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Kate DiCamillo has been a mainstay of children's literature since her debut novel, Because of Winn-Dixie , was first published in 2000

On Sept. 30, an anniversary edition of the beloved book, and the final novella in DiCamillo's Norendy Tales series, will be published

The bestselling author speaks with PEOPLE about her unparalleled career in children's literature

Craving a good story is second nature for author Kate DiCamillo . As a child, she waited patiently every day of second grade for her class's designated reading hour. Books were a crucial part of how she was raised, by her mother in Claremont, Fla.

“I loved Paddington [Bear] , I loved Stuart Little ,” the bestselling author, 61, recalls to PEOPLE. “I loved Harriet The Spy . I remember carrying that boo

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