The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Debbie Herman, Shelia Bailey, and Review of Carla's Glasses
Debbie Herman is a children’s author, a senior Content Creator at Benchmark Education, and a former elementary school teacher with an M.A. in Special Education. Debbie lives in Chicago, Illinois. Like Carla, she's a fan of funky glasses.
Debbie is the author of 9 books, including Rosie Saves the World illustrated by Tammie Lyon (2017), From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States illustrated by Sarah Goldman (2011), and Carla's Sandwich illustrated by Sheila Bailey (2004).
Sheila Bailey works in watercolor and digital media. In fact, it is this combination of tools that allows her to achieve her characteristic style. Sheila began her career as a designer and painter for Hallmark, Inc. Later, she became a featured designer at Will Vinton Studios.
Sheila is the illustrator of 14 books, including A Miracle in the Kitchen: A Legend about Saint Zita by Pamela Love (2022), Alligator Slim and His Snazzy Jazz Band by Samuel E. Pittman II (2021), Alligator Jazz by Samuel Pittman (2018), Love Always Wins: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Just Pick Up After Myself by A Michael Baldwin (2015), The Sweetest Story Bible for Toddlers by Diane M. Stortz (2014), Bible Promises for God's Precious Princess by Jean Kavich Bloom (2013), The Sweetest Story Bible: Sweet Thoughts and Sweet Words for Little Girls by Diane M. Stortz (2010), and Carla's Sandwich by Debbie Herman (2004).
Their newest picture book, Carla’s Glasses, releases September 3rd. Check out https://flashlightpress.com/carlas-glasses/.
Welcome Debbie and Sheila, thank you so much for stopping by to talk about yourselves and your debut book.
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where/when do you write or illustrate? How long have you been writing or illustrating? What is your favorite type of book to write or illustrate?)
DEBBIE - I usually work at a table or desk. My best writing time is early in the morning, when my mind is clear – especially if I'm starting something new or working on something difficult. But when the story is flowing, I can sit down at any time during the day and pick up where I left off.
I've been writing ever since I can remember. My mother tells me that when I was very little, I'd flip through a book and "read" it by making up my own stories based on the illustrations. And I remember a very fun activity my Mom and I used to do; I dictated stories to her, and she typed them out. Fast forward to elementary school, where I filled up notebooks with stories, and dived into creative writing assignments. It was then that I decided I was going to be a children's book author.
I love writing picture books and chapter books. I also enjoy drawing; it would be a dream to write and illustrate a picture book or graphic novel. But my illustration skills are not quite there yet!
SHEILA - I LOVE to read. I love to paint. I started out reading picture books and comic books. It's natural that I would want other people to be as hooked on stories and images as I am.
It is great to meet you both. Who was your favorite author, illustrator, and/or your favorite book as a child?
DEBBIE - Curious George. Probably because my favorite stuffed animal was a chimp!
SHEILA - I was very lucky growing up. Every Friday night was movie night at the library, and Mom would always take us. Afterward, we had the glory of getting to pick 10 books each to have for the week. I had many favorites. I loved anything by Dr. Suess. When I was very small I remember demanding that my Mom read The Little Red Hen to me over and over. For some reason, I guess a hardworking chicken appealed to me.
Interesting. Debbie, what was the inspiration for Carla’s Glasses?
DEBBIE – Carla's Glasses is actually a sequel to Carla's Sandwich, in which spunky Carla brings creative and unique sandwiches to school. A number of years after Carla's Sandwich was published, I was in an optical shop getting my first pair of glasses. It was a fun store that sold only cool and funky frames, and I thought to myself, "Carla would love this place!" As soon as I left, I started mentally writing the story.
What a great way for inspiration to strike! Sheila, what about the Carla’s Glasses manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator?
SHEILA - I loved Carla's Glasses from the second I read it. As a child, I knew I was different. It was a struggle knowing that I saw the world differently, but I still wanted to be like the other kids. When you're young you have no idea that ALL of the kids are struggling in this way. Both Carla's Glasses and Carla's Sandwich address this in a fun-loving way. I wouldn't have changed a thing about those manuscripts.
I love the gentle way you both play off each other to make it fun to ourselves. What is a (or the most) fun or unusual place where you’ve written a manuscript or created an illustration?
DEBBIE - It might not be so unusual, but I once started writing a story on an airplane. It was a long, international flight, and I had just finished reading a book that I really enjoyed. The "voice" of the story stuck in my head, and I was inspired to write my own.
SHEILA - When I first get a manuscript, I like to print it out and then read it in the bathtub, where there are no distractions, not even gravity. My weird brain can run wild. For me, it's the best way to see a manuscript for the first time.
