About this episode

Chris Grabenstein shares insights on storytelling and discusses his latest book releases with hosts Michael Walker and David Patrick.

We had so much fun with Chris Grabenstein , we had to split it in to two parts! Chris regales us with tales from his book The Crossroads , and how he can tell a story in 35 words. He talks about his “yes and life“ and how he deals with the “mad magazine voice" in his head“ that led him to a career in radio where he got to be wacky and crazy and learned from his good friend Jim Patterson to "throw a pie in their face and once you have their attention, say something smart.” Chris explains that “fiction is a tool for empathy because you become somebody else for 300 pages and say, ‘wow that’s what their life is like.’” We continue our discussion of Chris’s most recent release Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest , including that it’s one of the most surprise endings of any of his books. But don't worry: no spoiler alerts here. We took the Ms. Pennypickle Pledge that we solemnly swear to not tell ANYTHING about the ending. Stay tuned for when Chris will back in the fall for the release of not one, not two, but three new books: Ms. Pennypickle's Remarkable Road Race , Mr. Lemoncello‘s Wondermous Christmas Gift , and Stinking Beauty by J.J. & Chris, art by Alex Patrick. As an added bonus…

People in this episode

Hosts: David Patrick, Michael Walker

Guest: Chris Grabenstein

Topics covered

• storytelling
• children's literature
• improv
• empathy
• book releases

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Crossroads, Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest, Ms. Pennypickle's Remarkable Road Race, Mr. Lemoncello‘s Wondermous Christmas Gift, Stinking Beauty, Stinky Sories: Jack and the Beanstink

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