Kate DiCamillo, born Katrina Elizabeth DiCamillo on March 25, 1964, is an acclaimed American author celebrated for her contributions to children's literature. Her repertoire includes over 25 novels, such as Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tiger Rising, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant, the Mercy Watson series, and Flora & Ulysses. DiCamillo's works have resonated with millions, selling around 37 million copies worldwide. Her notable achievements include winning the Newbery Medal for The Tale of Despereaux and Flora & Ulysses, making her one of the few authors to receive this prestigious award twice.

DiCamillo was born in Philadelphia but relocated to Clermont, Florida, during her childhood. She pursued an English degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville. Before her literary career took off, she worked various entry-level jobs and eventually moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1994. It was here that DiCamillo's writing career began in earnest with the publication of Because of Winn-Dixie, her first successful novel. This book's triumph led her to pursue writing full-time.

From 2014 to 2015, DiCamillo served as the American National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, an honor bestowed by the Library of Congress. She continues to reside in Minneapolis, dedicating herself to her craft. DiCamillo is a testament to the power of stories, believing that they connect us, help us see the world, and foster empathy towards one another. Her next anticipated work, Orris and Timble: The Beginning, is set for release on April 30, 2024.