The Picture Book Buzz - Interview with Heather Dawn Torres and Gary Laib
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!
This is Heather’s debut picture book.
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 Brainstorm School- an online industry-focused art school.
Gary currently lives somewhere in the Bay Area with his incredibly supportive wife, large dog, and two chinchillas.
This is Gary’s debut as a picture book illustrator.
Their debut picture book, The Tractor Squad, releases September 3rd.
Welcome Heather and Gary, thank you so much for stopping by to talk about yourselves and your debut book.
Thank you, Maria! It’s so fun to chat with you.
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?)
HEATHER –Reading and writing have always been two of my favorite things. However, growing up it never really occurred to me that I could actually become an author, so it wasn’t something that I ever considered. But, after my children were born, I rediscovered my love of picture books and began writing down the stories that I told to my kids. My favorite type of books to write are ones that make children laugh or ones that help them use their imaginations. I always try out new book ideas on my two sons and if they giggle, I know I’m on to something good!
GARY - I’m usually drawing or painting every day. Whether I’m working on a contract with a client, or creating illustrations for my own personal projects, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get done what I want. I’ve been drawing since I can remember and have always been interested in fantasy, folklore, and fairy tales. I really enjoy and connect to that genre in my usual work, so I count myself lucky to be able to do what I love for a living.
Now that we know a little more about each of you, who was your favorite author, illustrator, and/or your favorite book as a child?
HEATHER – Wow! That’s a difficult question-there are so many. The first book that comes to mind is the Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish. I also loved the Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary. Then later as a young adult my favorite book was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. But, if I have to pick just one, I’d probably have to say Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.
GARY - I didn’t read much as a child to be honest. I was always more intrigued by the illustrations I could find in books. I remember having a really worn-out collection of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. The illustrations were simple, but as a child I found them mesmerizing. My parents had a book by Wil Huygen and illustrated by the Dutch artist Rien Poortvliet all about the lives and culture of gnomes. The illustrations in that book continue to inspire me today. I’m also happy to have my parents’ original copy of the book in my own personal library.
All great books. Gary, I loved pouring through the Gnomes book, too. Heather, what was the inspiration for The Tractor Squad?
HEATHER – The Tractor Squad series was inspired by my childhood growing up on a farm as well as my two tractor-loving sons. At one point, we had read every tractor themed picture book in the library (probably twice). On one library visit, when we couldn’t find anything new, my son looked at me and said, “Why can’t you just write a tractor story for us.” And so I did!
When I first started brainstorming, I ended up with a long list of farm chores for every season on the farm and knew that I had enough content for a seasonal series. Soon after, we went on a road trip and my eldest son spotted tractors doing fieldwork while it was snowing. He asked, “Mommy, where do tractors go when it snows?” My creative light bulb went on and I started drafting The Tractor Squad as soon as we returned home.
I love how your sons factored into the creation of the story. Gary, what about The Tractor Squad manuscript appealed to you as an illustrator? Have you always wanted to illustrate picture books?
GARY - I was actually intimidated by the concept of drawing tractors. My usual work involves more organic creatures and characters. It wasn’t until after I tried my hand with a series of different character ideas that I felt confident enough to take on the task of helping Heather bring her book to life. Illustrating picture books was never on my radar actually. I always thought I would be working as a concept artist for video games for the rest of my career. Only in the past few years or so had the idea of focusing more on publishing become a goal so when the opportunity to finally do so in a professional capacity came up, I was eager to give it my best.
I think you definitely did a great job with this book. Welcome to kidlit! What is a (or the most) fun or unusual place where you’ve written a manuscript or created an illustration?
HEATHER – This is an interesting question because I almost always write in unusual places. It is very rare for me to actually sit down to write in front of a computer or in my office. Instead, I carry a notebook with me wherever I go or use the notes feature on my cell phone. You’ll usually find me brainstorming ideas on my morning walks, writing lines in my car while I sit in the school pick-up lane, or rhyming words poolside during my kids’ swim lessons. Wherever and whenever my creativity strikes, I am ready!
GARY - I remember when I was eighteen or nineteen. I was in Scotland visiting a friend while living in The Netherlands. The day I had to leave, I found myself stuck in Newcastle having missed the last train to my boat home. The train station closed, and I was sitting outside, alone, late at night huddled up against the station and drawing away in a tiny little sketchbook I had brought with me. At the time, I was pretty terrified, but in hindsight, it was a really unique experience and one I won’t ever forget.
Wow, Gary, I can just imagine! Heather, what was the toughest part of writing The Tractor Squad? How long did it take from the first draft to publication?
HEATHER – The toughest part of writing The Tractor Squad was probably balancing writing time with being a mom of young children. At the time that I wrote the manuscript, both of my sons were under the age of 5 which meant that I rarely had a moment to myself for anything—much less writing time. The Tractor Squad had a long road to publication (about 7 years), but I am SO glad that it has finally found a home with Marble Press, and I look forward to even more tractor fun in the second book, The Tractor Squad Saves the Day, coming in April 2025.
That's exciting news. Gary, as the illustrator of a fantasy series and now a picture book, do you prefer either format? What’s the hardest part of illustrating picture books?
