Honorable mention: Kate DiCamillo

A new movie, two new books ... just another year in a brilliant career.

By Laurie Hertzel, Star Tribune

Last update: December 27, 2008 - 11:29 PM

Has this Minneapolis writer ever had an off year? My goodness, in 2008, she published two more children's books -- the picture book "Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken" and the latest in her Mercy Watson series, "Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig." The big news, of course, was that the movie version of her Newbery Award-winning "The Tale of Despereaux" opened Dec. 19, all big ears and endearing mouse face.

DeCamillo has three more books coming out in 2009, when Candlewick will issue a new paperback edition of her first novel, "Because of Winn-Dixie," as well as the sixth Mercy Watson book, "Something Wonky This Way Comes." Another novel for young adults, "The Magician's Elephant," is due in September and film rights have already been sold.

DiCamillo charged out of the chute in 2000 with "Winn-Dixie," a Newbery Honor book that was later made into a movie. Her second book, "The Tiger Rising," was a National Book Award finalist. Altogether, she has published a dozen books. Was 2008 her year? Will 2009 be? Which year hasn't been?

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Here are some of Books Editor Laurie Hertzel's favorite sites and blogs. Got a literary link to share? E-mail Laurie.

Twin Cities Literary Scavenger Hunt Home page for the scavenger hunt, which runs now through Dec. 26.
Reading Minnesota A blog that features Minnesota writers, illustrators, publishers, bookstores, and reviewers.
Talk of the Stacks An author series from the Library Foundation of Hennepin County.
Poets & Writers The website for Poets and Writers Magazine--podcasts, author interviews, and writing resources.
Creative Writing A place to keep apprised of writing competitions in the United States.
Gather Minnesota Readers The Website for Minnesota Public Radio's books blog.
The Loft Literary Center The Website for the Loft, a local place for writers and readers.
Good Reads A way to track what you're reading, and what your friends are reading.
Lost Manuscripts Just what it sounds like - a blog (sporadically updated) devoted to missing and destroyed manuscripts.
Maud Newton Very hip, reviews, links, a little attitude.
bookreporter.com A plethora of online book reviews and reading guides.
Rain Taxi Rain Taxi Review of Books.