Louise Søndergaard Buckens ‘03 on the Importance of Storytelling for Kids

Louise Søndergaard Buckens ‘03 is a passionate advocate for storytelling’s role in childhood development, merging tradition with innovation in today’s fast-paced digital world. Louise was immersed in tales of adventure, emotion, and life lessons from an early age. Today, with 15 years in children’s publishing and a co-founded agency, Storytailors, she’s redefining what it means to engage young readers. From pioneering tactile books for toddlers to shaping a series beloved across 40 countries, Louise’s journey highlights the lasting magic of stories told by touch, voice, and imagination. Her experiences and insights offer a fascinating glimpse into how timeless stories are crafted to resonate with today’s generation of young readers.

Early Inspirations and a Passion for Children’s Publishing

I was lucky enough to grow up in a home, where bedtime stories were an everyday ritual. I was one of six, and my mother - a primary school teacher and an amazing storyteller - would often draw stories for us or invent crazy tales about our toys. Both she and my father would read to us endlessly. I grew up with Astrid Lindgren’s amazing books about Pippi Longstocking and the Brothers Lionheart, and I remember crying my eyes out when I first heard Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. And I spent a lot of time getting lost in Richard Scarry’s busy world, or searching for Waldo.

Those bedtime moments were more than just stories—they were my earliest guides, teaching me curiosity, kindness, bravery, and sorrow. As I grew older, I realized how powerful children’s literature is in shaping young minds and fostering a lifelong love of reading. The idea of creating stories that might become part of a child’s world, as they once did for me, sparked a passion that only grew over time.

Nothing can replace the warmth and intimacy of reading aloud with a child, letting them eagerly turn each page. That experience has always been, and will always be, pure magic

The Inspiration Behind Storytailors

I co-founded the editorial agency, Storytailors, on November 1, 2021, motivated by a desire for a more meaningful, autonomous professional life where I could focus entirely on the creative work of writing and editing stories I felt passionate about. Just a month prior, I had resigned from my position as a global story editor at a major media house in Copenhagen. Along with a fellow editor and great friend, we embraced the opportunity to start our own company, Storytailors, where we could truly shape our own projects.

In many ways, I was part of the Great Resignation—a period where the shift to remote work during the pandemic highlighted the balance, freedom, and creative energy that can emerge outside the structure of a conventional office environment. The experience of working from home allowed me to rediscover a creative spark and new clarity and calm, away from the constant demands and meetings of corporate life. This experience solidified my decision: I realized that to fully channel my creative vision, I needed to take the reins and be my own boss. And I haven’t looked back since!

My time at UCU and its liberal arts environment no doubt encouraged me to question conventions and see challenges as chances to innovate—a mindset that has been invaluable in building Storytailors. And I absolutely owe a special thanks to the incredible literature courses I took at UCU, particularly in Gothic Horror and Post-Modern Literature, which sparked a deep further passion for the written word and inspired me to pursue my MA in English Literature.

Engaging Young Readers in a Digital World

The shift to digital platforms has undoubtedly posed a challenge for children’s publishing, as today’s young readers are growing up immersed in screens, and storytelling now requires a new level of interactivity. I am passionate about creating books for babies and toddlers that emphasize a tactile engagement—experiences that screens simply cannot replicate. From bath books and touch-and-feel books to finger puppets, I enjoy designing books that captivate a child’s imagination, spark curiosity, and encourage active participation in the physical world.

One of the most successful projects I’ve worked on is My Little Village—a hybrid publishing concept that integrates a book, jigsaw puzzle, and wooden toys. Now available in 40 countries with over 1.5 million copies sold, this series also uses packaging as part of the play experience. Creating this series has deepened my commitment to developing stories that extend beyond the pages, embedding themselves in a child’s imagination through physical interaction.

While screens are a big part of life now, I believe nothing can replace the warmth and intimacy of reading aloud with a child, letting them eagerly turn each page. This experience is something I vividly recall from my own childhood, and I’ve made it a priority to share it with my own children. Sitting close together, letting new worlds unfold—that experience has always been, and will always be, pure magic.

Crafting Stories that Educate and Entertain

I begin by stepping into a child’s world and asking: What would be truly fun? What kinds of characters would they find captivating and relatable? Recently, Storytailors had the opportunity to create a story for the Dutch Donald Duck Weekly magazine. As lifelong fans of Duckburg and Donald Duck, we were thrilled to be able to write a classic adventure story—a tale filled with palm trees, mist, undersea creatures, pirates, parrots, and hidden treasures. It’s a privilege to start a story from scratch, driven by a simple but powerful question: What did I love reading about as a child? From there, it’s a matter of letting the imagination run wild, pressing play on the mental movie reel, and crafting scenes and characters that would have captivated me then and still do now.

Often, the process begins with a spark—something that delighted me as a child—and a curiosity to explore every corner of that idea. I’m lucky to have three young children who keep me young at heart and constantly remind me to dive into the most playful parts of my imagination.

On the educational front, I recently completed a series of board books that teach colors, nature, and emotional awareness through tactile experiences. My goal is to blend learning seamlessly with enjoyment, so each page feels like an adventure. It may not be quite as grand as a treasure hunt with Donald Duck, but it’s close!

New Trends and Advice for Aspiring Storytellers

It’s very exciting to see a growing demand from young parents for more inclusive storytelling and diverse representation. It’s vital to create stories where children from all backgrounds can see themselves. I’m also inspired by the emphasis on stories that go beyond entertainment to foster empathy and support emotional well-being in children. And I am thrilled about the innovations happening in audio for children’s publishing; audio platforms are opening up wonderful new possibilities for engaging storytelling that captivates young listeners in fresh and meaningful ways.

It’s vital to create stories where children from all backgrounds can see themselves.

For aspiring storytellers, my advice is this: stay curious, keep in touch with your inner child, and don’t be afraid to embrace a bit of silliness. The best stories often emerge from a blend of careful planning and spontaneous moments of playful creativity. And, importantly, step away from the screen! Great stories rarely come from sitting in a static environment. Get outside, explore, and let those daily adventures inspire your imagination.

Prepared and published by Kimberly Donaldson, UCU Alumni Relations and Development Officer (ucu.alumni@uu.nl).