I love those answers! Debbie, what was the toughest part of writing Carla’s Glasses? How long did it take from the first draft to publication?
DEBBIE – While writing the story, I had to learn all about school vision screenings. So, I spent a lot of time researching and talking to optometrists and school nurses. It wasn't exactly "tough," but it was a lot of work. In the end, however, the screening scene became a much smaller part of the story with minimal details. Reading the book now, you'd never know how much time and effort I put into it! [isn't that always the case - we just see the tip of an iceberg. 😊]
There were actually a couple of versions of the story. (In the first version, Carla is the one who needs glasses!) But from the first draft of the final version to publication – including stages for edits, illustration, and production – it took about three years.
Thanks for sharing that tidbit about the book! I really like Carla's role in this version. Sheila, as an author/illustrator and an illustrator, do you prefer either format? What’s the hardest part of illustrating picture books?
SHEILA - I am simply not as talented at writing as Debbie is. If I am going to spend 6 months illustrating a book it had better be a great story. The hardest part of illustrating a book is the editing. It's also the best part. As hard as I work on things, I also become a little blind to the work at the same time. I really do need someone behind me who can take a fresh look at what I am doing and point out when I have painted myself into a bad corner. A good editor is so crucial to a successful project. It also takes a pretty awesome person to be able to say "you have gone wrong" without making me get mad enough to throw my paintbrush down and play hooky for the rest of the afternoon.
Oh Sheila! Such an editor is invaluable to all creatives! Debbie, did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Sheila’s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
DEBBIE – I knew what a wonderful job Sheila had done on Carla's Sandwich, so I was really looking forward to seeing what she would do with Carla's Glasses. I saw the cover first and loved it right away! Then, when I received the interior illustrations, I was very excited. When I saw the illustrations of Buster's father and of Dr. Ollie, I literally laughed out loud. They weren't characters in Carla's Sandwich, so seeing them for the first time was a fun surprise!
Text © Debbie Herman, 2024. Image © Sheila Bailey, 2024.
It's probably the one where Carla, Buster, and Buster's father are walking into Dr. Ollie's. I also love the scene where Carla is wearing a bunch of frames on her head at Dr. Ollie's, as she helps pick out a pair for Buster, and the one of Carla with her bursting crafts drawer.
That stack of glasses is hilarious! Sheila, is there a spread of which you are especially proud? Which is your favorite spread?
Text © Debbie Herman, 2024. Image © Sheila Bailey, 2024.
SHEILA - Oh no! It's as if you are asking me which is my favorite child...I love them all.
Sorry, sort of. I picked one I think captures Carla's independent, bubbly personality. What's something you want your readers to know about Carla’s Glasses?
DEBBIE - Carla is a good friend. She uses her ingenuity to help out a classmate. I hope the book will inspire kids to be proactive in finding ways to help and support their friends and/or classmates.
SHEILA - I really believe in the story and the message, and I loved every minute of illustrating it.
I too hope that it inspires kids too. Sheila, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in Carla’s Glasses? If so, could you share one or more with us?
SHEILA - I always put "BMC" somewhere in every book I illustrate. Bruce, Mark, and Charlie were my surfing buddies, all amazing artists, and people I loved with all of my heart. I somehow am the last one of us walking on this earthly trail, but they are here with me always. They are in everything I do.
I found it! What a wonderful tribute to them. Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a hint or tidbit with us?
DEBBIE - A historical fiction picture book set in the early days of baseball. I'm very excited about it!
SHEILA - At age 59 1/2 I joined the Sauvie Island Fire Department as a volunteer. I am working on a never-too-old-but-sometimes-you-are true story about being an older-aged fire fighter who also is on social security (yes, I do drive the big fire truck and spray the water and, yes, getting to turn on the siren makes you feel 10 years old again.)
Good luck to both of you on these projects. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
DEBBIE - I love big city parks, such as Central Park in NYC. I also enjoy hiking and would love to visit some of the National Parks I researched for my kids' geography book, From Pie Town to Yum Yum: Weird and Wacky Place Names Across the United States. For example, North Dakota's Badlands National Park, with its fantastic rock formations, and Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park, where you can dig for diamonds.
Clockwise: © Jamie Hale/The Oregonian; © Charles Arcudi; ©wanderingyuncks
SHEILA - Again, I'd have to say I'm very lucky -- I live on Sauvie Island, just north of Portland, OR. It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I wake up every morning and run outside just to see if it is still that beautiful or if I was dreaming..... Also, I like Tahiti a heck of a lot! Basically, anywhere near an ocean suits me just fine.
I didn't know about this island Sheila, now I can't wait to visit it! Thank you, Debbie and Sheila, for sharing with us your newest picture book.
