Q: First tell us something about yourself.
Hello, I am Susan H Hines, the creative force behind the beloved Buckley children’s book series, inspired by the escapades of my cherished Standard Schnauzer, affectionately called “Buckley”. Proudly owning TJP Publications LLC, my mission is to engage children in developing early literacy skills through imaginative storytelling. As the CEO and founder of TJP Publications LLC, I use this platform to highlight my own children’s books, activity materials, and character merchandise. By introducing a self-publishing platform, a noticeable increase in accessibility and interest among young readers has occurred. I engage with students from kindergarten to third grade through school visits, library events, and career day activities, sparking their interest in reading and writing. The positive response to the Buckley series has motivated young students to create their own stories.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
Throughout many years, I have honed my language, communication, and writing skills. Authoring stories and skits has been a passion of mine since childhood, highlighting my vivid imagination and creative expression. A memorable moment was when I watched Star Wars at the movie theater with my family. It was a captivating adventure that inspired me to reenact scenes at home. I would meticulously recite movie lines in front of the mirror, often enlisting my siblings to practice with me. The allure of words and sounds in painting vivid mental images continues to fascinate me.
Q: When did you write your first story?
In September 2022, I released the first book of the Buckley Series titled ‘Buckley is a Busy Boy’. Following that, in January 2024, ‘Buckley’s Family Fishing Trip’ was published. These books leverage Buckley’s natural learning abilities and intelligence. By observing and understanding early readers’ curiosity, I aim to bridge the gap and nurture their inquisitive minds. I also highlight the special bond between humans and their furry companions, emphasizing the joy they bring. My vision is for the Buckley series to continue growing and eventually be adapted into a cartoon short aired on popular children’s networks, reaching a global audience.
Q: Tell us something more about your books.
The Buckley children’s book series crafts vibrant adventure tales featuring familiar and endearing characters that children can easily relate to. The engaging short stories instantly captivate young readers. Within my series of children’s books, I focus on the daily escapades of a Schnauzer pup exploring life. These stories provide moments of joy, play, and opportunities for children to model positive behaviors. By incorporating rhyming and sight words, my simple stories aid in expanding children’s vocabulary. The Buckley children’s book series emphasizes valuable life lessons, family bonds, and conquering obstacles while acquiring new skills. Reviews from Parents, Teachers, and Children all commend the book for sparking imagination through its enjoyable and imaginative storytelling.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your readers?
My grandson’s profound affection for Buckley and his inquisitiveness about the pup’s adventures sparked the creation of the Buckley series. By incorporating my grandson’s curiosity, the series centers around our family dog’s escapades. Children often find it easy to connect with pets and can relate their daily experiences to those of their furry companions. Since the launch of this book series in 2022, my grandson has excelled academically, become an A/B student, and emerged as a leader in his class. His outstanding performance led to him being recognized as the student of the month. His reading skills have improved significantly, and he eagerly anticipates the new book featuring his beloved dog. Taking the book to school, he shared it with his classmates, and his teacher read it aloud, fostering both enjoyment and learning.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
When creating characters, I draw inspiration from local sources, merging imagination with practicality. I aim to discover innovative methods to make learning enjoyable. The idea for the Buckley children’s book series stemmed from the desire to portray our family’s cherished pup in a heartwarming narrative.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
During my meetings with young readers, I frequently conclude by emphasizing that the impact a book has on one child can resonate with many. It’s important to embrace your uniqueness and share your story. Regardless of age, everyone possesses the ability to dream. Books provide a platform for your imagination to flourish. I sign all my books with the Buckley paw stamp and the message, “You have the power to imagine and create”.
If you’re interested in buying the Buckley children’s book series, you can find the books on Amazon and at various bookstores. For autographed copies, you can request them through the TJP Publications website (tjppublications.com).
