opal and her mangy dog, Winn-Dixie, strike up friendships among the locals. One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries - and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.
Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo's New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books.Leroy Ninker has a hat, a lasso, and boots. What he doesn't have is a horseuntil he meets Maybelline, that is, and then it's love at first sight. Maybelline loves spaghetti and sweet nothings, and she loves Leroy, too. But when Leroy forgets the third and final rule of caring for Maybelline, disaster ensues. Can Leroy wrestle fate to the ground, rescue the horse of his heart, and lasso loneliness for good? Join Leroy, Maybelline, and a cast of familiar charactersStella, Frank, Mrs. Watson, and everyone's favorite porcine wonder, Mercyfor some hilarious and heartfelt horsing around on Deckawoo Drive.
This is an exquisitely told story from No. 1 New York Times Bestseller and Newbery Award Winner Kate DiCamillo. Walking through the woods early one morning Rob is stunned to find a tiger locked in a cage. He tells no one and heads off to school. On that same day, Rob meets a new girl to the school who like Rob is immediately bullied. Reaching out he tells the girl about the tiger and from that moment on, their world is changed forever. Intense and incredibly powerful this is a story that will move all who read it.
One of our Books of the Year 2014 - Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014- Winner of the IBW Children's Award 2014 Award-winning Kate diCamillo tells a zany, bitter sweet story of how Flora Belle Buckman, a self-declared cynic, rescues a squirrel from the neighbour’s super-powered vacuum cleaner and, in doing so, finds herself on a journey of discovery. Ulysses the squirrel’s escapade seems to invest it with super powers – including the ability to type - while the appearance of William Spiver, the neighbour’s great great-nephew who has a passion for words, gives Flora a friend. Flora’s journey of self discovery is highly entertaining. Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award Judge Frank Cottrell Boyce said: “Squirrel acquires superpowers after collision with lawn mower - you KNOW you want to know more.” Describing the process of writing the book, Kate DiCamillo says, “There is a line from the thirteenthcentury poet Rumi that I kept close by as I worked on this novel: The grief armies assemble, but I’m not going with them. For me, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is a book about joy and laughter, about moving away from grief and turning toward love. Additionally, it is a book about seal blubber.” In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'This was a truly heartwarming, witty story. And it was the best book I have ever read! I loved everything about it and am looking forward to reading another book by this fantastic author.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
All righty then! Celebrate the tall and short of a marvellous friendship with a new Bink and Gollie adventure exuding the quirky wit and charm of a multi-award-winning team. Gollie is quite sure she has royal blood in her veins, but can Bink survive her friend's queenly airs - specially if pancakes are not part of the deal? Bink wonders what it would be like to be as tall as her friend, but how far will she stretch her luck to find out? And when Bink and Gollie long to get their picture into a book of record-holders, where will they find the kudos they seek? Find slapstick and sweetness, drollery and delight in a new follow-up to the award-winning Bink and Gollie, written by beloved and best-selling authors Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and brought to hilarious life by New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book award-winner Tony Fucile.
Shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014- Winner of the IBW Children's Award 2014 Award-winning Kate diCamillo tells a zany, bitter sweet story of how Flora Belle Buckman, a self-declared cynic, rescues a squirrel from the neighbour’s super-powered vacuum cleaner and, in doing so, finds herself on a journey of discovery. Ulysses the squirrel’s escapade seems to invest it with super powers – including the ability to type - while the appearance of William Spiver, the neighbour’s great great-nephew who has a passion for words, gives Flora a friend. Flora’s journey of self discovery is highly entertaining. Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award Judge Frank Cottrell Boyce said: “Squirrel acquires superpowers after collision with lawn mower - you KNOW you want to know more.” Describing the process of writing the book, Kate DiCamillo says, “There is a line from the thirteenthcentury poet Rumi that I kept close by as I worked on this novel: The grief armies assemble, but I’m not going with them. For me, Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures is a book about joy and laughter, about moving away from grief and turning toward love. Additionally, it is a book about seal blubber.” In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Flora & Ulysses The Illuminated Adventures a small number of children were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'This was a truly heartwarming, witty story. And it was the best book I have ever read! I loved everything about it and am looking forward to reading another book by this fantastic author.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Holy unanticipated occurrences! A cynic meets an unlikely superhero in a genre-breaking new novel by master storyteller Kate DiCamillo.It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is the just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart. From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo comes a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters.
