Bestselling novelist Amanda Dykes joins The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast for a conversation that will stir your heart, lift your eyes, and invite you to marvel again at the wonder that surrounds us. In this episode, Amanda shares the tender backstory behind her career shift from English teacher to award-winning author, and how deep grief gave way to deep creativity. We explore the making of her stunning new book A Pocketful of Wonder, a field guide for children to experience God’s creation through poem, prayer, play, and music. Along the way, Amanda and Ginny talk about the courage to pursue creativity, the mysterious work of God in delays and detours, and why beauty is not frivolous—it’s essential.Amanda’s words are a balm, reminding us that wonder is a battle cry in a heavy world, and that attention is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. You’ll hear about concrete poems, whimsical squirrel illustrations, nature’s instruments, and how a single drop of rain in the desert can unleash the aroma of hope. This conversation will inspire you to step into the preposterous beauty all around—and bring your kids with you.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices