Kate DiCamillo on Telling Stories Within a Story and Capturing Wonder

Key Takeaways:

• Kate DiCamillo and Sophie Blackall have each won major children’s book awards.
• Lost Evangeline is an original fairy tale set in the fictional world of Norendy.
• The plot centers on a shoemaker’s discovery of a girl “as small as a mouse.”
• Imagination, wonder, and love are key themes throughout the story.
• The article originally appeared on Literary Hub, highlighting this new collaboration.

A Legacy of Award-Winning Storytelling

Kate DiCamillo’s name is practically synonymous with heartfelt children’s stories: she is a two-time Newbery Medalist. Equally celebrated is Sophie Blackall, a two-time Caldecott Medalist renowned for her enchanting illustrations. Their latest undertaking, Lost Evangeline, unites these talents once again, reminding readers of the unique spark that emerges when imaginative writing meets visionary art.

Introducing “Lost Evangeline”

Lost Evangeline unfolds in the fictional world of Norendy. At its center is a humble shoemaker whose life is transformed by the discovery of a girl no larger than a mouse. He names her Evangeline and raises her as his own child, introducing readers to a realm brimming with surprises and small but significant moments. This premise underscores how an ordinary act of kindness can spark an extraordinary journey.

A Tiny Girl with a Big Impact

Central to the fairy tale is Evangeline herself, a reminder that size alone does not dictate one’s capacity for love or bravery. As the shoemaker cares for this miniature companion, readers witness the story’s core themes of devotion, belonging, and the quiet power of nurturing a fragile life. The whimsical concept of raising someone “as small as a mouse” invites a sense of wonder that resonates with children and adults alike.

Finding Magic in Collaborative Art

Lost Evangeline also highlights the bond between author and illustrator. For years, DiCamillo’s deft storytelling has charmed audiences and critics, while Blackall’s evocative images complete the magic on each page. In this fairy tale, the synergy of text and illustration creates a beautifully layered narrative that promises to delight fans of both creators.

A Voyage into Wonder

At its heart, Lost Evangeline is about the marvel of discovery—whether it’s finding hope in an unexpected place or uncovering a small spark of magic where one least expects it. Such moments capture the essence of children’s stories as they provide comforting reflections on family, home, and the sustaining power of imagination.

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