Love, Coffee Abound In Manchester Author's Children's Book

MANCHESTER, CT — A new children's book is out and it's based on the motto of a fixture in Downtown Manchester, written by a co-owner of that fixture.

A book launch is scheduled for Saturday at Silk City Coffee on Main Street at which Tammy Gerhard will introduce her book, "Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs." The central them of the book is "Love Coffee, Love People," which also happens to be the motto of the coffee shop, which oversees a community "needs" message board designed to help anyone with just about anything.

The book also centers around the question, "Can you love people who don't love the same things you do." A mom and daughter seek to answer that with the simplest every-day gestures of kindness and joy.

Their journey begins when the little girl has a difference of opinion, yet does not let that negatively impact the way she treats those who may not agree with her. She still spreads joy and kindness in the most practical ways, and it stands as a reminder to people young and old that love can be contagious in a world that desperately needs it.

Gerhard's experiences as a school counselor also influenced the book.

Saturday's book launch event will feature a meet-and-greet and signings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Silk City Coffee, 763 Main St. Live readings will take place at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and "Mr. Lobster" will present children's music from 4:15 to 5 p.m.

The book is illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawsam.