They Already Know: Kate DiCamillo on Helping Kids Find Hope in Darkness

The Reading Culture

On Today's Show

"If I've done my job right and put my heart and my fears and my questions on the page, if I've told a story right and well, the reader can be aware of me asking those questions, worrying those worries, putting my heart there, and then it's a place for both of us to be together. And it makes you feel less alone as a kid." - Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo's stories take us to the dark parts of the world and back again. And once we get back, we realize that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. Authentically connecting with children to share that message is at the heart of Kate's work. Her range is extensive, from the hilarious Mercy Watson series to some of her more emotionally charged middle-grade novels. In all of her books, Kate manages to tap into her inner child to reach her audience in an authentic way.

Her work is world-renowned, and millions of people have shed sad but hopeful tears while reading her words. In this episode, Kate fills us in on how she so effectively uses darkness to share a message of hope, how she connects with her own child within to write, and why the minds of children still spark inspiration for her stories to this day.

Contents

Chapter 1 - Down the Rabbit Hole (to Florida) (2:46)

Chapter 2 - The Black Turtleneck (7:19)

Chapter 3 - Becoming a Children's Writer (11:55)

Chapter 4 - Charlotte's Wisdom (13:56)

Chapter 5 - Through The Eyes of a Child (17:16)

Chapter 6 - A Youthful Memory (22:17)

Chapter 7 - A Letter to Matt (24:39)

Chapter 8 - Cassius Wonders (31:05)

Chapter 9 - Read Brave (38:57)

Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (41:06)

Today's Beanstack featured librarian is Pat Toney, a Children's Services Librarian at Oakland Public Library in California. On this episode, Pat recommends an influential book for young adults.

Links

• https://www.katedicamillo.com/
• https://www.beanstack.com
• https://thereadingculturepod.com/kate-dicamillo