Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About You Are a Gardener®
Q: What is You Are a Gardener®?
A: You Are a Gardener® is a children’s book, movement, and mindset that helps gardeners of all ages grow emotional resilience, confidence, calm, and empowerment. What began as a simple storybook has blossomed into a heart-centered brand offering school assemblies, creative resources, and the #PullYourWeeds® blog, all designed to help people turn life’s challenges (weeds) into growth opportunities (seeds).
Q: Who created You Are a Gardener®?
A: The movement was created by author and founder Shanna Truffini. Through her work with children, families, and educators, she developed the gardener mindset, a creative way to help people talk about emotions and find growth through self-awareness, connection, and emotional empowerment.
The Book
Q: What is the You Are a Gardener® children’s book about?
A: The story introduces readers to the concept of emotional gardening, teaching how to identify, express, and manage emotions using positive coping tools called gardening tools. It helps kids and adults see that even when weeds appear in life, there is always room to plant new seeds of confidence, calm, and emotional empowerment.
Q: Who is the book for?
A: While written for children in grades K–8, its message resonates with gardeners of all ages. Families, teachers, and counselors often read it together to spark meaningful conversations about emotional growth and well-being.
Q: Are there resources that go with the book?
A: Yes. You can explore our Free Printables page for creative SEL-inspired activities, reflection sheets, and gardening tools that bring the story to life at home or in the classroom.
Assemblies & Programs
Q: What are You Are a Gardener® school assemblies?
A: Our SEL assemblies and workshops are interactive presentations for grades K–8 that focus on kindness, empathy, respect, and emotional awareness. Each assembly blends creativity, conversation, and participation to inspire students to recognize their emotions, connect with others, and grow the skills that build emotional resilience and empowerment.
Q: Where do you offer assemblies and workshops?A: Assemblies are available to schools and organizations across the United States. Shanna regularly visits schools throughout the tri-state area, including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and is happy to travel anywhere in the U.S. to help gardeners of all ages grow emotional empowerment and connection. Virtual presentations are also available nationwide.
Q: Can programs be customized?
A: Yes. Every presentation is tailored to your school’s age group, goals, and focus on social and emotional growth. We enjoy creating experiences that meet each community where they are and leave students feeling supported and empowered.
Free Printables & SEL Tools
Q: Who can use your free printables?
A: Our printables are designed for teachers, counselors, parents, and families, truly gardeners of all ages. Each resource supports mental health, resilience, and emotional empowerment through fun and creative activities.
Q: Are your printables really free?
A: Yes. Every resource on our Free Printables page is completely free to download and use in classrooms, therapy sessions, or family discussions.
#PullYourWeeds® Blog
Q: What is the #PullYourWeeds® blog about?A: The #PullYourWeeds® blog is where the garden keeps growing. Each week, we share new posts, creative tools, and reflections designed to empower gardeners of all ages. Every piece offers encouragement, emotional awareness, and practical ways to stay rooted in confidence, calm, and connection.
Q: How can I subscribe to the blog or newsletter?
A: You can sign up for our Weeds to Seeds newsletter on our website to receive new blog posts, creative tools, and updates about assemblies and programs directly in your inbox- click the contact button or email flowers@youareagardener.com to join.
Getting Involved
Q: How can I book an assembly or collaborate?
A: You can contact us at flowers@youareagardener.com to book an assembly, workshop, or community presentation. We also love collaborating with educators, counselors, and organizations that share our mission of emotional growth and empowerment.
Q: How can I support the You Are a Gardener® movement?
A: There are many ways to help our garden grow. You can purchase the You Are a Gardener® children’s book, schedule an assembly for your school, or explore our free printables and blog. Sharing our message, following along on social media @youareagardener, and introducing our resources to your community all help us empower more gardeners of all ages. Every gardener who joins us helps the garden bloom.
Still Have a Question?
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out anytime at flowers@youareagardener.com.
We’re always happy to help gardeners of all ages grow confidence, creativity, calm, and emotional empowerment.