Exploring Love and Light in 'Ferris' with Kate DiCamillo

03/05/24 • 49 min

The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

Join us for a captivating exploration of Kate DiCamillo's latest literary masterpiece, Ferris. Prepare to be swept away by a heartwarming love story between a granddaughter and her grandmother, where love in all its forms intertwines with the search for light in the darkest of times.

Discover how music serves as a beacon of hope in this evocative tale, where characters come to life on the page. Kate shares her writing process, prioritizing emotional resonance over mere calculation. Don't miss out on this magical conversation as we delve into the soul-stirring themes of Ferris and uncover the transformative power of storytelling with the incomparable Kate DiCamillo.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Ferris on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠.

Discussion Topics:

Kate DiCamillo Talks About:

The significance of the dedication to Tracy Bailey and Rainey Stewart: Exploring the personal inspirations behind Ferris.
Character development: Understanding how characters like Ferris reveal themselves to Kate DiCamillo during the writing process.
Themes of love: Analyzing the various forms of love depicted in the story and their impact on the characters.
Finding light in darkness: Discussing how the theme of light, particularly through music and a chandelier, serves as a metaphorical beacon of hope.
Emotional vs. mathematical writing: Delving into Kate DiCamillo's approach to finding the right words emotionally rather than through mathematical precision.

Resources:

For more information, visit https://www.katedicamillo.com/.

Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the Construction of Stories by Steve Almond

Transcription: ⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Ferris on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠.

Discussion Topics:

Kate DiCamillo Talks About:

The significance of the dedication to Tracy Bailey and Rainey Stewart: Exploring the personal inspirations behind Ferris.
Character development: Understanding how characters like Ferris reveal themselves to Kate DiCamillo during the writing process.
Themes of love: Analyzing the various forms of love depicted in the story and their impact on the characters.
Finding light in darkness: Discussing how the theme of light, particularly through music and a chandelier, serves as a metaphorical beacon of hope.
Emotional vs. mathematical writing: Delving into Kate DiCamillo's approach to finding the right words emotionally rather than through mathematical precision.

Resources:

For more information, visit https://www.katedicamillo.com/.

Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow: A DIY Manual for the Construction of Stories by Steve Almond

Previous Episode

Breaking Through Writer's Block: A Journey with Barbara Dee into 'Unstuck'

In this episode, sit down with critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee to delve into her latest middle-grade novel, Unstuck. Listeners are treated to a sneak peek into this novel that follows protagonist Lyla as she grapples with anxiety, writer's block, and the pressures of meeting a writing contest deadline while trying to rescue her older sister, Dahlia, both on and off the page.

Barbara Dee's insightful discussion offers aspiring writers and readers alike a glimpse into the creative process and the power of storytelling to tackle real-life issues with empathy and heart. Tune in to this enlightening episode for a behind-the-scenes look at "Unstuck" and Barbara's journey as a middle-grade author.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

Unstuck on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠.

Discussion Topics:

Barbara Dee Talks About:

Her passion for writing books for middle schoolers and how she draws from her own emotional memories to create authentic stories that resonate with young readers.
How the genesis of Unstuck was sparked by kids' questions about writer's block during school visits and in emails.
The importance of addressing emotional struggles in her work.
How themes of friendship, sisterhood, and breaking free from preconceptions are woven throughout the book.
The importance of writing from the heart and authenticity in character dialogue—emphasizing the need for different levels of speech to sound authentic for each character.
Being open to trying different solutions when facing creative struggles, whether it's writer's block or navigating the complexities of middle school friendships.

For more information, visit https://barbaradeebooks.com/.

Next Episode

Poetry Insights from Jane Yolen on Crafting Words, Wisdom, and Wonder

In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, host Bianca Schulze welcomes the legendary author, poet, and children's book writer Jane Yolen. From discussing Yolen's daily routine of writing poetry to exploring her deep connection to literature and storytelling, this conversation is a journey into the heart and soul of a prolific writer. Yolen shares insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her works, and the power of poetry in shaping young minds. Join Bianca and Jane as they delve into the magic of words, wisdom, and wonder in this captivating episode.

Transcription: ⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order a Copy:

In and Out the Window on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠.

Discussion Topics:

Jane Yolen Talks About:

Her daily routine of writing a poem a day for 18 years
The significance of writing poetry as a creative practice to awaken the mind and fingers
Childhood experiences and early exposure to literature and writing
The impact of parental support and encouragement on Yolen's writing journey
Her prolific career with over 457 published books and counting
Reflections on family dynamics and attitudes toward Yolen's writing success
Exploring the challenges and joys of writing for both children and adults
The motivation behind Yolen's passion for crafting books tailored for children
Insights into what makes a poem resonate and endure over time
Memorable experiences with poetry, including reciting Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky"
Her unexpected encounter with W.B. Yeats' gravestone in Ireland
The process of compiling and organizing Yolen's poetry collection, In and Out the Window
Educational and creative value of poetry in children's literacy and classrooms
Her hopes for the lasting impact of In and Out the Window on readers of all ages
Practical advice and tips for aspiring poets and poetry enthusiasts
Her one big takeaway: the importance of reading poetry aloud every day