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We are storytellers at heart- historians and archaeologists who believe the past is meant to be explored, not just studied.
We are storytellers at heart- historians and archaeologists who believe the past is meant to be explored, not just studied.
As experts in our fields, we blend creativity with accuracy to bring history to life for young readers. Through engaging narratives grounded in real archaeological discoveries, we strive to spark curiosity, inspire imagination, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the people and places that came before us.
The idea for the chapter book series grew out of our work as public educators with the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), where we delivered hundreds of programs to thousands of children across the state. In creating Tales from the Trowel, we set out to fill a gap in children’s literature, offering historically accurate stories written by real archaeologists and historians that are as engaging as they are educational. By using the Hero’s Journey structure and animal protagonists, we connect readers to the past in a way that is both accessible and emotionally meaningful.
Our goal is to spark a love for history and archaeology in young readers, and to help them understand why preserving the past matters. These are stories rooted in truth, brought to life with imagination, and told with heart.
Mike Thomin, M.A.
Mike Thomin, M.A.
Mike Thomin is a historian and storyteller who has spent nearly two decades bringing the past to life for audiences of all ages. He works for the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN) as the Director of Education and Interpretation and is a Faculty Senior Research Associate at the University of West Florida. Through his work, Mike helps people discover Florida’s buried history, from sunken shipwrecks in the Gulf to ancient Indigenous villages beneath our feet.
Mike’s love of storytelling led him to create “Archaeology Storytime,” a program designed to spark curiosity in young minds by blending archaeology and imaginative tales. His debut children’s chapter book, Luna the Cat, grew out of that very idea.
Nicole Grinnan, M.A., R.P.A.
Nicole Grinnan, M.A., R.P.A.
Nicole Bucchino Grinnan is an archaeologist, educator, and lifelong student of the sea. She serves as Assistant Director of the University of West Florida’s Archaeology Institute and has spent over a decade researching and preserving coastal and underwater heritage.
A Registered Professional Archaeologist and scuba instructor, Nicole brings the past to life both in the field and in the classroom. She’s passionate about making history accessible and inspiring the next generation (including her own daughter) to connect with the stories beneath our feet and below the waves.
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