Meet the Founder | First Chapter Puzzles | Passion for Classic Books & Tech-Free Fun
Welcome! I’m Suzette, the founder of First Chapter Puzzles. I’m so glad you’re here because it means you might just share my love for books, creative play and the joy of quality time with those you cherish. First Chapter Puzzles is the culmination of passions woven through my life—a love of books, a devotion to family, and a commitment to creating intentional, hands-on ways to connect, slow down and savor the stories that enriched us.
A Lifelong Love of Books
For as long as I can remember, books have been my constant companions. One of my earliest memories is sitting close at my Dad's side giggling till it hurt as he snorted the dialogue of Arnold Lobel's Lucille. The more I laughed, the wilder he snorted. (If you haven't read this charming story about a young pig and her humorous attempts at sophistication, I invite you to grab someone you love, pull them close, and give it a read!) This early gift of story and laughter was the spark that lit my lifelong love for reading.
Through childhood, books opened entire worlds for me. In A Wrinkle in Time and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, I was captivated, my imagination unleashed by the wonder and power of words. Stories have a unique way of doing that, inviting us to grow, to understand other perspectives, and to experience a fuller range of life. Great literature speaks across time and culture because it says something true about what it is to be human. I have never walked away from a great book unchanged.
Education and Career: Impacted by the Power of Reading and Books
With my love of books as a compass, I went on to earn a BA in Communications and an MA in English, focusing on collaborative learning and adult literacy. My early career fueled my passions—first in sales with Macmillan Publishing, then as an instructor at Indiana University, and later as the director of an adult literacy program in a library system. In teaching, I was able to share the transformative power of literature with students, and in literacy work, I saw firsthand how many adults lacked access to this world of ideas. I was moved by the chance to open up reading’s practical and deeply enriching gifts for others, witnessing firsthand the impact it had.
Creating a Home: Fueling Childhood Imagination with Books and Play
When I became a mother, I poured this love of literature into my family, filling our lives with stories and encouraging my children to explore their imaginations. For several years, I homeschooled two of my sons, embracing a literature-based approach that invited them to create and imagine—not only through books but also through hands-on activities that engaged both mind and heart.
Our home became a place filled with objects intended for imaginative play and cognitive development. Books and stacks of puzzles filled our shelves, beginning with our beloved Mellisa and Doug's chunky wooden puzzles fit for chubby little hands. Over time, we graduated to larger-piece puzzles, including a well-loved dinosaur puzzle we must have done a thousand times. Today, even as all my kids are in their teens and beyond we still share puzzles together. We have favorites we pull out each Christmas, and others that get spread out on lazy summer days. As screens have continued to consume more of daily life, I’ve worked to prioritize intentional, tech-free time that keeps us connected through interactive activities. I’m proud to say that all my children are readers, so I still get to share books with them too!
Building Community: The Power of Books to Build Bonds
Beyond my family, I’ve sought to build connection and community through books and learning. I have facilitated book groups and hosted an annual women’s retreat that deepens friendships through shared learning and conversation. These are my loves—books, learning, and intentional community—and I just can’t get enough!
Passions Unite: Books, Family & Tech-Free Fun
As my children have grown and my role has evolved, I’ve reflected on the next chapter of my life. A few years ago, I read a piece of advice for those in transition:
“Look at what your 12-year-old self loved.”
The answer came to me instantly—BOOKS. From that answer, along with themes that have guided my life—family, play, learning, and community—First Chapter Puzzles was born: a way to capture the beauty of classic literature and invite others into an experience that blends the joy of reading with the pleasure of piecing together something meaningful.
Our Debut Puzzle: Little Women: They All Drew to the Fire
Our debut puzzle, Little Women: They All Drew to the Fire, captures Jo March and her sisters gathered with Marmee by the fire to hear a letter from their father. This illustration resonates with me as it reflects what I value most—gathering around with loved ones, immersed in a story. Soon, we plan to introduce a swashbuckling scene from Treasure Island, and in 2025, I hope to add three more titles to our Classics Imagined collection: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Each 500-piece puzzle in our collection is double-sided, featuring an iconic scene from a beloved novel on one side and the first chapter of the story on the other. I wanted these puzzles to be more than just pieces to assemble; I wanted them to be a shared experience, like a cozy evening around a fire with a great book. Each puzzle is crafted with thick, high-quality materials and a matte linen finish for a premium feel, perfect for assembling again and again, framing or gifting to a fellow book lover.
I Hope Our Journeys Intersect
I imagine our puzzles being enjoyed at family gatherings, shared in book clubs, or passed down between generations. Whether you’re piecing together Little Women or setting sail with Treasure Island, I hope these puzzles become a beloved part of your story, just as creating them has become a cherished part of mine.
Thank you for being here on this journey with me!
Warmly,
Suzette
Founder, First Chapter Puzzles
What's your favorite novel that you would like to see as a puzzle?
P.S. Please send me a note with other titles you would like to see added to our collection, and share your puzzle photos! You know nothing would make me happier. Reach out to firstchapterpuzzles@gmail.com.