When I was in the first grade, I was introduced to the book, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" By KATE DICAMILLO, which ultimately changed my life, not by distortion, but with a whirlwind of inspiration. I began writing. Even just the thought of being on the same earth as my favorite author, one of my strongest portrayers of the authenticity of lives struggles and mysteries, was too great for me to comprehend...this caused me to place her as an idol. She was an unreachable royalty that I thought I'd never meet...Until I went to her book signing...She hugged me...This novel is because of the inspiration she gave the scared and alone little girl I once was. TO KATE!