The Picture Book Buzz - Interview w/Heather Dawn Torres, Gary Laib, Review of The Tractor Squad Saves the Day
- Maria Marshall
- 5 days ago
- 12 min read
Heather Dawn Torres is a children’s book author originally from Iowa.
After college, Heather, spent over 10 years supporting university students who were studying or traveling overseas. After her second son was born, Heather took on a new job, with the very important title of “Stay-At-Home-Mom!” In her new role, Heather often found herself entertaining her children with silly stories and rhymes. One day, a friend encouraged Heather to write the stories down and she has not stopped writing since!
Heather currently lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her Colombian husband and two sons. She spends her days folding socks, baking banana bread, and finding words that rhyme with purple. When not writing, Heather can be found back at the family farm enjoying long walks, homemade pies, and tractor rides!
Gary Laib has been a concept artist and illustrator in the entertainment industry for nearly twenty years.
He’s worked with such companies as Blizzard, Wizards of The Coast, Ubisoft, Cryptic Studios, NC Soft West, and even Ralph Lauren. He is the author and illustrator of an upcoming fantasy series. He’s worked as a brand ambassador for The General Pencil Company as well as Derwent and has been mentoring and tutoring artists for the past several years. Gary also teaches a story-driven character design course through Wizardly Wonders - an online industry-focused art school.
Gary currently lives somewhere in the Bay Area with his incredibly supportive wife, large dog, and adorable chinchilla.
For additional information on Heather and Gary, see our earlier interview (here).
Heather and Gary are the author and illustrator of The Tractor Squad (2024).
Their newest picture book, The Tractor Squad Saves the Day, releases April 8th.
Welcome Heather and Gary, thank you so much for stopping by to talk about yourselves and your debut book.
How did the experience of writing or illustrating this sequel differ from the first book? Did you have more contact with each other?)
HEATHER – For me, the process of writing the sequel was even more fun than writing the first book. In the second book, I wanted to give the tractors more individual personalities but still keep teamwork as a central part of each story. While challenging, I found that it also allowed for more creativity, which I really enjoyed. Gary and I didn’t have a lot of contact throughout the process, but I totally trusted that his artwork would be just as amazing as it was in the first book—and I was right! The illustrations are fabulous!
GARY - I would say I took a lot more liberties to explore the humor in this second book. There are quite a few little gems hidden throughout the illustrations. I also played a lot more with dynamic action. There’s really only so much you can do with an adorable tractor character, but I had a lot of fun exploring how far I could push expressions and poses.
Sounds like a wonderful experience for both of you. Heather, what was the inspiration for The Tractor Squad Saves the Day?
HEATHER – While I was writing the first story, I brainstormed with my family over Thanksgiving dinner about different things tractors do on the farm. This led to ideas of what tractors do during every season on the farm and the list ended up being quite long! Later, when I started revisions for the first story, I looked at the list and a lightbulb moment happened. I realized I had more than enough content for a story about each season.
The idea for “Little Tractor” came from one of my favorite and littlest tractors at our farm—a 1956 Ford 860. This was the tractor that my dad used when he was young and it was the tractor that helped me learn how to drive! While the tractor no longer does much of the “heavy” farm work, it is now the highlight for my own kids who always beg for rides on the little gray and red tractor. Because our family has so many fond memories of this little tractor, I wanted to capture that with a story of its own!
What a great inspiration for a story! Gary, what were you most excited about in illustrating The Tractor Squad Saves the Day sequel?
GARY - Tractor Squad Saves the Day offered me the opportunity to focus on one particular tractor for the first story and really create the world around them. That was a lot of fun as I consider myself a character and story-driven artist.
Oh my gosh, I adore the tractor's matching yellow cape & superhero mask! Heather, what was the toughest part of writing a sequel? How long did Tractor Squad Saves the Day from the first draft to publication?
HEATHER – For me, the sequel actually came together quite quickly. Once I started writing, it took me about 4 months start to finish for each story including revisions and feedback from my critique group. Interestingly, my brainstorming period for each book coincided with the actual seasons of each story! In the fall, I visited my family’s farm and made notes during harvest. During the summer, I worked on ideas for Little Tractor.
For me, the most difficult part of writing the sequel was deciding what the tractors should be doing during the summer story. Summer work on the farm doesn’t necessarily correspond to a particular activity like spring planting or fall harvesting, so it was a bit of a challenge as there were so many different activities the tractors could have been doing to keep busy. Ultimately, I decided to use the idea of a farmer’s market as eating locally-grown fresh fruits and veggies is one of my favorite things about summertime. I definitely can’t wait for some fresh tomatoes and cantaloupe!
Interesting. I think you did a terrific job showcasing tractor activity during the summer and fall. Gary, how tough is it to create the illustrations for a picture book sequel? What was the hardest part of illustrating Tractor Squad Saves the Day?
