Susanne Brunner has read countless books to classrooms full of elementary students around central Arkansas — but now she has a new story to add to her lineup.

Brunner's new book, "Busker the Tusker," is her first — and one she hopes will get kids excited about reading. As a KARK anchor, Brunner has spent a large portion of her time following education news, sharing a weekly education report on KARK 4. She also volunteers volunteers reading to local elementary school students.

According to AR Kids Read, a Little Rock-based literacy nonprofit, 63 percent of third-grade students in Arkansas are reading below grade level. Brunner said that she's currently working on a reading initiative and challenging kids to get engaged as active readers.

She is kicking off her literacy initiviate with a mini Little Rock book tour, where she'll sign books available for purchase, at three locations:

  • July 20 at 10 a.m. at the Little Rock Zoo
  • July 20 at 3 p.m. at WordsWorth Books & Co.
  • July 27 at 11 a.m. at Museum of Discovery

"Busker the Tusker" is "a story about friends and family being there for each other," Brunner says. "It's a tale about lending a hand and being kind – an important life lesson for all of us."

The book follows a curious young elephant who wakes up one morning to find his family missing. In his endeavor to search for them, he meets unlikely friends who possess unique skills that help him find his herd as he wanders through Africa's various habitats.

We got the scoop from Brunner on the book, her future writing plans, what she loves about reading and more. Some answers have been edited for length.

Little Rock Family: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing the book?

Susanne Brunner: I think the biggest challenge was making sure my story left an impact on readers. I have many ideas about where I want the story to go. When I compare this book to the storyboard I had created for a college class 12 years ago, the character development has changed quite a bit. I wanted each animal — or character in the book — to teach something and have a purpose. This is what sparked the "Busker the Tusker and Friends" series.

LRF: What sparked your passion for reading and children's literacy?

SB: Some of my favorite activities in elementary school were reading and putting together puzzles. I remember my mom told us a favorite bedtime story and gave us books to read. My teachers also shared stories in class or the library. It was those stories they shared that encouraged my love to read and check out books at the library. My older brothers would take my sister and me to the library on the military base every week. It was family time I still remember and appreciate.

To me, reading creates a powerful bond. We live in a world where everyone is busy and on their devices, and not that it's a bad thing, but I would love to see kids pick up more books.

LRF: What advice would you give a parent who is struggling to encourage their child to read?

SB: While I am not a parent yet, I sure hope to be one some day. Speaking from a child's perspective, I encourage moms and dads to make time for their children even if it's just five to 10 minutes night and read to them. If you get excited about what you're reading to them, they will too. Make the story fun, get them engaged and have them read it back to you. Remember, it's not just about reading, but spending quality time together. Your children will remember that. I know, because I do.

"Busker the Tusker" is available for purchase at BuskertheTuskerandFriends.com in hardcover and as an e-book.