Kate DiCamillo, born in Philadelphia, Pa. and raised in Clermont, Fla., is a master storyteller. Because of Winn-Dixie, her first published novel, was a 2001 Newbery Honor Book. Her captivating fairy tale, The Tale of Despereaux, won the 2004 Newbery Medal. Writing for a wide range of ages, her work includes novels, early-chapter-book series (Mercy Watson and Bink & Gollie), and the picture book Great Joy. DiCamillo served as the 2014-2015 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She lives in Minneapolis, Minn.