On the Lake Superior shoreline in Grand Marais, Minnesota, there is a place where visitors are invited to put down their phones, pick up a pen, and send a letter—postage included. Letteracy Deck, created by Minnesota Children’s Press, is a free, screen-free letter-writing park that has helped visitors send more than 17,000 cards and letters since opening in 2023.

In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Anne Brataas of Minnesota Children’s Press about how handwritten letters, storytelling, and creative literacy can connect generations and help children see the value in their own stories. Join us for a conversation about letter writing, creativity, Story Scouts, and what can happen when people trade scrolling for a pen, a postcard, and a little time by the lake.

Quotes

• “We're not on screens, we're not with algorithms, we're with the lake.”
• “The story is the smallest indivisible unit of love.”
• “Kids don't know the thrill of that envelope that comes into your house and you recognize the handwriting.”
• “That is really it, always make a world that's worthy of children.”
• “I believe everybody has this inborn spark of story that is valid and real and authentic and that we have to nurture it and honor it.”
• “The lake is so generous with its beauty and its power. We want to be generous too. We want to be beautiful souls.”

Learn more about Minnesota Children's Press and Letteracy Deck.

Connect with us:

• Lake Superior Podcast Page: https://nplsf.org/podcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundation

Sponsors:

• Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability. Learn more: cafeimports.com
• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior’s five national parks: nplsf.org/donate