Tammy Gerhard Inspires with Tales of Kindness and Connection
PHOTO: Tammy Gerhard, inspiring author, in her element, surrounded by the warmth of her outside of her favorite locations – at a writers retreat at Camp of the Woods in upstate New York. Photo by Marla Darius
Children’s Literature That Bridges Hearts
Tammy Gerhard blends her counseling background with writing, crafting children’s books imbued with empathy and kindness, offering meaningful tools for connecting and understanding emotions for readers of all ages.
Tammy Gerhard, a distinguished author in the realm of children’s literature, has a unique talent for weaving empathy, kindness, and connection into narratives that touch hearts across generations. As the creative mind behind award-winning stories, such as her celebrated debut “Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs,” Tammy has masterfully crafted tales that inspire warmth and nurturing through everyday moments. Her dedication to these themes is evident not only in her writing but also in her endeavors as the co-owner of Silk City Coffee and founder of Anavah Publishing, where her life’s mission to “Love Coffee, Love People” shines through.
In this exclusive feature for Mosaic Digest magazine, we delve into Tammy’s journey from school counseling to children’s literature. Her stories are imbued with the compassion and insight she garnered from her experiences as a counselor and mother of three. Through her narrative art, Tammy fosters a world where both young readers and adults learn to navigate their emotions, understand empathy, and bridge human connections with grace and love.
Tammy’s forthcoming projects continue to build on her legacy of heartwarming storytelling, as she gears up to introduce new characters and series that propel her commitment to social-emotional learning. Mosaic Digest magazine is proud to showcase such an inspiring voice, whose literary contributions continue to shape a kinder and more connected world. Tammy Gerhard’s books are more than stories; they are essential tools for cultivating empathy and love in children and adults alike, igniting conversations that resonate far beyond the final page.
Tammy Gerhard beautifully integrates compassion and storytelling, creating invaluable narratives inspiring kindness and empathy in both young readers and adults alike.
“Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs” beautifully captures the warmth of everyday moments. What inspired you to write this story, and how do you hope it resonates with readers?
“Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs” was born from the heart of our community at the coffee shop I co-own, Silk City Coffee, where our motto is “Love Coffee Love People.” As the head of our shop’s charitable giving and community engagement program, I’ve witnessed how simple acts of kindness—like sharing a warm drink or offering a smile—can bridge divides and foster unity. My hope is that readers, both young and old, will see themselves in this story and be inspired to extend love and kindness in their own communities. It’s a gentle reminder that, despite our differences, we can all contribute to a more compassionate world.
“My hope is that readers, both young and old, will see themselves in this story and be inspired to extend love and kindness in their own communities.” – Tammy Gerhard
Your background as a counselor and parent influences your storytelling. How have your personal experiences shaped the themes and lessons in your children’s books?
My background has been foundational to the way I approach storytelling. Working closely with children and families has shown me how deeply kids feel and how much they’re capable of understanding when given the space and language to explore their emotions. As a counselor, I’ve seen how important it is for children to feel safe, seen, and loved, especially in moments of conflict or difference. That insight naturally finds its way into my writing.
“As a parent, I’ve walked through the everyday challenges and joys of guiding our children’s hearts—navigating big feelings, learning empathy, and growing through mistakes.” – Tammy Gerhard
As a parent, I’ve walked through the everyday challenges and joys of guiding our children’s hearts—navigating big feelings, learning empathy, and growing through mistakes. My stories often reflect those real moments: teaching kids how to be kind even when it’s hard, moving with gentleness and curiosity toward differences of opinion, and how to stay rooted in love. Whether it’s through a cozy coffee shop conversation or a disagreement between characters, my goal is to offer tools for connection, compassion, and grace—for children and the grownups reading with them.
Instilling values like kindness and compassion is central to your work. What strategies do you employ to weave these lessons into narratives that are both engaging and accessible to young readers?
To help kindness and compassion resonate with young readers, I focus on telling emotionally rich stories grounded in everyday moments—like sharing cocoa, bridging differences, or noticing someone who feels left out. These relatable scenes make big lessons feel natural and accessible.
I use rhythm, warmth, and, with the help of illustrator, Hiruni Kariyawasam, expressive illustrations to draw kids in, creating stories they can feel—not just hear. As a parent, former counselor, and coffee shop owner, I know the power of connection. Whether on the page or in real life, I aim to create safe spaces that spark empathy, invite conversation, and encourage kids to love people well, even when it’s messy.
Transitioning from counseling to writing children’s literature is a unique path. What motivated this shift, and what challenges and rewards have you encountered along the way?
The transition from school counseling to writing children’s books was unexpected, but it feels like a natural extension of my calling. I had always planned to retire as a counselor, but when two of my former students—now married and dear friends—shared my dream of opening a coffee shop in our town, I knew this could be something special. We served our community together when they were students, and Silk City Coffee became a way to continue that work.
While writing an adult non-fiction book about being a safe, welcoming space for others, the idea for Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs came to me like a vision. I realized those same values—empathy, kindness, connection—could be shared with children. With my counseling background, I know how powerful it is to plant those seeds early and create space for emotional growth and meaningful conversations.
Leaving counseling was hard, but owning a coffee shop draws on many of the same skills: noticing people’s needs, asking good questions, listening well, and supporting others. I also use those skills to care for our staff, working to build a healthy, connected team.
The greatest reward has been seeing the ripple effect—families gathering in the shop, kids engaging with the story, and communities growing kinder. The role may have changed, but the heart behind it hasn’t: to love people well and help build spaces where everyone feels seen and cared about.
Looking ahead, are there particular topics or messages you’re eager to explore in future books, and what can your readers anticipate next from you?
Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about the stories and messages still waiting to be shared. I recently released the I Love My Community Kids Activity Book, a 45+ page companion to Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs that includes mazes, puzzles, coloring pages, stickers, and postcards all centered around caring for your community and the people in it. It invites children to put themselves in the story, encouraging them to become bridge-builders in their own neighborhoods. It’s a hands-on way to extend the heart of the original story and spark meaningful action in everyday life.
I’m also working on a brand-new picture book series starring my cat, King—who makes cameo appearances in my first two books. This upcoming series will continue my commitment to social-emotional learning in ways that are sweet, accessible, and full of heart. Using King’s curious, playful personality, I hope to explore topics like understanding emotions, resolving conflict, and engaging differences through a lens of kindness and connection.
While I still enjoy writing for adults around themes of encouragement, faith, and living loved, writing for children fills a very special place in my heart. I often say that I’m not just creating children’s books—I’m crafting picture books with important themes for kids of all ages. Stories that speak to little ones, yes—but also invite grownups into deeper conversations and reflection.
At the end of the day, I want every book to be a tool—for connection, for empathy, for growth. Whether through sharing a cup of cocoa, a curious cat named King, or a heartfelt conversation sparked by a coloring page, I hope all of my readers feel inspired to love their communities a little more deeply.
