Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Today, we were able to get with Shane Svorec, the author of three enchanting novels for young readers. An earlier book, Broken Little Believer, was chosen as one of 2022’s best new Indie books and a gold winner by the Nonfiction Book Association. Her latest, the Mom’s Choice Award-winning Acorn Adventures, is a beautiful testament to the resilience of nature while drawing a parallel to children of all ages. Like the little acorn, with love and persistence we all find where we belong and have a story of how we got there. Acorn Adventures gives new kids in class the comfort of knowing that new places can be friendly, that feelings of not belonging won’t last forever, and the reassurance that change can be very positive.

MCA: Shane, we’re so glad you could join us today! To start off the interview, please tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong writer who was humbled by becoming an award-winning author a few years ago. I have published two additional books and am working on my fourth. As someone who grew up traveling in a VW bus across the country, my background includes a lot of different experiences and interests. I have always been drawn to people and have found myself in fields (nursing, teaching, and sales) because of my love of people and passion for making a difference while forming meaningful relationships. All the while, I found writing to be my favorite pastime. I had no idea that something I viewed as a hobby would become my career.

When I’m not writing, visiting schools, speaking to various groups, or advocating for children and animals, you can find me outdoors enjoying nature and wildlife and being active. I am a proud mother of three children and a few fur babies, and I enjoy spending time with my husband outdoors, exploring new places, and trying new things. I am known as “The Look Up Girl” because of my tendency to look up at the sky and search for goodness in the world.

MCA: With such a rich and varied background, please tell us what your path to becoming a writer was like. What inspired you?

I have always been an observer of the world. I am a seeker and a pursuer of truth. Since I spent so much of my life traveling, I have, literally and figuratively, had a backseat view of the world around me. Fascinated with human nature and wanting to find solutions to situations, I have found writing to be the easiest and most productive way for me to express myself and bridge the gaps of misunderstandings. I was exposed to a lot of arguing and heated environments as a child and teen, and I struggled to find a way to help those around me and offer understanding. From an early age, I watched as misunderstandings led to severed relationships, anger led to hate, and bitterness and resentment led to unhappiness. Writing was my outlet, therapy, and vehicle to reach others who needed perspective, peace, and the promise of brighter days. Hearing that my words helped or healed others became a big part of my inspiration.

MCA: How wonderful that you were able to turn your experiences into a way to reach—and help—others. What was your motivation for writing Acorn Adventures?

Acorn Adventures is my third book, and I felt many could relate to it. My motivation for writing it came from a collection of personal experiences that illuminated the power of resilience and the beauty of change.

MCA: What are some of the key lessons found in the book?

This stand-alone book showcases the many life lessons that nature models for us—enduring change and overcoming challenges, finding people and places that nurture us, and embracing our own personal growth and transformation. Though it is written for young readers, it contains messages that readers of all ages enjoy and appreciate.

Some of the key lessons found in this book are uncovered when readers reflect on the resilience of nature, the beauty of change, and the joy of unexpected growth. A mighty oak grows from a small, vulnerable, and fragile acorn — but not without challenges and obstacles. This book shows that new faces and unfamiliar places help us grow and become the best we can be. For the readers who have nurtured and protected their acorns and are now watching them bud, the lesson of letting go to allow them to grow also exists.

MCA: Those are wonderful messages! Tell us, what kind of response from readers have you received?

Young readers have fallen in love with the characters and illustrations in the book and have shared with me stories of acorns they have found and cared for. They are fascinated by the “journey” that the acorn goes on and excited to read about the friends made along the way. Parents and older readers have said they were touched by the parallels that reminded them of their children and how they, like the acorn, are growing and changing. Readers of all ages have shared with me that it’s a heartwarming story with a beautiful message.

MCA: With such a positive response, I imagine you have other projects in the works. What’s next for your writing endeavors?

I am currently working on my fourth book, which will be for an older reader. I am very excited about this next book, as it will be unique in many ways.  

MCA: Thanks again for joining us today, Shane. We’re delighted that these remarkable books have captivated so many readers, and wish you the very best!