One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries - and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.Now a major Hollywood movie, Because of Winn-Dixie is released nationwide in cinemas in the UK on 21 October 2005. Visit the official movie website at www.becauseofwinndixiemovie.com.
If you're looking for two marvellous companions, who will make you hug the page with delight, look no further than Bink and Gollie! The spring fair is in town, and for Bink and Gollie - utter opposites and uber best friends - three comical adventures await! Bink attacks the Whack-a-Duck with an unswerving winning attitude - the world's largest doughnut is up for grabs! And, with a quiet determination, Gollie storms the stage at the talent show... BUT a lousy shot and a case of stage fright spoil each girl's chances! Undeterred, they use their grey matter and turn it all around! In the final story, Bink and Gollie make a date with destiny: Madame Prunely, fortune-teller spectacular! She looks into her crystal ball and tells them everything they could ever need to know ... they'll always be together. Without question.
If you're looking for two marvellous companions, who will make you hug the page with delight, look no further than Bink and Gollie! The state fair is in town, and for Bink and Gollie - utter opposites and uber best friends - three comical adventures await! Bink attacks the Whack-a-Duck with an unswerving winning attitude - the world's largest doughnut is up for grabs! And, with a quiet determination, Gollie storms the stage at the talent show... BUT a lousy shot and a case of stage fright spoil each girl's chances! Undeterred, they use their grey matter and turn it all around! In the final story, Bink and Gollie make a date with destiny: Madame Prunely, fortune teller spectacular! She looks into her crystal ball and tells them everything they could ever need to know ... they'll always be together. Without question.
Award-winning authors Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee have created a glorious pair of girls - tall, tall Gollie and her very short friend Bink. The two girls are as different in temperament as they are in looks but they remain the very best of friends despite that. Their adventures, whether choosing new socks, finding a new home or buying a new pet – a goldfish! – are full of ups and downs and fuelled by moments of great comedy. Tony Fucile’s illustration gives the stories a wonderful visual depth as well.
Joes got a problem. He has to write to an author for a school assignment and get her to answer a bunch of questions. But the author hes chosen, Maureen OToople, just doesnt want to play along. Jon Scieszka and Kate DiCamillo collaborate on a hilarious and heartfelt short story from the acclaimed collection Guys Read: Funny Business, edited by Jon Scieszka.
When a fortunetellers tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her?The fortunetellers mysterious answer (An elephant! An elephant will lead him there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that Peter can hardly dare to believe it.But it isall of ittrue.
Magic is always impossible, said the magician. It begins with the impossible and ends with the impossible and is impossible in between. That is why it is magic. What if? Why not? Could it be? When a fortune-teller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchenne knows the questions that he must ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortune-teller's mysterious answer (An elephant! An elephant will lead you there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it is true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be told by Kate DiCamillo. In this timeless fable, she evokes the largest of themes - hope and belonging, desire and compassion - with the lightness of a magician's touch.
In her eagerly awaited new novel, Kate DiCamillo conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected - and making the impossible come true.What if? Why not? Could it be? When a fortune teller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchenne knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortune teller's mysterious answer (an elephant! An elephant will lead you there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it's true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be told by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo. In this timeless fable, she evokes the largest of themes - hope and belonging, desire and compassion - with the lightness of a magician's touch.
In her eagerly awaited new novel, Kate DiCamillo conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected - and making the impossible come true.What if? Why not? Could it be? When a fortune teller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchenne knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortune teller's mysterious answer (an elephant! An elephant will lead you there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it's true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be told by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo. In this timeless fable, she evokes the largest of themes - hope and belonging, desire and compassion - with the lightness of a magician's touch.