To find out more about Debbie Herman, or to contact her:
Website: https://www.debbieherman.com/
X/(Twitter): https://x.com/debbiebherman
To find out more about Sheila Bailey, or to contact her:
Website: https://www.sheilabaileyart.com/
Review of Carla's Glassses
A fun sequel to Carla's Sandwich, this is a wonderful, thought provoking book celebrating friendship and individuality, which could help kids getting glasses for the first time.
Carla's Glasses
Author: Debbie Herman
Illustrator: Sheila Bailey
Publisher: Flashlight Press (2024)
Ages: 4- 8
Fiction
Themes:
Glasses, creativity, being different, and friendship.
Synopsis:
Carla loves to be different. So when her teacher announces an upcoming vision screening, Carla hopes she’ll be the only kid in class to need glasses. To prepare for her new look, she starts wearing homemade funky frames to school each day.
Turns out that the only one who needs glasses is Buster. But unlike Carla, Buster does NOT like to be different. He likes to blend in. When Carla concocts an ingenious plan to help Buster, it’s clear to see that the power of friendship – and Carla’s creativity – will save the day.
This long-awaited companion to the award-winning Carla’s Sandwich will be adored by kids with or without glasses.
Opening Lines:
On Monday, Ms. Pimento made an announcement. “A week from today is Vision Screening Day.
The nurse will be checking everyone’s eyesight.”
“I can’t wait till next Monday!” said Carla to Buster as they walked home.
“Why?” he asked.
“Maybe I’ll need glasses! Then I’ll be the only kid in class to have them!”
“That’s so YOU,” said Buster. “You like to be different.”
What I LOVED about this book:
I remember those eye test days. Although I don't remember anyone as excited about the test or the possibility of wearing glasses as Carla. This opening does a great job of setting up Carla & Buster's almost opposite personalities.
Text © Debbie Herman, 2024. Image © Sheila Bailey, 2024.
For the rest of the week, Carla goes to school in some snazzy outfits and wearing a different pair of homemade frames - round purple pipe cleaners, blue, craft stick squares, orange construction paper stars, and finally large cat-eye shapes covered in glitter. She appears oblivious of the bemused and startled looks of her classmates.
When the day for the eye test finally arrives, Carla is so excited, "she leaped out of chair." All of Sheila Bailey’s watercolor and digital illustrations are colorful, lively, and expressive, with so many little details that kids will recognize from their own classrooms. I especially liked the eye chart and props the nurse brought with her to relax the more nervous kids. When Carla returns to her seat, she tells Buster, "Well, I wasn’t sure about one of the letters. I hope that means I need glasses!”
Text © Debbie Herman, 2024. Image © Sheila Bailey, 2024.
The next day, both Buster and Carla are in bad moods. "I got the results of the screening,” Carla explained. “I don’t need glasses after all.” “And it looks like I do need glasses,” grumbled Buster." Oh, maybe not entirely unpredictable, but a wonderful double dark moment of the soul. Neither got what they desperately wanted.
Swallowing her disappointment, Carla offers to go with Buster to the optometrist and help pick out glasses, if actually he needs them. Debbie Herman's text beautifully captures Carla's soul and sets up a gorgeous series of illustrations by Sheila Bailey. Oh my did she capture poor Buster's anguish. I also adore the look on the poor optometrist's face and the bemused expression on dad! I think two friends and I got looks like that a couple of years ago as we were blowing off steam and trying on glasses in the drug store.😊
Text © Debbie Herman, 2024. Image © Sheila Bailey, 2024.
“Whoa!” Carla exclaimed, scanning the shelves. “There are so many colors and styles!”
She put on a pair of vintage wire frames. “Call me Professor Carla.”
She tried on narrow, neon green frames. “I’m a space alien!”
Then she donned a pair with glimmering rhinestones. “Look, Buster! I’m a rock star!”
Buster didn’t even crack a smile. He went into Dr. Ollie’s office to get
his eyes examined. When he came back out, he was frowning.
“It’s official. I need glasses.”
Even though he seems to like the glasses, Buster gets increasingly sullen. When Carla finally listens to her friend, she makes an important discovery. One that harkens back to the beginning. The touching and "totally Carla" ending is spectacular and will hopefully inspire kid's creativity and empathy. This is a spectacular book celebrating friendship and encouraging being ourselves and seeing and accepting others as they are.
Resources:
make yourself (and maybe friends) some fun, cool, or snazzy glasses using toilet paper rolls, old CDs or other shiny materials, cardboard, paper, pipe cleaners, or foam. What else could you use to make glasses?
how did Carla help Buster as his friend? Can you think of something you could do for a friend or maybe a new kid at school?
Comments