ROOTED: A Seedling’s Journey received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Tammy Cranston.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
ROOTED: A Seedling’s Journey was published September 9, 2024
What’s the book’s first line?
“I look at the tall trees around me and dream that someday, someone will look up to me.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey follows the life of a young seedling with a big dream. Guided by Grandpa Oakey, his journey is fraught with physical discomforts, drought, and terrifying storms threatening to uproot him. However, the real test comes when he faces a devastating loss that pushes him to find his voice and strength. It’s a tale of growth, maturity, and perseverance in facing life’s most difficult challenges.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
My first inspiration occurred when I shopped for a book about trees to give my great-niece when she turned four. That was more than a decade ago! I remember feeling sad when I left the bookstore because I did not find what I was looking for. ‘Depending on the species, trees outlive humans, so what stories they could tell,’ I thought.
Living in the country also inspired me. Noticing the many seedlings in the forest, I thought, ‘They want to become tall, massive oaks someday, but unfortunately, not all of them will survive or thrive.’ This, along with the multiple losses I’ve endured, prompted the direction of my book. Why do we thrive? Isn’t it because someone encouraged us, set an example for us, believed in us, and brought out the best in us until we found our way?
What’s the main reason someone should read this book?
It’s an inspiring, relatable book about growth, challenges, and perseverance that lead to purpose. Discussion questions prompt introspection and dialogue between the reader and the child.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who would you say the character reminds you of?
Resilience and growth are distinctive characteristics of the main character, the Seedling. In an autobiographical sense, the Seedling reminds me of myself. Like the Seedling, challenges helped me find my voice and purpose.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Why Not Me? (an inspirational memoir of the cancer journey with my deceased spouse) published by Teach Services, Inc., is the first book I wrote. However, this is my first children’s book.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My life experiences, especially multiple losses, motivate me to help others through challenging times.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I would have loved to have been the author of Charlotte’s Web.