Katrina Elizabeth "Kate" DiCamillo (born March 25, 1964) is an American writer of children's fiction for all reading levels, usually featuring animals. She is one of six people to win two Newbery Medals, recognizing her novels The Tale of Despereaux (2003) and Flora and Ulysses (2013). Her best-known books for young children are Mercy Watson series illustrated by Chris Van Dusen.