Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Interview with Exquisite Corpse Authors and Illustrators!

An Interview with Exquisite Corpse Adventure Contributor, Author Kate DiCamillo!


Check out Episode 3 and Episode 16 of The Exquisite Corpse Adventure written by Kate.



Newbery Medal winner, Kate DiCamillo writes picture books, chapter books, and novels. Her stories include fun and heart-warming characters such as dogs, pigs, mice, rabbits, and elephants; each and every one a delight to audiences of all ages.

Kate stepped away from her menagerie for a moment to answer a few questions for us:

Q- What did you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing an episode for The Exquisite Corpse Adventure?
A- "I'm kind of a control freak, and writing with a bunch of other people means relinquishing control. But you know what? The most challenging thing was also the best thing. There is freedom in being part of something larger. I had such a good time."

Q- What were some of your favorite books when you were in elementary school?
A- "Some of my favorites: The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden, the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Ribsy by Beverly Cleary, Paddington by Michael Bond, and The Borrowers by Mary Norton."

Q- What are you working on now? Do you have a new book coming out this year?
A- "I'm working on a funny novel. At least, I hope it's funny. And I've got an early chapter book coming out this September called Bink and Gollie, Marvelous Companions."
Kate DiCamillo's wonderful books can be found at your favorite library and bookstore.
For more information about Kate and her books, visit her website.

What is The Exquisite Corpse Adventure?
For those not in the know, The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is a series of episodes written and illustrated by famous children's book authors and illustrators. Each author and illustrator inherits the story from the previous folks. It's like taking over a recipe in the middle, you need to understand what's gone into the stew so far and then add your own ingredients to make it hot and spicy! To catch up on all the exciting episodes go to Read.gov.

And parents, teachers, and librarians be sure to check out the NCBLA's Exquisite Corpse Adventure Educational Center for great ideas on how to turn The Exquisite Corpse Adventure into a great educational adventure.