Cork grandmother turns family stories into children's book series

A childhood memory, seven grandchildren, and a love of storytelling have inspired Cork author Susan O’Sullivan’s debut children’s book series.

Susan will launch the first two titles in her Terry and Susan series this September through Atlantic Papers Press.

The books are illustrated by Susan’s goddaughter, Bronagh O’Neill.

The series began during the covid-19 pandemic, when Susan started writing personalised stories featuring members of her own family to help her grandchildren stay connected while restrictions kept them apart.

The first title, The First Day of Primary School, introduces Terry and Susan as they begin their school journey together and is inspired by Susan's own first day at school and one of her earliest childhood friendships.

The second book, A Visitor Came to the Classroom, follows an unexpected feathered guest that sends a classroom into chaos before teaching pupils the importance of teamwork, patience and staying calm.

Written for children aged five to seven, the books are designed to encourage conversation between children and parents while promoting kindness, confidence, and communication through familiar school experiences.

A qualified first aid instructor and long-time volunteer with St John Ambulance, Susan has spent more than four decades teaching others and working within her local community, and she developed the series after enrolling in a creative writing programme.

All 10 books in the series have already been written, with future titles following Terry and Susan through their junior infant school year, exploring classroom adventures, sports day, friendship, family and learning through play.

The First Day of Primary School and A Visitor Came to the Classroom will be published by Atlantic Papers Press in September 2026.