Meet Adrienne Coleman | Children’s Book Author, Mom, Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrienne Coleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrienne, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Working hard in a way that feels good, balanced, as well as pushing fear aside, and following my dreams is one of the most important things I feel I’ve done as a parent that will hopefully leave a positive impact on my children.

I was an elementary teacher for 18 years, and I am a mom to three amazing teenage boys who all attended the same elementary school that I taught at over the years. Three years ago I chose to leave the education world, I knew it was time, and at the same time I had zero idea of what I wanted to do next. It was quite liberating and terrifying at the same time.

My boys saw me love my job as teacher, loved connecting with my students and their families, having FUN inspiring, connecting, and educating my students every single day, but overtime maintaining the level of teacher awesomeness that I strived for each day, was draining me, and sadly left not much, for my boys, my family, or myself. I was at a crossroads in my career, in life really, and I chose ME, my boys, my family.

Over the past three years there definitely have been ups and downs, questioning myself, what’s next for me, questioning if I am showing up as my boys’ mom in the best way I can.

Slowly it came to me; ideas flowed in. I started writing down “silly” little sentences, ideas, characters, that made me smile, caused me to laugh out loud. And before I knew it I had written book 1 in my children’s picture book series, “Tilly and Billy’s Silly Adventures,” and it felt oh so GOOD!!!!!

Over the past year and a half I have pushed fear aside, even when it was absolutely terrifying, as I continued to create more silly, Tilly and Billy stories, as I submitted manuscripts to multiple publishers, as I continued to write, slowly sharing my ideas, my hopes and dreams, with family and friends, as I signed my first contract to have my first children’s book published, as I promoted my book on social media, even though at times, “I am cringe.” I continue to share my hopes and dreams, my determination, my belief in myself. I pushed uncomfortableness aside, as I read my book aloud to friends, family, strangers, as I e-mail elementary principals inquiring about having me visit as a guest author, as I called, e-mailed, physically went into local businesses promoting my book, promoting ME.

My boys hopefully have seen their mom pivot, stumble, doubt herself, change directions again, as well as get back up and try, try again. This I sure as heck, hope has a wonderfully positive impact on my boys’ lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I as an elementary teacher for 18 years, I stepped away from teaching three years ago, it was something I absolutely knew I needed to do, and yet I had no idea what I wanted to do next in life. Figuring out what was next for me has definitely been challenging and scary at times, but also unbelievably freeing!!

In the fall of 2022 I began writing “silly little” stories, ideas that just came to me. The ideas literally popped into my mind at the most random times. I didn’t know where this would lead me, but as soon as the ideas came to me I jotted them down and started creating my first children’s picture book series. It felt “easy” and fun, so I went with it!!

I began submitting my first ever children’s book manuscript to multiple publishing firms in hopes of one day being a published children’s author. In March of 2023 I signed my first contract with a publishing firm and then on July 19, 2024 my first children’s book, “Tilly and Billy’s Silly Adventures,” was published!!

I am so excited to use my 18 years of experience as an elementary teacher to share my story, which is book 1 of what I hope becomes a children’s picture book series, in a fun and meaningful way with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My family and I moved to Longmont, CO from Anchorage, Alaska (which is my home state) 9 years ago, and we absolutely LOVE living here!!

When family and friends visit some of my go-to places are…..

Restaurants-pretty much any place on Main Street in Longmont is fabulous!! But some of my fav joints are, 99 Bar Saloon, their burgers and pickle shots, yes please!! Also, The Roost, their steak frites & bangin’ cauliflower is to die for!! Martini’s Bistro just off of Main Street, and a brand new place, Teocalli Cocina, an upscale, Mexican restaurant, so good!!

Trails….getting outdoors as much as I can is a top priority of mine. I love walking along the trails at Bella Crossing (Hygiene, CO), Golden Ponds in Longmont. Hiking the Mount Sanitas trail in Boulder or of course exploring the many trails at Chautauqua Park in Boulder as well. Another go-to hiking spot of mine is Rabbit Mountain in Lyons, CO. If I am down in Colorado Springs visiting family, a trip to Gardens of the Gods is a must, and if I’m looking to challenge myself I’ll take on the Manitou Springs Incline; what spectactular views you’ll find at the very top!!

Activities- since I am a mom of three, most of the activities my friends/family and I partake in, include child-friendly locations. Swimming and paddle boarding at Union Reservoir in Longmont is always a good time, and guarantees absolutely gorgeous mountain and farmland views. Taking in a Rockies baseball game in downtown Denver is always quite the experience, as well as driving up to Estes Park to admire the stunning mountains and explore the Stanley Hotel, for some Shining vibes is fun! Taking a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is a childhood fav of my boys.

For a delicious coffee, tasty homemade treats and tons of local finds, stopping by the Mountain Fountain in Hygiene, CO is the perfect spot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Jackson Coleman. He supported me 100% when I knew that I needed to step away from teaching, when I had no clue what I wanted to do next, when I finally shared that I wanted to be a published children’s book author, but didn’t really know what that would look like. He has supported me on this journey of mine, as well as solely provide for our family financially, these past three years. I couldn’t not be where I am today without his support.

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