Grab a cozy cup of cocoa (or coffee if that's your thing!) and get ready for an inspiring chat with Tammy Gerhard, the author of the delightful children's books "Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs" and her new "I Love My Community" activity book. Tammy joined us to share the story behind this heartwarming tale and talk about her mission to spread kindness and empathy through her work. Tammy's book follows a young girl who loves cocoa but isn't a fan of coffee - sound familiar? The story explores how she learns to show love and acceptance to the people around her, even when they don't see eye-to-eye. It's a powerful message for these divisive times, and Tammy has a real gift for conveying it in a gentle, relatable way. But Tammy's impact goes beyond the page - she's also the owner of Silk City Coffee Shop, a cozy community hub in Manchester, Connecticut. This isn't your average coffee joint; it's a place where people from all walks of life can come together, connect, and find common ground, no matter their differences. Tammy and her team have made it their mission to create a warm, welcoming space that brings out the best in everyone. As we chatted, it was clear that Tammy's passion for building bridges and nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders is at the heart of everything she does. She's not just selling books and serving up lattes - she's planting seeds of kindness that will hopefully blossom into a more understanding, empathetic world. So the next time you're in the mood for a good read (and a great cup of coffee), be sure to check out Tammy's work. Who knows - it just might inspire you to start your own community-building adventure!