Interview: Jenn Gaulding
- Little Thoughts Press
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Jenn Gaulding is a math and science educator and a picture book writer who believes even small exchanges of empathy and kindness make the world a better place. Jenn lives near Atlanta, GA, and is a member of the 12x12 Picture Book Challenge and SCBWI. In 2025, her short stories and poems were selected as finalists or runners-up in several kidlit writing competitions, including Valentiny, Spring Fling, SunWriteFun, and Halloweensie. Visit her at JennGaulding.com and on Instagram @jenngauldingbooks and BlueSky @jenngauldingbooks.bsky.social.
Little Thoughts Press: Your poem “Before My School” was inspired by the real-life Miss Debbie, the crossing guard at your children’s school! First off, can you tell us more about the real Miss Debbie? Does she know you wrote a poem for her?
Jenn Gaulding: Yes, my poem was inspired by one of the superheroes in my real life, Ms. Debbie. She has been a staple at my kids’ elementary school for over a decade now; can you imagine the difference a person can make when they are the first adult to greet a child each morning before school and the last one to tell them goodbye each afternoon?
Though some parts of the poem are exaggerated with the intent of capturing Ms. Debbie’s impact, other parts of the poem are true. She really brings her dogs (first Rufus and now Jasper) to greet the children each morning, and the high schoolers in our neighborhood still talk about Ms. Debbie’s Popcorn Days!
Ms. Debbie did not know that I wrote a poem that she inspired… until it was published! We purchased a copy of Little Thoughts Press, Issue 12 just for her, though. My daughter and I wrapped it up and presented it to her just before winter break this year. Ms. Debbie seemed to be very touched by it, and my daughter snapped a photo of us to remember the moment.
Little Thoughts Press: And second, how often do the people and experiences from your everyday life feature in your writing? What are some additional sources of inspiration or sparks for your creativity?
Jenn Gaulding: Noticing how the people around me think and feel about big events, tiny moments, and everything in between inspires almost all of my writing. I’m lucky to be a mom and a teacher, so of course, my children, their friends, and my students definitely spark new story ideas nearly every day.
Little Thoughts Press: Crossing guards are a wonderful example of people in our communities whose work and presence make our communities safer, more pleasant and better connected. Can you offer young readers some more examples of community members whose everyday acts of care and assistance help to make the world better? What is your advice for how we can all do a better job of recognizing and celebrating small acts of kindness, empathy and care in our lives and our communities?
Jenn Gaulding: There are so many community members whose actions make the world a better place, but I would say, it’s not so much what you do in this world as it is how you do it. There are people who show up to do their jobs and get their work done, and that’s fine. But then there are people who show up to do their jobs but then go above and beyond what’s required – those are the difference makers! Maybe you serve food at a restaurant, and you go the extra mile to find and contact a customer who has left a treasured item behind — that makes a difference. Or, you are a dental hygienist, and you take time to explain to your nervous patient how your tools work, sound, taste, and feel before beginning to clean their teeth — that matters, too.
For me, it always comes back to that golden rule — consider what others may be feeling, and respond to them with the empathy and kindness that you would want to receive if you were walking in their shoes. And when someone is kind to you, make sure to tell them that you noticed their efforts and appreciate it. Using the words “thank you” and calling the person who helped you by name can go a long way!
Little Thoughts Press: Our Better Together issue is all about community and people working together to make the world a better place. What are some actions, big or small, that you take to help make the world better? Are there any organizations that are doing good, important work that you want to shout out?
Jenn Gaulding: One of our family’s favorite annual traditions is to countdown to Christmas with our beloved kindness calendar. For the first 25 days of December, we challenge ourselves to complete an act of kindness each day. Some days have small challenges, like giving someone a genuine compliment or holding the door for another person. Other days have larger challenges, like hosting a drive where we collect canned goods for our local food pantry and make holiday cards for residents at a nearby senior center.
Because of our kindness calendar, we’ve met and served alongside the Galucki family, creators of the Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience, located in Norcross, GA. The Galucki family found a way to combine their passions — for model trains and for helping neighbors — and create an exhibit with a lasting impact. Their elaborate collection of model trains and tiny villages is open to the public each weekend in December. Ticket sales have climbed with each of the four years the Galucki family has opened their display, and all proceeds go directly to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, a non-profit that supports low-income and homeless families with food, clothing, medical expenses, housing assistance, and more. I just love when people find creative ways to use their own interests and passions to help others – everyone benefits!
Another organization that is near and dear to my heart is The SebiStrong Foundation, which works to support families who have recently been diagnosed with childhood cancer. Soon, I am hoping to share a story I’ve written about the incredible family behind this foundation!
Little Thoughts Press: How did you get started writing kid-lit and what do you find most challenging and rewarding about writing for kids?
Jenn Gaulding: I actually started writing kid-lit after my daughters published eBooks about their favorite holiday traditions through a competition offered by our local library. It seemed like so much fun that I decided to try to write my own story (and, you guessed it, I wrote about our Christmas kindness calendar!). I’ve been hooked ever since!
For me, the most rewarding part about creating picture books is finding and spotlighting those small moments of truth that matter to kids. The hardest part, though, is figuring out how to place those moments within the context of a story that has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
Little Thoughts Press: Which kid-lit authors and books were your favorites growing up?
Jenn Gaulding: Even as a kid, I was captivated by stories with rhythm. Well before I could actually read, I would remember and recite stories that were read aloud to me, which made them so accessible and fun. The first book I could “read” was the classic Madeline. I also loved The Night Before Christmas and Shel Silverstein’s collection of poems in Where The Sidewalk Ends.
Little Thoughts Press: And what about today? Any kid-lit writers you love and want to shout out?
Jenn Gaulding: There are so many! But I especially love picture books by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Katrina Moore, which are often written in perfect rhyme and meter and so full of heart.
Little Thoughts Press: What advice would you give to young writers?
Jenn Gaulding: Notice. Notice the little moments of life that make your world turn. Notice the moments that make the kids around you (or the kid inside you) feel big feelings. Then, write them all down.
Little Thoughts Press: Is there anything else you wish I had asked? Any upcoming projects, publications, or other news you'd like to share?
Jenn Gaulding: This year, I’m excited to keep creating new drafts and polishing current stories, but I am also ready to start querying in the hope of finding an agent who can help me publish my stories. I am always eager to meet others in this kidlit community. Please feel free to reach out and connect!
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