Author Angeli Skalberg has released her second children's book, Bubs & Chubs Were Made for More, a story that follows two caterpillars as they discover that God created them for a purpose beyond their comfortable daily lives. The book, published by Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher in the Houston area, is now available and aims to help parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers introduce young readers to themes of faith, obedience, courage, and trusting God through uncertainty.
Bubs and Chubs are two happy caterpillars with a pretty good life: tasty green leaves to eat, warm sunshine to enjoy, and plenty of time to spend together. For Chubs, that is more than enough. He is perfectly content with life exactly as it is. But Bubs cannot shake one persistent question: Is there more? That simple question launches a journey of faith, courage, friendship, and transformation.
Deep in his heart, Bubs senses that Jesus created him for something greater. He does not know exactly what lies ahead, and following that gentle voice means leaving behind what is familiar and comfortable. Even when the journey feels frightening and uncertain, Bubs chooses to trust Jesus and move forward. Then something extraordinary begins to happen. As Bubs follows where Jesus leads, Chubs eventually discovers that he, too, was created for more.
Inspired by Proverbs 3:5–6 and its call to trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on our own understanding, the book gives adults an approachable way to begin conversations with children about faith, purpose, and trusting God. Skalberg writes, "Deep in his heart, Bubs feels that Jesus created him for something greater. Even when the journey feels scary and uncertain, Bubs chooses to listen to that gentle voice guiding him forward."
While children can enjoy the friendship, adventure, and transformation of Bubs and Chubs, the story carries a message that reaches beyond its young characters. Children are reminded that they do not have to know everything that will happen next in order to trust the One who does. The story also gently explores the tension between comfort and calling. Chubs represents the part of us that is happy to remain where life feels familiar, while Bubs wonders whether there might be something beyond what he can currently see. Neither knows exactly what the future holds, but Bubs discovers that trusting Jesus can open the door to a life he could never have imagined from his limited perspective.
At the center of the book is a simple message Skalberg hopes children will carry with them long after the final page: "You were MADE for MORE." For Skalberg, that message reflects a life shaped by faith, family, service, and a willingness to follow where God leads. She lives in the countryside outside a small rural town in Wyoming, where she and her husband of more than 30 years have built a life centered around family and serving others. Together, they have five children and many grandchildren.
Her heart for service has also taken her around the world, giving Skalberg opportunities to encounter different people, cultures, needs, and stories. Her own family journey became the inspiration for her first children's book, Baby Llama Has a New Mama, which was inspired by the adoption of the family's youngest daughter from Ethiopia. Now, with Bubs & Chubs Were Made for More, Skalberg continues writing stories that help children understand significant truths through characters and experiences that feel warm, memorable, and accessible.
Ultimately, Bubs and Chubs remind young readers that they may not always know where Jesus is leading them. They may feel uncertain. They may even be tempted to remain exactly where they are because it feels safe. But sometimes the greatest transformation begins with the courage to trust. And sometimes discovering that you were made for more begins simply by taking the next step.