GARY - I wouldn’t say it was tough by any means. Children’s books, when compared to my usual work, don’t require a ton of detail. I would say that figuring out how to create the Combine character from the second story was a challenge. Where would the eyes go? The mouth? In the end, simple works best so using large shapes to create the character and placing the features in those larger shapes tended to work the best.
You did a great job with it. And it's purple! What was the most rewarding part of the publishing process for The Tractor Squad Saves the Day?
HEATHER – Oooh, I love this question! For me, the most rewarding part of writing the second book was sharing the process with my mom & dad. It was really fun making trips to the farm where Dad would get the tractors out, answer all of my tractor-related questions, and of course take us for tractor rides! And, in the summer Mom would never let us leave without a box full of fresh vegetables from her garden and a bag (or two) of homemade chocolate chip cookies to eat on the drive home!
GARY - Just holding that final printed copy in my hand. I get the same feeling every time I complete a project, but whereas most of my projects are entirely digital, being able to hold a physical copy of our work is really, for me, incredible.
Heather, that sounds like the best research trip for a picture book! Gary, I think many others will share this feeling with you. Heather, as the second book you’ve created together, did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Gary’s illustrations this time? What is your favorite spread?
HEATHER – When I first saw the illustrations for the second book, I couldn’t stop smiling! They are positively delightful and I think I laughed out loud when I saw the superhero cow. I didn’t include many art notes for Gary on the second book, so I was surprised by how close Gary’s illustrations were to what I had initially envisioned while writing. Gary did such an amazing job of making the stories come to life.
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2025. Image © Gary Laib, 2025.
Do I have to pick just one favorite illustration? I love them all so much! But I can say that the illustration that made me smile the most is the art on the title page with the cow standing on the tractor and both the tractor and the cow wearing matching capes! So cute! I also really love the spread where Little Tractor spills the honey. Her facial expressions on that page are so real and remind me of the reactions of my own kids when they were little.
Those faces! Hard not to frown along with the poor red tractor. Gary, is there a spread of which you are especially proud? Which is your favorite spread?
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2025. Image © Gary Laib, 2025.
GARY – Not really one I’m more proud of than others, but the first few spreads of the first story where my favorite to draw, and that’s saying something because the entire book was a lot of fun!
So, I picked this one....and the readers will understand why shortly. What's something you want your readers to know or hope they discover about The Tractor Squad Saves the Day?
HEATHER – I hope that young readers will discover their inner courage just like Little Tractor did in the story and that when faced with a challenge, they will have the confidence to “give it one more try!”
I’d like my young readers to know that things aren’t always easy the first time, but if we keep trying we might turn our initial mistakes into something even better—like a picture book or a watermelon smoothie!
GARY - Hopefully they discover the same thing I did when drawing it. Tractors can be super fun and incredibly charming! That, and it doesn’t take human characters to make a story good. It only takes characters that people can relate to.
I adore both of these sentiments and I too hope kids (and adults) discover them. Gary, did you leave any treasures in The Tractor Squad Saves the Day illustrations? If so, could you share one or more with us?
GARY - Do you mean besides the obvious tractor picking apples while in a tree? I may have made a tractor with cheese wheels somewhere in there. Oh, and a little mouse that loves to mimic the farmer whenever he can.
Ha! That sounds like so much fun! And now readers understand why I chose that last image.... Are there any new projects you are working on now that you can share a hint or tidbit with us?
HEATHER – Of course! I always have lots of writing projects going on at the same time! One of the manuscripts that I’m currently working on is a STEM-themed picture book, but that’s all I will say about that project as I don’t want to give anything away. Over the next few months, I also hope to focus on revising some of the manuscripts that I wrote last year and never found the time to get back to. While I truly enjoy the revision process, it takes a lot of time –which, as a busy mom of school-age kids, is something that I never seem to have enough of!
GARY - I’ve recently successfully funded an epic fantasy graphic novel called Voidwalker that I’m currently in the process of inking. It’s a 100-page adventure with monsters and magic. I’m really excited for people to see it. Also, I’ll be self-publishing my own novel, Roon & The White Raven, a bit later this year which I’m also looking forward to!
Congratualtions Gary! We will have to keep our eyes open for all of these projects. Last question, what animal or natural feature (place) do you want to learn more about? Why?
HEATHER – I would have to say the Loess Hills in Western Iowa. They are situated near where I live in Nebraska and although I’ve admired them countless times while driving through the area, I’ve unfortunately never taken the time to learn much about the Loess Hills or their history.
And speaking of learning about natural places, I recently visited the Ashfall Fossil Beds near Royal, Nebraska. It was incredible! I learned SO much about fossils and the history of the area. If you live in the region and haven’t visited Ashfall Fossil Beds, be sure to add it to your travel plans sometime soon!
GARY - I’d like to learn more about owls and ravens as they both play a strong part in my YA fantasy series.
So, Gary, if there is a book 3, maybe there will be a barn owl in the mix! Thank you, Heather and Gary, for stopping back by and sharing with us your newest picture book.
