Press Kit

Short Bio:

Tina Shepardson writes children’s books that inspire lifelong reading, including Walkout (Clear Fork Publishing, 2020), Canines Unleashed (CFP, 2024), and The Sorry Seeds (Gnome Road Publishing, 2024). She also created and hosts the bimonthly podcast The Lil’ Leaders Podcast. She lives in Upstate New York with her family. Find her online at TinaShepardson.com or on Twitter @ShepardsonTina.

Longer Bio:

An award-winning teacher for 33 years, Tina was privileged to share her love of books with many students. She is the author of Walkout, a picture book, with Clear Fork Publishing (2020), Canines Unleashed, a middle grade book with CFP (2024), and The Sorry Seeds, a picture book, with Gnome Road Publishing (2024). Tina founded and hosts The Lil’ Leaders Podcast, a bimonthly podcast for young kids that celebrates the traits, experiences, and actions that make leaders effective. She is 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. When Tina, a winter enthusiast, isn’t writing, she enjoys Upstate New York and the Catskills with her husband, daughter, and two Akitas, one snowstorm at a time. Learn more about Tina at TinaShepardson.com.

Book Descriptions and Information:

WALKOUT

Illustrated by Terry Sirrell
Clear Fork Publishing, 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

CANINES UNLEASHED

COMING APRIL 18, 2024!

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