Mercy Watson #5: Mercy Watson Thinks Like a PigEugenia and Baby Lincoln may live next door to a pig, but that doesnt stop them from living a gracious life. And the amiable Mercy Watson is equally determined to follow the delightful scent (and delicious taste) of the pansies her thoughtful neighbors are planting to beautify their yard. Where have all the flowers gone? shouts Eugenia, who is finally ready to take extreme measures and dial Animal Control! Has Mercys swine song come at last? Or will her well-pampered instincts keep her in buttered toast?Mercy Watson #6: Something Wonky This Way ComesMr. and Mrs. Watson and their porcine wonder, Mercy, are off to the Bijou Drive-In. What will happen when the Lincoln Sisters, Frank, Stella, and a gaggle of familiar characters get the same idea for a night out? With the tempting scent of hot buttered popcorn wafting through the air, everyones favorite pig leads the way in this hilarious romp featuring movies, mayhem, and Mercy!From the Compact Disc edition.
A magical story about a china rabbit from an award-winning author. Abilene loves her blue china rabbit, but Edward Tulane is extremely vain and only loves himself. On a voyage to London, Edward falls overboard and from there embarks on an amazing journey. He travels with hobos, works as a scarecrow, comforts a dying child and finally learns what it is to truly love.
The Tiger Rising is a lush, exotic little gemthis writers a keeper.Karen Hesse, Newbery Medal-winning author of Out of the DustWalking through the misty Florida woods one morning, twelve-year-old Rob Horton is stunned to find a tigera real-life, very large tigerlocked in a cage. Whats more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a girl who shows her feelings as readily as Rob hides his. As they learn to trust each other and, ultimately, to be friends, Rob and Sistine prove that some thingslike memories, and heartache, and tigerscant be locked up forever.
Mercy Watson Fights CrimeOne night, Mercy hears a noise. An unlikely thief is robbing the Watsons! But as the thief soon discovers, crime doesnt pay. Not when there is a very large pig involved.Mercy Watson: Princess in DisguiseIts Halloween on Deckawoo Drive, and Mr. and Mrs. Watson have decided on the perfect costume for Mercy. Mercy is encouraged by the promise of treats. For what could be better than a treat-getting adventure? Especially if it happens to involve a chase. . . .
This is the story of Desperaux Tilling, a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl with a simple, impossible wish. These characters are about to 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.And what happens then?Listeners, it is your destiny to find out.
Mercy Watson to the RescueTo Mr. & Mrs. Watson, Mercy is not just a pigshe's a porcine wonder. And to the portly and good-natured Mercy, the Watson's are an excellent source of buttered toast, no to mention that buttery-toast feeling she gets when she snuggles in to bed with them. This is not, however so good for the Watsons' bed. BOOM! CRACK! Welcome to the wry and endearing world of Mercy Watson. Mercy Watson Goes for a RideMr. and Mrs. Watson's porcine wonder, Mercy, loves nothing more than a ride in the car. It takes a fair amount of nudging and bribing and a You are such a good sport, darling to get the portly pig out of the driver's seat, but once the convertible is on the road, Mercy loves the feel of the wind tickling her ears and the sun on her snout.
A classic tale by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo, America's beloved storyteller. One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceriesand comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.
';Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . .' Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes' camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miraclethat even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.
From the Winner of the 2004 Newbery Medal - the book that inspired the film! One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries - and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.; Includes 8 pages of full-colour photographs from the Twentieth-Century Fox film, starring Jeff Daniels.
A heartwarming young adventure story, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess, who laughs often, and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl, who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery and old-fashioned courage. And, reader, it is a tale of treachery ... unlimited treachery. It is The Tale of Despereaux...
It seemed as if the tiger was a magic trick, rising out of the mist. It's six months since Rob's mum died and he moved to Florida. His dad won't talk about her at all. Crying ain't going to bring her back, he says. So Rob fills a suitcase in his mind with all his forbidden thoughts - the rash on his legs, the bullies at school - and keeps it tight shut. But when he finds a caged tiger deep in the woods, his whole life begins to change. That same day he meets Sistine Bailey, another outsider who's bullied at school. She says they must set the tiger free - and when Rob imagines the tiger rising out of its cage, his suitcase begins to open...
Funny and poignant, this 2001 Newbery Honor novel captures life in a quirky Southern town as Opal and her mangy dog, Winn-Dixie, strike up friendships among the locals. One summer's day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries - and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog. It's because of Winn-Dixie that Opal begins to make friends. And it's because of Winn-Dixie that she finally dares to ask her father about her mother, who left when Opal was three. In fact, as Opal admits, just about everything that happens that summer is because of Winn-Dixie.