To find out more about Heather Dawn Torres, or to contact her:
Website: https://heatherdawntorres.com/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/hdtorresauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdtorresauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hdtorresauthor
To find out more about Gary Laib, or to contact him:
Website: https://www.theroonseries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glaib
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garylaibart/?hl=en
Review of The Tractor Squad Saves the Day
I am so excited to be able to share this super fun two story picture book sequel. With a bouncy rhyme, we revisit adorable Tractor Squad on the farm. This time with a focus on the summer harvest and the fall work.
The Tractor Squad Saves the Day
Author: Heather Dawn Torres
Illustrator: Gary Laib
Publisher: Marble Press (April 2025)
Ages: 3 - 8
Fiction
Themes:
Farm animals, seasons, tractors, harvest, teamwork, and family.
Synopsis:
Having charmed their way into people’s hearts in their first book, The Tractor Squad, these colorful, playful farm tractors return for two new adventures in The Tractor Squad Saves the Day. Told in the same bouncy, rhythmic voice and illustrated in the same candy-colored artwork, this oversized book is the perfect companion to what Kirkus called “An ideal story time selection to help little ones get their wiggles out.”
Contains two new stories tailor-made for reading aloud: “Little Tractor Makes a Splash” and “The Tractor Squad Saves the Harvest.”
Opening Lines:
Tractors here and tractors there.
Summer work is everywhere.
Some take peaches to the stand.
Others lend a helping hand.
Apples, cherries, berries blue,
Tractors all have chores to do
What I LOVED about this book:
The first book, also a two story picture book, looked at what tractors do on a farm in the winter and spring. Now we get a glimpse of the tractor's jobs in the summer and fall.
These stories are loaded with humor, in addition to a look at life on a farm. This opening image, of the tractor and the cow in the trees picking the apples and dropping them to the tractors below definitely got a chuckle. I love that the overalls and yellow shirt bedecked mouse, who clearly believes it is the 'foreman,' turns out to be dressed to match the farmer.
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2025. Image © Gary Laib, 2025.
Like just about every child everywhere, Little Tractor tries to help. In its enthusiasm, it rushes too fast after a bemused fellow tractor hauling carrots and 'rolling' the cheese [check out the image above], and tips over a wagon full of milk bottles. " Fresh milk here and fresh milk there. Farm fresh milk falls everywhere. OH NO! WHAT A MESS!"
After the farmer pours an unbroken bottle of milk into his cup, he sends Little Tractor off to try another chore. Chanting a fun refrain, Little Tractor heads off with a smile - "I can do this. I won’t cry. I will give another try!" This time, Little Tractor goes slowly but doesn't see the ditch and smashes all the melons. This time the farmer adds melon juice into his cup. Little Tractor doesn't give up, but tries once again to help.
A third try by Little Tractor brings the stickiest mess ever [other image in interview]. Vicariously, kids will follow along as the small red tractor, utilizing an impressive range of emotions, refuses to give up and ultimately makes a fun discovery and successfully completes its summer chore.
The Fall story starts out with the farm animals and tractors forming teams to compete for the title of "best tractor crew."
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2025. Image © Gary Laib, 2025.
The tractor squad starts work today.
Fall is here—hip, hip hooray!
They’ll work all day and work all night.
They’ll pull and haul with all their might.
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green or Blue,
Which will win best tractor crew?
After the corn and hay are stored, the cows fed, the beans hauled, and the barn fixed, the teams dissolve into a screaming fight, with glaring tractors and animals. Parents will chuckle as the beginning of the fight resembles traditional rival sports chants - "We’ve got might. Yes, we do! We’ve got strength, more than you.” “We’ve got power, can’t be beat! Watch and learn or take a seat!"
The farmer, and his "mini-me" mouse, stop the fight and suggest a tractor pull to get Combine out of the muck where she's stuck. Each team tries and fails. Even the blue team with its superhero cow (I love that costume!), is no match for the mud. With each tractor's pride and some hardware damaged, they finally are willing to listen to the farmer and . . . you can probably imagine, but I'll let you figure it out for yourselves.
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2025. Image © Gary Laib, 2025.
This entertaining sequel provides two wonderfully active and emotional stories offering a glimpse into life on a farm during the summer and fall months. It also contains an SEL component of not giving up, accepting that mistakes happen, and collaboration. Overall, it is a humorous read aloud, sure to entertain tractor and farm animal loving kids. A perfect sequel to the earlier book.
Resources:
make a toilet roll tractor, an origami tractor (with an adult), a Styrofoam and cardboard tractor, or a recycled materials tractor. How could you make a Combine or other tractor from recyclable items or cardboard?
make your own field mouse and farm animals to help your tractors. How would you design superhero outfits for your animals? Would they have masks or capes? Which tractors would your animals pair up with?
have you ever wanted badly to help or follow an older sibling or your parent? What happened when you helped? Did it go better than Little Tractor's day?
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