Twenty-five years ago, I wrote my very first children’s story. All I needed to complete it were illustrations. I was a young and enthusiastic educator just beginning my career. I have a huge love for teaching and making a difference in kid's lives. I was also very naive about the world of publishing. Through a fellow art teacher, I connected with an illustrator whose work I admired deeply. He was experienced, with an impressive portfolio, and had even sketched a perfect blueprint for my main character. Eager to move forward, I asked him what it would take to get him on board to illustrate the story. His answer? A third of the full payment upfront.
As a new teacher, I didn’t have much money, but I was determined. I took on extra work, coaching after school, saving every penny. After weeks of hard work, I had the down payment, likely stashed in a jar with even a few pennies mixed in. I was so excited to hand him what I’d saved. But without a contract in place, and blinded by trust and my own youthful optimism, I handed him the money. Sadly, that was the last I ever heard from him. He disappeared, taking not only my money but also a part of my dream. When that level of robbery happens, they rob more than money.
In the wake of that disappointment, I was heartbroken. It wasn’t just the money, it was the dream, the excitement, the energy that had been stolen. I put the manuscript aside, and though life moved on, that dream stayed with me, weighing on my heart and mind. For years, I focused on my students, teaching and coaching tennis, pouring my love and energy into making a difference in their lives. Yet, that children’s book always lingered in my thoughts. Was it simply a pipe dream, or could it still be something more?
Tragedy struck in 2019 when I lost my husband after his four-year battle with cancer. He was a warrior, enduring 59 rounds of chemo and rounds of radiation. Those years were grueling, and his strength was extraordinary, but we lost him in December of that year. Only months later, the world was plunged into a pandemic, cutting me off from many of the resources that had helped me cope. Seeking solace, I turned to writing, channeling my energy into a new book idea that had been on my mind. Writing became a way to navigate the grief. At the same time, I was working to keep my children’s lives as stable as possible.
Fast forward to 2021, twenty-five years later. My life had changed in ways I couldn’t have anticipated, with both triumphs and heartbreaks. And in September of that year, I officially became an author, publishing my first children’s book. “Sue’s Sky” and its Spanish counterpart, “El Cielo de Susana”. I had also written a free curriculum, to accompany the book, for adults guiding children through themes of acceptance, anti-bullying, bias, identity, and community. The books received several awards, fueling my confidence and reconnecting me to that forgotten dream. Inspired by this success, I decided to revisit the original manuscript from long ago.
When I read the story again, I saw how much I’d grown as a writer. Though the story remained as charming and magical as I’d remembered, my storytelling had evolved. I could feel the dream revive. Kids today, just like those I’d imagined long ago, loved the story. Their excitement fueled mine, breathing life into the dream. My new illustrator, my dear friend, my creative partner, and my “soul sister” is the perfect match. Her gift for illustrating children’s books brought an enchanting quality to each page. Reflecting on it now, I’m thankful the original publication plan didn’t work out. Today’s book is even more meaningful.
The characters, too, have transformed. The main character is inspired and named after my late husband, portrayed as he was as a little boy, a tribute to his gentle strength, kindness, and his sense of adventure. Filled with hidden messages this story carries both magic and deep sentiment. My illustrator, Chrys, captured it all with heart, and her artistry brings every scene to life. She also knew my late husband and captured his spirit.
As I prepare to share “Magical Golden Whistle” with the world, my hope is for children to dream freely, to embrace the magical, the whimsical, and the endless possibilities of their own imagination. In a time when technology often overshadows creativity, I want this book to be a gentle nudge toward reviving dreams and reawakening wonder.
Stay tuned for the adventure awaiting children everywhere as “Magical Golden Whistle” invites them to dream big, imagine more, and revive the magic within.
Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - November 2024. Downolad the full magazine at https://www.relatable-media.com/the-relatable-voice-magazine
Lulu Buck is an award-winning children’s book author of “Sue’s Sky” and its Spanish counterpart “El Cielo de Susana”, and soon to be released “Magical Golden Whistle”. "Sue's Sky," and "El Cielo de Susana," delves into the important themes of acceptance, inclusion, and friendship. Committed to making a difference, Lulu has developed a complimentary curriculum to empower adults in creating safe spaces for children. Recognized with the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards gold seal of approval and receiving two honorable mentions from the 2022 Purple Dragonfly Awards. "El Cielo de Susana" was awarded a bronze medal in the category of "Best Illustrations for an Educational Children's Book" and also received an Honorable Mention for "Best Illustrations Overall" through the 2023 International Latino Book Awards.
Find out more at https://lulubuck.org/.
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