Welcome Author Tina Shepardson – Giveaway Alert

I’m happy to welcome my long-time author and teacher friend Tina Shepardson as we celebrate her book birthday! Tina and I met (virtually) in our debut picture book promotion group in 2019 and have stayed in touch ever since. We’ve chatted and bonded over our love of our daughters and our dogs, the challenges of teaching and publishing, and the importance of making children feel seen and heard. Tina hosts a wonderful podcast since she left the classroom which just began its second season. Today her book, THE SORRY SEEDS, illustrated by Bong Hyun Shin and published by Gnome Road is out in the world! Yay, a book birthday so that means we can all have cake for breakfast, and since THE SORRY SEEDS features an apple at the core of the story (pun intended) I am having an apple cake with brown sugar crumble on top. THE SORRY SEEDS is the story of a little girl who takes an apple and needs to figure out how to apologize. Readers go through the emotional journey of how an apology helps both the one making the apology and the one receiving it.

Tina is offering one lucky winner two prizes: a copy of THE SORRY SEEDS (US only) and a classroom zoom visit! Please comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway.

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

That’s a great question! Growing up, I adored books, dolls, and my Easy Bake Oven. I spent countless weekends immersed in my favorite series, Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel and The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I loved playing with Barbies and Dawn Dolls, especially since my mother made all their clothes, keeping them stylishly dressed. And nothing compared to the joy of making a tiny chocolate cake in my Easy Bake Oven—mixing the powder, adding water, and watching it bake through the small window. I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of sharing those cakes!

What inspires you?

People truly inspire me. Whether it’s reading their stories in autobiographies, seeing them in the news or on social media, or meeting them in person and having a conversation, I find inspiration in their experiences. These stories broaden my perspective, help me find appreciation even in challenging moments, and give me the courage to move forward when fear holds me back. Age doesn’t matter—all stories inspire me in every age and stage of life.

What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

I hope the takeaway is that no matter how tough a situation may feel in the moment, there’s always a way to navigate through it and find a solution. What’s most important is that your actions come from who you are and what’s in your heart, whether it’s standing up for what you believe in or finding the right way to apologize to someone you’ve hurt.

What’s next for you?

In 2025, CANINES UNLEASHED, a middle-grade novel, will be released. In the story, Hank, an Akita, finds himself in a doggie daycare called Canines Unleashed when his owner starts kindergarten. I’m starting to write a new chapter book manuscript and will be taking a course at the Highlights Foundation in November to support this new project. Season 2 of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast: Conversations With Kids kicks off on September 4th. This summer has been busy recording some wonderful kids, and I look forward to sharing their stories.
To find out more about Tina’s books, podcast and events:

Twitter: @ShepardsonTina 

Facebook: Tina Shepardson

Instagram: @thelilleaderspodcast 

Website: www.TinaShepardson.com