This is Kate DiCamillo. 1,300 children filled the Capital Center in Concord, kicking off New Hampshire’s first NH Book Festival But this event was just for kids. Kate showed them it’s ok to live under the spell of stories, in wonder at the world, and if they didn’t, she showed them what it felt like and welcomed them in. She made teachers who read to their kids the stars in the hall. I’ve heard Kate talk to adults, but not to kids the way she was doing, seeing kids in the room, the balcony, the wings. Kind of showing what it looks like to see people. She turned the show over to the children to ask her questions. A little boy in the balcony asked her, “Do you like all your books?” I was sitting next to Lita Judge and we were smiling at the question so hard for a creator. The boy added more softly. “I just want to know.” It felt like it was only the two of them, the boy and Kate, in the enormous space. Kate’s website opens with this quote. “The world is dark and light is precious. Come closer, dear reader. You must trust me. I am telling you a story.” The little boy in the balcony trusted her. We watched this happen. She turned the question to how hard it can be to create and the layers it took to find “The Tale of Despereaux”. I think the boy will mull this over. They make me see the gravity and wonder of writing for children.
Kate DiCamillo Talks with one Boy
October 14, 2024
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