Reading with Tammi

While studying elementary education in college, Tammi’s professor pulled her aside and said, “You have a gift with words. You should pursue publication.” Tammi’s childhood dream was to be a 3rd grade teacher. Though she was an avid journaler and loved writing, she’d never considered it as a career. Tammi says, “Knowing that she believed in me put me on a new path. Those few words changed my life.” 

Writing for Kids While Raising Kids

Tammi became a pre-k teacher and later a library media specialist as she continued writing on the side. With two children at home, Tammi left teaching to become a stay-at-home mom. This is when her writing came alive. During their afternoon nap, Tammi would research and write. No laundry or phone calls, magazines or TV shows. Tammi explains, “I think it’s really important for moms to have something that is all their own. I had to put the time in to be successful.”

Inspiration came from everywhere as she raised two kids in Edmond. Ideas presented themselves through pets and family outings, and memories resurfaced from her own childhood living on a farm in a small town. Once, inspiration even came knocking at her door the time a young boy came selling newspapers to raise money for “Cowboy Camp”, which became the title of a book.

A Bunch of Books

Tammi’s newest book “Not Now Cow” debuts April 6th, making it her 30th picture book with 8 more on the way. She has traveled the Edmond school circuit in addition to schools around the country, public libraries and Disney World reading her stories to children. Tammi’s books have earned numerous and noteworthy awards. Though flattering and advantageous to her career, there is no greater reward than captivating a child as she reads her books aloud. She once received a note from a child that said: You make me light up like Christmas lights. Tammi says, “As I walk down the hall, kids see me as a celebrity, waving and saying ‘There’s Tammi Sauer!’” She has shifted to virtual classroom visits during the pandemic and looks forward to the opportunity to get back to reading in person.

When asked how to encourage kids to read, Tammi says, “Parents can show their kids how to love reading by setting aside dedicated reading time for it or even by letting their kids catch them reading.” Tammi’s books cover broad topics. She suggests finding topics that interest kids and choosing books that foster that will encourage a love for reading, too. Best of Books in Edmond was one of Tammi’s earliest supporters and has a wall dedicated to her books.

Read Across Oklahoma

Read Across Oklahoma is a reading event for young children held each year in April, National Reading Month. This year, 1800 copies of “Wordy Birdy” will be distributed to preschool children across the state. Tammi says, “This is a great way to get books in little hands.” This is the fourth book that has been chosen as a theme for the initiative. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will host a virtual event this year and distribute books to children visiting on April 13th while supplies last.
Visit www.tammisauer.com and find her on social media to stay up to date on Tammi’s newest releases.