We forget that the simple gesture of putting a book in someone's hands can change a life. I want to remind you that it can. I want to thank you because it did. - 2010 Indies Choice Award

Her 2003 novel The Tale of Despereaux was inspired by a friend's son Luke Bailey who asked her to write about an unlikely hero with "exceptionally large ears". Adaptations
In 2005 Because of Winn-Dixie was released as a film by 20th Century Fox. Life
Born in Philadelphia DiCamillo suffered from chronic pneumonia.

DiCamillo is also known for the Mercy Watson series of picture books illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Katrina Elizabeth "Kate" DiCamillo (born March 25 1964) is an American writer of children's fiction at all levels usually featuring animals.