My guest on this episode of Writers at Work is author Chris Grabenstein. If you don't know Chris, I can assure you that your kids--and their kids--do. With his many series for young readers--Mr. Lemoncello, The Smartest Kid in the Universe, I Funny, Treasure Hunters, some of which were written with James Patterson--Chris has influenced thousands and thousands of young people to become enthusiastic readers. To visit Chris on social media and see photos of how kids respond to his books and characters is to put a smile on your face and have your faith in the future restored.

Because of his popularity with young readers, it's easy to forget that Chris broke in as a mystery writer. His debut mystery, TILT-A-WHIRL, Won the Anthony Award in 2006 for Best First Novel. He was writing for kids and adults at the same time until 2013, I think. Chris travels extensively to meet young readers. In May, he'll return to Knoxville, he attended the University of Tennessee, to participate in a children's reading festival. He recently returned from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he witnessed the world premiere of his new stage play, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Reading Rooms.