Press Kit

Short Bio:

Tina Shepardson is an award-winning author and award-winning teacher who writes children’s books that inspire a lifelong love of reading, including Walkout, The Sorry Seeds—a Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite, 2025—and Canines Unleashed. She created and hosts the bimonthly Lil’ Leaders Podcast: Conversations with Kids, and contributes to Inspiring Minds Magazine, creating articles that help families and kids build leadership skills. Tina lives in Upstate New York with her family. Find her online at TinaShepardson.com or on Instagram @thelilleaderspodcast.

Longer Bio:

An award-winning teacher of 33 years and an award-winning author who has shared her love of books with countless students, Tina Shepardson is the author of the picture books Walkout and The Sorry Seeds—a 2025 Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite—as well as Canines Unleashed: Hank’s New Pack, a middle-grade chapter book.

Tina is the founder and host of The Lil’ Leaders Podcast: Conversations with Kids, a bimonthly show that spotlights young leaders by celebrating their traits, experiences, and everyday actions. Each episode ends with picture book recommendations connected to the child’s interview. She contributes to Inspiring Minds Magazine, creating articles that help families and kids build leadership skills. She is also an active member of 12×12, a volunteer with SCBWI’s West/Central Upstate Region, a Rate Your Story judge, and a Book Buddy literacy volunteer in the Syracuse City School District.

A winter enthusiast, Tina enjoys life in Upstate New York and the Catskills with her husband, daughter, and two Akitas—one snowstorm at a time. Learn more at TinaShepardson.com.

Book Descriptions and Information:

WALKOUT

Illustrated by Terry Sirrell
Clear Fork Press, September 8, 2020
ISBN#: 978-1-910169-27-6

Description: Inspired by a true story, Walkout shows democracy in action as Maddie organizes a safe school’s anti-violence walkout. Other kids throughout the States are walking out. But Maddie’s principal has announced that only older grades can participate. At the same time, Maddie’s best friend Stella is too scared to help. Can Stella find her courage and join Maddie in walking out?

Themes: friendship, advocacy, courage, empathy, teamwork, school safety

THE SORRY SEEDS

Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorite, 2025

Illustrated by Bong Hyun Shin
Gnome Road Publishing, October 8, 2024
ISBN#: 978-1957655307

Description: When first-grader Courtney is caught taking an apple from her neighbor’s tree without permission, she wonders how she can make things right again and apologize in a way that shows how she feels in her heart. And since her neighbor is also her teacher, she will have to figure it out by morning. Tossing and turning throughout the night, Courtney realizes it’s not always easy to find a way to authentically say she’s sorry to someone she cares about. Fortunately, an idea takes root and gives Courtney the courage to bring an apology to fruition.

Themes: social-emotional learning, self-discovery, honesty, being responsible, apologizing, forgiveness, making mistakes

CANINES UNLEASHED

Illustrated by Alvina Kwong
Clear Fork Press, November 19, 2024
ISBN#: 979-8336923353

Description: Hank, an Akita, finds himself in Canines Unleashed, a doggie daycare, when his owner starts kindergarten. He is nervous about this new adventure. How will he surf the kitchen counter for crumbs after lunch? Hank must find a way to face his fears, take responsibility for his actions and accept new challenges he never experienced in his once sheltered world. Follow the real Hank on Instagram @hank_madeleine.

Themes: starting somewhere new, social-emotional learning, self-discovery, connecting with adults, friendship