Because of Winn Dixie, a children's book and a feature film

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

I absolutely loved this book! The story is of a lonely girl, new to town, who adopts a stray dog and through the dog is able to make friends with a various assortment of townspeople. The character of India Opal is charming. The reader watches as Opal struggles through her sadness of the loss of her mother, who left her at a young age. We see Opal begin to question and seek answers from her father, who has been tight-lipped about her mother. But mostly, the readers see how Opal discovers through her friends that everyone has some sadness in their lives and friendship fills an empty heart.

When I watched the film, Because of Winn-Dixie I was somewhat disappointed in its portrayal of the book. The characters seemed richer in the book, more multidimensional. I didn't really feel Otis' terrible shyness when watching the movie. The preacher was a disappointment as the book portrayed his relationship with Opal as being much closer. The movie introduced a new character of a bumbling sheriff, which was probably added for laughs but was rather a flat, limited character who didn't fit at all. The character of Mr. Alfred was only discussed in the book as owning the trailer park, but in the movie he was the antagonist who did not want Winn Dixie to stay. The book did a far better job of introducing the character of Winn Dixie and how the dog helped Opal meet new friends as well as talk to the preacher. Perhaps I am a purist and I do not like a good story to be changed but I really feel that the movie would have been fine if it would have stayed more true to the story.

Because of Winn-Dixie is the second book I have read by Kate DiCamillo. I had already read The Tale of Despereaux. I was surprised by how different the two books are. Just like having children who are of different temperaments, DiCamillo has written two books that have different themes. The Tale of Despereaux is a story of courage, becoming brave when you are most fearful. Because of Winn-Dixie is about accepting the sorrow in your life and filling your heart with friendship and love. DiCamillo is definitely an author from whom I want to hear more stories.