Tammy Gerhard Weaves Empathy and Connection into Heartfelt Children’s Books
PHOTO: Tammy Gerhard, author of Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs, shares her mission to inspire kindness and connection through heartfelt stories.
Championing Kindness and Emotional GrowthBy Tammy Gerhard
Tammy Gerhard combines her counseling experience and passion for storytelling to create children’s books that foster emotional growth, empathy, and meaningful connections for readers of all ages.
Tammy Gerhard is carving out a uniquely heartfelt space in children’s literature by blending her background in counseling with her gift for storytelling. Her books are more than delightful tales; they are rich in empathy and kindness, offering tools to help children and adults alike connect, understand emotions, and nurture a world filled with compassion.
As the author of the award-winning debut Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs, Tammy’s stories are inspired by the everyday warmth of community moments, including her life as the co-owner of the beloved Silk City Coffee. There, their motto, “Love Coffee, Love People,” transcends the world of coffee into the core themes of her writing. Through Anavah Publishing, her independent press, Tammy is building a literary legacy rooted in the values of connection and kindness.
Tammy Gerhard inspires children and adults alike with her heartfelt books, embedding kindness and compassion into emotionally rich stories.
Transitioning from her work as a school counselor to children’s author was a step Tammy says “feels natural,” though unanticipated. Her counseling role provided insights into the rich emotional worlds of children, while life as a parent to three children offered daily lessons in navigating empathy and growth. Now, she channels these experiences into writing stories that highlight the challenges and joys of bridging emotions and relationships.
The Heart Behind the Stories
When asked about the inspiration behind her debut book, Tammy shared how Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs originated in the community built around her coffee shop. “The book was born from the heart of our shop, where simple acts of kindness—like sharing a warm drink—illustrate how we can bridge divides.” For Tammy, the story is a gentle reminder that kindness is a universal balm, “no matter our differences.”
“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
Tammy’s stories resonate with readers because of their relatable and universal themes, often set in the ordinary moments of life: a quiet cup of cocoa, a heartfelt conversation, or even navigating disagreements. These moments are brimming with the opportunities for connection that Tammy weaves so seamlessly into her books.
When asked how her experiences as a counselor inform her writing, she explained, “As a counselor, I saw how much kids are capable of understanding when they have the language to explore their feelings.” Whether it’s resolving a conflict between characters or addressing fears, Tammy embodies a mission to create safe literary spaces that engage children and their grown-ups in meaningful dialogue.
“Whether 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,” Tammy shared.
Building Emotional Growth Through Storytelling
Tammy’s approach to embedding kindness and compassion in her stories is both creative and intentional. Her books are emotionally rich, their lessons grounded in everyday experiences that are accessible for younger readers. To engage children further, her books pair rhythmic, expressive writing with vibrant illustrations from Hiruni Kariyawasam, creating layered experiences that children “not only hear, but feel deeply.”
“My hope is to spark empathy, invite conversation, and encourage kids to love people well—especially when it’s messy,” she says. This philosophy extends beyond her books to her coffee shop, where she fosters connection by supporting her community and employees with kindness at its core.
A Journey Redefining Roles
For Tammy, transitioning from counseling to children’s literature was not just a career pivot but an extension of her life’s calling. Though she imagined retiring as a school counselor, a new opportunity arose when two of her former students, now adults, invited her to fulfill a shared dream of opening a coffee shop in their hometown of Manchester, Connecticut. This endeavor marked a departure from her initial plans but ultimately became the catalyst for blending her professional expertise with her creative voice.
Reflecting on her journey, Tammy admits that leaving counseling wasn’t easy. However, she has continually discovered ways to bring her counseling skills into new roles, from supporting coffee shop patrons to leading a diverse team. “I realized the role may have changed, but the heart behind it hasn’t: to help others feel seen, valued, and cared for.”
What’s Next for Tammy Gerhard?
Tammy’s latest release, I Love My Community Kids Activity Book, is a companion to her debut story. This interactive workbook engages children with activities like puzzles, coloring pages, and even postcards for connecting with their neighbors. Tammy is excited about not just telling stories but creating opportunities for young readers to live them out.
She is also currently developing a new picture book series centered around her cat, King. Known for his playful personality, King will play a starring role in books focused on social-emotional learning, exploring themes like conflict resolution, understanding emotions, and embracing differences. With King’s charisma leading the way, Tammy plans to introduce children to important lessons through stories brimming with love and curiosity.
While Tammy also writes for adults on themes of encouragement and faith, children’s books hold a special place in her heart. Her signature combination of emotional depth, relatability, and warmth has made her work powerful tools for connection across generations.
“Whether through a curious cat named King or a cup of cocoa, I hope my readers are inspired to love their communities a little more deeply,” she says. “At the end of the day, every book is meant to be a tool—for connection, for empathy, for growth.”
Tammy Gerhard continues to craft stories that bridge worlds and invite readers to be their best selves, one page at a time. For children and adults alike, her books remain a reminder of the power of empathy and the transformative effect of a kind and open heart.
Editor’s Note: Tammy Gerhard’s books, including her latest activity book, are available through Anavah Publishing. You can learn more about her work by visiting Silk City Coffee or diving into her stories, where every page invites you to boldly “Love Coffee, Love People.”
