We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lulu Buck. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lulu below.

Lulu, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

Navigating the publishing world as a children’s book author, especially as a first-generation American and a person of color, is a journey filled with challenges. The industry’s focus on profit overshadows the true essence of storytelling that ignites the imagination and joy of children. The standards set by publishers feel so stifling to me, particularly when they prioritize what sells over what truly resonates with children.

As a self-made and self-published author, I have made a path, driven by pure passion and the knowledge of being an educator for 25 years in creating stories and knowing what connects with kids. The financial barriers, like hiring agents and marketing teams, can be daunting, making it hard for voices like mine to be heard. But the moments when you’re reading to children, seeing their eyes light up, confirms to me that I have crafted something special. I know I am on the right path and I make my own rules, which is a trait for people like me.

In a world where adults often decide what’s “marketable,” you have to stay true to what matters most and that is creating books that bring joy to kids. My journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the belief that stories should be chosen by those who matter most: the children themselves. I am looking forward to my next release this fall in continuing to break barriers and inspire young minds to make up their own rules and create their own success.

Lulu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

One of the biggest challenges educators face today is teaching acceptance, kindness, and building a classroom community without appearing to push an agenda. This is why I created the book “Sue’s Sky,” also available in Spanish as “El Cielo de Susana”. These books were strategically created to address these important themes in a way that feels natural and engaging for children.

Beyond the books, a comprehensive curriculum of lesson plans was developed, specifically designed to help educators, daycare providers, parents, and anyone passionate about nurturing young minds. These lessons focus on acceptance, anti-bullying, bias, identity, and teamwork, providing a solid foundation for creating a more inclusive and supportive community.

One of the standout activities from this curriculum is “Paint Your Own Sky.” This lesson allows children to express themselves freely through art, giving them the opportunity to explore their emotions and identities in a safe and creative space. As both an author and educator, I’ve found it incredibly fulfilling to witness how this activity impacts children, helping them to connect with themselves and others in meaningful ways. Then we hang all their skies together to create a “Community Sky” to replicate the last page of the book. Together we are a much more colorful, stronger, and better community when kind to one another.

In the end, we all became educators to inspire and change young lives. “Sue’s Sky” and the accompanying curriculum offer a powerful, accessible way to do just that without ever compromising on the joy and imagination that should be at the heart of every child’s learning experience. I am looking forward to releasing my next book this fall which will enhance children’s imagination and skills of dreaming.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is always centered around kids. Kids are my inspiration and my focus. As an author, my greatest desire is to create stories that bring out the best in children, helping them to grow, learn, and thrive. Whether it’s through “Sue’s Sky,” “El Cielo de Susana,” or the many other ideas I have waiting to be written, my goal is to craft stories that resonate deeply with the kids.

I’m driven by the joy and imagination that children bring to the world, and I’m completely devoted to creating books that reflect that. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up, or the gasps from the illustrations when they connect and see a story. I wish I could bring all my ideas to life even faster to share that magic with them.

Every book I write is a step toward building a brighter, kinder future, where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired. My books are for them, and because of them, I’m determined to keep writing stories that truly make a difference.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Meeting Chrys Zyx was one of those moments in life that felt like destiny. Chrys is the heart and soul behind the magic of my books, and our story began with a shared love of painting. She owned a local sip-and-paint studio called Dabble in Longmont, Colorado—a place that quickly became my sanctuary. Whenever life felt overwhelming, I’d head to Dabble to learn how to paint and unwind. Spending time there was not only a creative outlet but also a form of therapy for me. Chrys, with her infectious laughter and incredible talent, made every class an unforgettable experience.

For eight years, I painted at Dabble, and during that time, Chrys and I became great friends. Her decision to close Dabble and retire right before the pandemic was bittersweet, but her timing was impeccable. She avoided the uncertainty and challenges that the pandemic brought to so many small businesses.

During those quiet days of the pandemic, I found myself writing “Sue’s Sky.” When it came time to bring the story to life visually, there was no doubt in my mind who should illustrate it. Chrys’s artistry, expressed through her beautiful canvas paintings, was exactly what this book needed. The way she captures emotion and imagination on canvas adds a unique and inspiring touch to the story, bringing it to life in a way that resonates deeply with children, especially when they paint their own skies.

Working with Chrys on this project has been a full-circle moment for me in combining our talents to create something truly special for kids. Our next book is pure magic and we are truly excited for its release.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lulubuck.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulubuckster/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BucksBooksConsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lourdes-lulu-buck-84372910a?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fr.search.yahoo.com%2F
• Twitter: https://x.com/c_lu_lu

Image Credits

Photo credits to: Courthney Russell at R&R Vision and Mwebaza Foundation