A promotional poster for an author visit, featuring a scenic landscape of mountains and a lake with a book in the foreground, an open book with pages, and an emblem with trees, a book, a sun, and hills at the top center, with text promoting a storytelling experience.

Every great storyteller started as a curious child. Through interactive storytelling, creative writing, and engaging presentations, Ouachita Story House helps students discover the joy of imagination and the confidence to share their own stories. Whether we're in a classroom, library, church, or homeschool co-op, our goal is to leave students excited to read, eager to write, and inspired to create.

Meet Our Storytellers!

Silas Cross

As a pastor, father, and storyteller, I spend much of my life helping people discover truth through stories.

For me, storytelling is really about imagination. It's the God-given ability to wonder, create, communicate, and invite others into a world they may never have seen before. While I love writing books, my greater passion is helping children and adults alike discover the confidence to use their own creativity, develop their own voice, and tell stories only they can tell.

Close-up of a smiling man and woman outdoors in a snowy environment, both wearing beanies and winter jacket. The man's beanie has a Carhartt logo, and the woman's beanie has a small leather patch with initials.

Silas Cross, Author, Billy Bob Big Feet Series

Zoë Cross

As an 11-year-old, I’m proof that great storytellers don't have to wait until they grow up.

I love stories because they make ordinary days feel full of possibility. Whether I'm reading a book, exploring the outdoors, playing soccer, writing, or painting, I’m always collecting ideas for my next adventure. I hope my stories encourage other kids to imagine, create, and tell their own stories.

A young girl and an adult woman standing in a classroom, smiling for a photo. The girl holds a book titled 'Winston Whitetail' by Zoe and Silas Cross. In the background, a whiteboard displays notes about the grammar topic, and there are shelves with plants, picture frames, and school supplies.

Zoë Cross, Author, Winston Whitetail

Choose Your Storytelling Experience.

A logo with a mountain range, evergreen trees, a sun, an open book, and a feather, with the text 'Author Visits' on a banner below.

Step behind the pages and discover how stories come to life. Students explore how ideas become books, how stories are built, and how publishing works while hearing the inspiration behind Billy Bob Big Feet and Winston Whitetail. Each visit includes an interactive Q&A and an optional book signing.

Logo for storytelling workshop featuring mountains, trees, birds, a winding path, a speech bubble, an open notebook with a pen, a closed book with a leaf, a lightbulb, and writing tools in a cup.

Great stories don't happen by accident. In this interactive workshop, students discover the tools storytellers use to build memorable characters, believable worlds, compelling plots, and meaningful themes. Through collaborative activities, they'll learn how to plant clues that keep audiences engaged, strengthen their writing and communication, and transform great ideas into unforgettable stories.

Book a Visit
A badge featuring a Christian cross, an open Bible, a lantern, and a mountain landscape with pine trees. The badge has a banner with the text "FAITH & STORY".

Long before there were chapters and verses, God's people gathered to tell His mighty works from one generation to the next. This interactive experience explores the power of biblical storytelling while equipping participants to use stories, illustrations, and analogies as faithful tools for teaching Scripture. Whether speaking to children, students, or adults with little biblical background, participants will learn how to communicate timeless truth in ways that are engaging, memorable, and biblically faithful.