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October 13, 2025 34 mins

Many reluctant readers are pulled in by an incredible middle grade puzzle book. In this episode Chris Grabenstein and I discuss his newest book, Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest. Readers who loved the Mr. Lemoncello books are going to want to dive right into this new series. 

Find author Chris Grabenstein
https://chrisgrabenstein.com/
https://www.facebook.com/chris.grabenstein
https://www.instagram.com/ChrisGrabenstein/

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein https://www.amazon.com/Pennypickles-Puzzle-Quest-Chris-Grabenstein/dp/0593707982/
Max in the House of Spies and Max in the Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitz https://www.amazon.com/Max-Land-Lies-Operation-Kinderspion/dp/B0DCYZX7SF/

Chapters
00:00 Meet Middle Grade Author Chris Grabenstein
05:07 What is Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest about?
07:50 Chris Grabenstein’s family road trip.
10:23 Why does Chris Grabenstein write puzzle books?
12:15 How did Chris Grabenstein go about starting a new book series?
15:10 Which of all Chris Grabenstein’s characters is most like him?
16:55 Which of his characters would be Grabenstein’s best friend?
17:45 How is Grabenstein’s book applicable to real kids?
20:25 How have books changed from when you were reading as a kid to now?
21:58 Rapid fire questions based on Ms. Pennypickle’s Puzzle Quest for Chris
29:10 What is next for Chris Grabenstein?
32:22 Chris Grabenstein’s book recommendation.

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