Today we’d like to introduce you to Birgit Sund.
Hi Birgit, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Germany and eventually made my way to the U.S., where I met my husband — a proud Nebraska Cornhusker — while finishing my MBA in North Carolina. Today we live in Jonestown, just between Cedar Park and Lago Vista, with our two daughters and two very opinionated cats.
Growing up in Germany, we had this sweet tradition called the Freundebuch, or “Friendship Book.” It’s a fill‑in‑the‑blank memory book kids pass around to their friends, classmates, and family. Everyone answers fun prompts — favorite foods, favorite songs, what they want to be when they grow up — and the book becomes a little time capsule of childhood friendships.
I had one when I was in grade school, and so did every kid I knew. It was just part of growing up. When my own daughters started school here in the U.S., I wanted them to have that same experience. I searched everywhere and was genuinely surprised to discover that this type of book simply didn’t exist in English.
That’s when the idea clicked: if it didn’t exist, I would create it. I wanted to bring this tradition to the U.S. so kids here could enjoy the same joy, connection, and nostalgia that the Freundebuch gave me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest obstacle was myself. I had the entire concept mapped out — the questions, the layout, the branding, even the marketing strategy. I read everything I could find about self‑publishing a book. But knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. It took me four years to get out of my own way, trust the idea, and finally take the leap. Once I did, everything started moving quickly, but getting to that point required a lot of courage, self‑belief, and learning to silence the inner critic.
As you know, we’re big fans of Life Is Better With Friends. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is called Life Is Better With Friends — because honestly, life is better with friends. The heart of it all is my book, My Friends and I, the English version of the German Freundebuch tradition I grew up with. It’s an interactive memory book that turns everyday friendships into lasting keepsakes and lets kids literally write a book together.
Every friend becomes a co‑author. They fill out a page with fun facts, doodles, dreams, and all the quirky little things that make them who they are. When the book makes its way back to its owner, it’s transformed into a snapshot of their world — full of giggles, surprises, and sweet moments. Same book, a different story on every page.
What sets My Friends and I apart is how simple it is, yet how much joy it creates. It’s creative without being complicated, meaningful without being overly sentimental, and fun without needing screens or instructions. Kids instantly get it. Adults love it because it feels nostalgic. And it naturally brings people together — classmates, teammates, cousins, teachers, camp friends, you name it.
And it works in so many different moments of childhood. Over time, families have used it for just about everything:
A kid’s birthday or Christmas present
A first‑day‑of‑school surprise
A fun icebreaker to help kids make new friends at school, camp, or activities
A way for teachers and classmates to get to know each other
A cute yearbook to remember school friends and teachers
An end‑of‑year teacher gift
A gentle support tool for children with special needs or exceptionalities
A warm welcome for a foster or adopted child
A thoughtful farewell gift for friends who are moving
A keepsake for military children living overseas
A get‑well gift to brighten a friend’s day who’s experiencing a difficult time
A travel companion to collect memories of new friends on vacation or at summer camp
A baby shower gift or baby’s first family album
A simple way to tell a friend you’re thinking of them
But, Life Is Better With Friends is also more than just the book. On my website, I share friendship‑focused articles on my blog, Friendly News, because I love exploring the little things that help kids build strong, healthy friendships. The book is available on my site, on Amazon, and in several local book- and toy stores. Find me on social media: @lifeisbetterwithfriendsdotcom.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely didn’t build this alone. My graphics designer played a huge role in bringing the book to life — the layout, the look, the feel, all the little details that make My Friends and I fun and inviting. I also leaned heavily on fellow authors who were kind enough to guide me through the self‑publishing process. Their advice, encouragement, and “here’s what I wish I’d known” tips made everything so much easier.
And of course, my family deserves a lot of credit. They were the ones cheering me on when I doubted myself, reminding me to keep going, and celebrating every tiny milestone along the way. Without them, this book probably would still be sitting in my head instead of on shelves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifeisbetterwithfriends.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeisbetterwithfriendsdotcom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeisbetterwithfriendsdotcom
