Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From teacher to farmer to children’s author — it’s been a wildly unexpected ride, and the journey is still going strong.
For nearly three decades, I poured my heart into education — teaching everything from third grade to preschool, and even homeschooling my four children during different seasons of their early years. My days were filled with lesson plans, story times, and watching kids grow. But never did I imagine that my deep love for children and animals would one day collide in the most unexpected way — through a feisty, squawky rooster named Roscoe.
In 2020, my family began raising chickens on our farm, known as Peaches Place. One of those chickens turned out to be a rooster with a big personality — and not always in the nicest way. Every morning, I found myself saying things like “Be nice!” or “Be kind!” as if Roscoe were one of my preschool students. That’s when it hit me — I need to write a children’s book. And maybe, just maybe, other children could learn something from this barnyard bully-turned-teachable-moment.
That thought turned into my first book in 2022, Roscoe the Bossy Rooster, a playful story wrapped around a lesson in kindness and treating others the way you want to be treated. To my surprise, the book struck a chord with parents, teachers, and especially children. And it didn’t stop there.
The Roscoe series has grown into a collection of stories, each addressing common character-building challenges: learning to wait, trying again after failure, forgiving others, and choosing kindness — even when it’s hard. These stories came not only from Roscoe’s real-life antics on the farm but also from decades of teaching, where I saw firsthand the emotional hurdles kids face daily.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think this rooster would take me into bookstores, schools, and libraries across the Memphis area and homes across the world — or that I’d be signing books and handing out Roscoe plushies and keychains to excited young readers. But that’s exactly what’s happened. What began as a funny farm story has turned into something so much more — a way to reach kids in meaningful, memorable ways.
Looking back, I see now how everything connected: my years in the classroom, my time as a mom, and even life on the farm. Roscoe’s stories are more than just fun tales — they help children grow — not just in what they know, but in who they are becoming.
If Roscoe’s journey helps even one child choose kindness or try again after a mistake, then this adventure has been more than worth it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Writing a children’s book is a dream for many — but figuring out how to publish it? That’s where things can start to feel overwhelming.
When I first began my journey as an author, the writing came naturally. I had stories inspired by life on our farm, my years as a teacher, and the not-so-nice personality of our rooster, Roscoe. But once the manuscript was finished, I hit a wall: Where do I even begin with publishing?
There’s a whole world of options out there — traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. Each path has its own benefits and challenges. I remember feeling paralyzed by the choices. Should I try submitting to publishers and wait months for a response? Should I go the self-publishing route and figure everything out myself? And what about printing — do I print in bulk or use print-on-demand?
These questions can be so daunting that many first-time writers get stuck, wondering if they should even bother finishing their book. I know, because I was one of them. It’s easy to let uncertainty turn into self-doubt.
But here’s what I’ve learned: do your research, ask questions, connect with others who’ve walked the road before you, and most importantly — just keep moving forward. There’s no perfect path, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. And if you have to pivot, then pivot and go in a different direction.
The moment I saw my book’s cover and held it in my hands — I knew that this was a story that could touch the hearts of children and parents — and every bit of confusion, worry, and second-guessing felt worth it.
Publishing a book isn’t easy. But if you have a story inside you, one that you believe can make a difference, don’t let the unknown stop you. Keep going. That moment when your words come to life on the page is a feeling like no other — and you’ll be so glad you didn’t give up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a children’s author and write stories centered around character and virtues — lessons like learning to wait, trying again after failure, forgiving others, and choosing kindness, even when it’s hard. The main character in these stories is Roscoe, our real-life rooster who, in all his squawky, bossy glory, became the perfect character for the everyday struggles kids face when learning valuable lessons.
What began as a single story to teach kindness has grown into a full series, and I’m proud to say that Roscoe’s tales have now reached schools, libraries, and families across the globe. Thousands of books have been sold, and hearing from teachers, parents, and even children themselves about how Roscoe helped spark a conversation or encourage a positive choice — that’s what makes it all worth it.
What I believe sets my books apart is the heart behind them. I’m not just writing to children — I’m writing for them, from a place of deep understanding. With nearly 30 years of experience in education, I’ve spent countless hours in classrooms, watching how kids learn, grow, and navigate social and emotional challenges. These stories reflect that experience, written in a way that children can relate to, but also designed to help parents and teachers guide meaningful conversations at home or in school.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
If you’re dreaming of writing a book, my biggest piece of advice is simple: don’t do it alone.
That old proverb, “Iron sharpens iron,” is absolutely true. Surround yourself with people who share your mission and values — other writers, authors, librarians, teachers — and you’ll grow leaps and bounds.
Join social media groups in your genre. Attend writing workshops and conferences. Ask questions. Connect with those who’ve gone before you. Every conversation and connection helps build your confidence and knowledge so that you can turn around and help someone else.
Stretch yourself. Do the “scary” thing that’s holding you back — whether that’s sharing your manuscript or attending your first event. Growth happens when you are out of your comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roscoetherooster.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/roscoe_therooster
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/roscoetherooster
