Chapter books are important. Their target audience is kids between about ages 6 and 10, and they play a major role in developing young readers. Author Leilani Mueller knows all about writing for this age group. She’s the author of a brand-new chapter book called All Aboard the Grandparents Express. The book explores grief, loss, and imagination from the perspective of its 8-year-old narrator. Leilani describes the process of writing a good and beautiful book for the youngest readers.

Recent Episodes

All Aboard the Grandparents Express

Author Leilani Mueller’s new chapter book, All Aboard the Grandparents Express, explores grief, loss, and imagination from the perspective of its 8-year-old narrator.

It's Never Too Late for Beach Reads

Summer may be over, but Beach Reads are always relevant. Is it possible to be the sort of person who cares deeply about the great stories, and who also enjoys a fun beach read?

Carving Light From Darkness

Kreg Yingst’s medium of choice is printmaking. Join Mandy and guest co-host Isaac Hans as they talk with Kreg about his art, his books, and how the very act of making art can be a prayer.

Superheroes and the Science of the Imagination

Meredith Davis, author of the Amazing Adventures of Noah Minor series, joins the pub table to discuss how her stories use superheroes to explore themes of friendship, integrity, and self-control.

Navigating the Nonfiction Market

Will Parker Anderson, a senior editor and writing coach, discusses how to navigate the often fraught waters of the Christian nonfiction market, and how we can all help support work that is excellent and edifying.

Sharing Is Caring

Join the hosts at the roundtable as they talk about their favorite obsessions: the art and artists they love so much, they want the world to love them too. What does this impulse say about the impact of art on our hearts? How can shared (or not shared) affinities shape community?

Should Novels Have Architecture?

Whether you’re a new novelist, an experienced novelist, or not a novelist at all, there’s something to learn from the intricacies of story structure. Author Elisa Lambert joins the table to discuss it.

How to Make a Video Game

Bryan Engram, co-founder of Brazen Animation, explains the building blocks of effective gameplay and how to use those blocks to create a compelling story.

Battle of the Books

Join us as Matt and Mandy battle it out to determine which book is better -- The Great Gatsby, or To Kill a Mockingbird.

Stories Tell the Truth

Author Jennifer Layte is a firm believer in the power of story to draw us closer to Jesus and closer to an understanding of who we are. Join Mandy and Jenn at the pub table as they discuss story, nicknames, and Jenn's latest book, Follower: How Getting Close to Jesus Brings You to Yourself.

Believe to See Podcast

A podcast of the Anselm Society Arts Guild. Join host Matt Mellema, Mandy Houk, Christina Brown, and a rotation of guests at the digital pub table to explore how art and storytelling matter for faith and to connect our stories, great stories, and the Great Story.

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