GARY - I really don’t have a preference for a particular format when I illustrate. For me, drawing is where I feel most at home, but I’d say that the hardest part is in having to keep my audience in mind when I work. Certain subjects I draw when working on something fantastical may be too complex or even scary for a younger audience. Picture books take a different approach to the point where the designs are simpler, softer, and more colorful. I find those elements work best when joined with the manuscript. However, I do sometimes have a hard time reeling in the amount of detail I add.
Interesting. I think you got lots of great details in this book. Heather, did anything surprise or amaze you when you first got to see Gary’s illustrations? What is your favorite spread?
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2024. Image © Gary Laib. 2024.
HEATHER – I was thrilled when I saw Gary’s illustrations. I adore the bright, colorful artwork which I think really captures all the fun that the tractors have on the farm! The expressions on the faces of the tractors throughout the book make me laugh every time. While I love all of the artwork, my favorite spread is probably the one with the “great big flood” where water is spraying everywhere--it somehow reminds me of my own sons and their ability to find water, dirt or a puddle of mud wherever we go. I also really love the illustration where the tractor has kicked off its tires and is curled up in a chair reading a book. So cute!
Heather, I agree that the tractors' expressions are wonderful. And it is funny you both chose this next image. Gary, is there a spread of which you are especially proud? Which is your favorite spread?
Text © Heather Dawn Torres, 2024. Image © Gary Laib. 2024.
GARY – I’m really proud of a lot of the illustrations in this book. There are a few in particular like in one of the individual illustrations a tractor is sitting by the fire reading. He’s kicked off his tires like a human would kick their shoes off so he can relax and enjoy himself. Giving human traits to objects that don’t normally have them is a unique challenge, one that offers quite a bit of humor. I also like the scene where all of the broken tractors are gathered in the barn listening to the field mouse. It was a challenge to place ten tractors together in one page, but the final result, I feel, is very heart-warming and lets the eye wander around the page to each character.
Couldn't show the latter one - spoilers - but I did find it fun that you both liked this one. Heather, what's something you want your readers to know about The Tractor Squad?
HEATHER – So, I think something that would be fun for readers to know is that while the tractors and their animal friends have lots of fun on the farm, the chores that the tractors do in each story are actual chores that many farmers do around the farm in those particular seasons. This was certainly intentional on my part. When creating the tractor stories, I knew that I wanted to write something whimsical and fun to read out loud, but as a former farm girl, I also wanted the stories to accurately depict life on a farm. And while life on a farm is certainly fun, there’s always A LOT of work to be done!
There definitely is always work to be done. I'm glad you worked that facet of tractors and farm life throughout the story. Gary, many illustrators leave treasures or weave their own story (or elements) throughout the illustrations. Did you do this in The Tractor Squad? If so, could you share one or more with us?
GARY - I do love hiding small elements throughout my work for people to discover. I think I started doing that early on in my career. For this first book, though, I feel like I played it a bit more safe. I leaned more into including more humorous elements or behaviors for the characters. There’s a spread where the entire family is riding their own tractor. If you look at the child’s tractor, it has training wheels. It’s a ridiculous idea and wholly unnecessary, but I don’t think I would have drawn it any other way. I found myself giggling while working on it, so I hope that our readers find it just as humorous!
Thanks for sharing that with us! 😊 Are there any new projects you both are working on now that you can share a hint or tidbit with us?
HEATHER – I am always working on a variety of book projects to keep things interesting. Right now, I’m working on a handful of picture book manuscripts both fiction and non-fiction as well as a new top-secret project. But I’ll give you a hint--the secret project is longer than 32 pages! [Plus don't forget, "the second book, The Tractor Squad Saves the Day, coming in April 2025."]
GARY - I’m presently working on my own YA fantasy series in the hopes of finding a publisher in the near future. The first in the series is called Roon & The White Raven. The story revolves around gnomes, magic, ravens, and owls. It’s a coming-of-age tale for a young, unique gnome. I still have plenty of illustrations to do for it but am happy that the manuscript for the first book is done. I’ve also recently reconnected with an old friend from the comic book industry. We had a project we were working on twenty years ago and decided to give it another go. I can’t say much about it, but I’m in the process of putting together a pitch for his publisher and we’re hoping for a positive outcome!
Wow, these all sound intriguing. We'll have to keep our eyes open for news. Last question, what is your favorite National Park or Forest, regional park, or city park? Or the one you’re longing to visit. Why?
HEATHER – As a child, I have very fond memories of visiting Glacier National Park in Montana with my family during a summer vacation. Because I was so young, I most likely didn’t appreciate the beautiful landscape as much as I should have. But I do remember that the highlight of that trip for our entire family was whitewater rafting where surprisingly no one (including me!) fell out of the boat. My own kids love parks of any kind so you’ll often find us out exploring somewhere around our local area.
© Kim Chammales
GARY - I don’t think I have a favorite Nation Park. I love the forests and parks filled with redwoods where I currently live, but I’d like to visit Mammoth National Park someday. I’ve always been intrigued by caves and this one seems like it has more caves than most! Crater Lake in Oregon also looks pretty amazing. I think I could find some artistic inspiration there.
Thank you, Heather and Gary, for stopping back by to share with us a bit about yourselves and your debut picture book.
Be sure to come back on Friday for the Perfect Picture Book #PPBF post on The Tractor Squad.
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
X/Twitter: https://x.com/garylaibart?lang=en
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