Are you ready to be inspired? Listen to Kate DiCamillo's enlightening interview on the Growing Readers Podcast. She takes us on a journey into the magical world of The Puppets of Spelhorst and shares the power of storytelling. Her childhood memories of playing with puppets are a reminder of the beauty and simplicity that can be found in our everyday lives. Her emphasis on perseverance and dedication to doing the work is a testament to the importance of following our dreams. Let Kate's words encourage you to become the master of your own story and to focus on the beauty and magic in the world around you. Don't miss this chance to be inspired!

Kate DiCamillo is one of America’s most beloved storytellers. She is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist. Born in Philadelphia, she grew up in Florida and now lives in Minneapolis.

Transcription:

You can read the transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠.

Order a Copy:

The Puppets of Spelhorst on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Resources:

For more information about Kate DiCamillo and her books, visit https://www.katedicamillo.com/.

Discussion Topics:

Kate DiCamillo talks about:

• The different themes and meanings readers can take away from it
• Where the heart of the story came from, and childhood memories of playing with puppets
• The importance of being the masters of our own stories and how we are all interconnected
• How the art in the book adds to the magic and makes the tale feel timeless
• The power of storytelling to connect people and effect change
• Kids who will see themselves in The Puppets of Spelhorst
• Perseverance as a writer, including experience with rejection letters
• The importance of doing the work and sending it out into the world, using the metaphor of buying a lottery ticket
• Keeping a sense of enchantment and possibility in the world by consciously focusing on beauty and magic