It’s report card time again, and I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the time it takes to get the paperwork done and prepare the report cards for my 28 second graders. No matter how organized I am each term, it’s always the same crunch at the printing deadline. But I can’t just work straight through and get these report cards done in one fell swoop. I have to take reading breaks — little rewards to myself for getting the comments done, or finally posting the last of the math grades. So, in the last few days, I’ve treated myself to two of Kate DiCamillo’s books that I hadn’t read yet: Because of Winn Dixie, and The Tiger Rising. I like them both very much, and I’ve decided to promote Kate DiCamillo to the rank of One of My Favorite Authors. She’s delightful! … I give her an “A”.
A Fondness For Reading
…thoughts, memories, and ideas from a lifetime of reading
A Fondness For Reading 
Robin, She’s up in my ranks of favorite authors too! Her books are so wonderful. I’ve read all of her books (well not the Mercy Watson ones) and I’ve loved every single one of them for their own reason.
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The Tale of Despereaux was enchanting. I didn’t realize she authored Winn Dixie. I guess it just moved up on my TBR pile.
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I haven’t read those two yet, but I really look forward to getting to them. She really is wonderful.
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We’ve enjoyed her Mercy Watson books and I look forward to reading more of her as her books become age-appropriate for my little one.
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Chris, you’d get a kick out of the Mercy Watson books. They’re so much fun, and so short you could read them standing in the bookstore. My students love them…they are the most read books in my 2nd grade class library.
Petunia, I loved The Tale of Despereaux and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and the two I just read didn’t disappoint.
Nymeth, both of these short little books are worth the read.
Tara, I think her books are wonderful family reads. It’s nice your children can look forward to her other books. They’ll love them when they read them!
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I really like Kate Di Camillo, too! Because of Winn Dixie and the Tale of Despereaux are favorites at our house. And hope those report cards don’t get you down–good luck finishing!
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I hadn’t heard of The Tiger Rising. I’ll be on the watch out for it. Thanks, Robin. And best of luck with those grades. I know with all the testing and NCLB those report cards are not easy.
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And -Because of Winn-Dixie- had Dave Matthews in it, which is also awesome.
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I really didn’t like The Tiger Rising at all, but LOVED Winn-Dixie and Despereaux, so she still comes out on top for me. 🙂
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Perhaps I’ve mentioned this before, but I will NEVER forget her description of Litmus Lozenges. What does sadness taste like? It’s a whole new concept for me. What is especially amazing about her is that children and adults appreciate her equally.
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I’ve only read two of DiCamillo’s books — loved Despereaux and was lukewarm about The Tiger Rising, but I’ll read more.
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Thanks, everyone. I survived the report card crunch and the parent conferences, but I can’t believe how much time and emotional energy it all takes! All went well, however, so I’m glad to be back to reading and blogging. And I’m glad we all agree that Kate DiCamillo is a very special person and writer!
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I loved Because of Winn-Dixie! And the movie is quite good as well. Whoever decided to cast Dave Matthews had a great idea!
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Nan, I thought they did a great job of sticking with the story in the movie of Winn Dixie. And Dave Matthews was perfectly cast in that role. I wonder if Kate DiCamillo had him in mind when she wrote that character in book?
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I loved Tale of Despereaux! I think Kate DiCamillo is a good writer!
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