An Interview with Mallory Dyer
Mallory Dyer grew up on the farm fields of Marana, Arizona, where she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and grit. A former math educator and National Teaching Excellence Award recipient, Mallory has always been passionate about inspiring children to learn and grow with confidence.
Her debut picture book, Tony Tractor Gets Glasses, was inspired by her nephew’s brave journey with strabismus and his adventure in getting glasses. Through Tony Tractor and his friends, Mallory hopes to spark a love of reading in children everywhere, showing that even life’s challenges can lead to new strengths and bright beginnings.
Mallory resides in rural Arizona with her husband, son, and two dogs. She enjoys traveling, reading, and staying active while keeping up with her energetic little one – and she has an undeniable love for college basketball, especially March Madness.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
Tony Tractor Gets Glasses was inspired by my amazing nephew, Payson. When he was diagnosed with strabismus and needed glasses and multiple eye surgeries, he embraced every challenge with such confidence and strength. Watching his journey inspired me to create a story that would help him – and other kids – feel brave and proud of what makes them unique. Tony Tractor’s journey is really about turning something that feels scary into a celebration of courage, confidence, and self-acceptance.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title Tony Tractor Gets Glasses came surprisingly naturally. As soon as I knew the story would be inspired by my nephew Payson’s journey with strabismus and glasses, the title almost named itself. I wanted it to be simple, clear, and kid-friendly – something children could instantly recognize and feel curious about. It’s one of those rare moments in writing where the title showed up before I even finished the story!
Describe your dream book cover.
My dream cover is exactly what we created – a warm, colorful scene with Tony front and center, proudly wearing his glasses and ready for adventure. I wanted the cover to feel uplifting and full of personality, with little details that hint at courage, friendship, and curiosity. And of course, Judy Ladybug tucked in as a special little Easter egg (she is also hidden throughout the book). A cover that makes kids smile before they even open the book – that was the dream.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
Tony’s soundtrack would be upbeat, encouraging, and full of heart. A mix like:
1. Brave by Sara Bareilles – for Tony’s big moment of courage.
2. Roar by Katy Perry – that feeling of discovering your strength.
3. You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman – because friendship is at the core of the story.
4. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles – bright, hopeful, just like Tony’s new perspective.
5. Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin – fun and happy, just like Tony Tractor.
It would be the kind of playlist that makes kids feel invincible.
What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?
I love suspense thrillers and I am a big book worm! I love all of Charlie Donlea’s books. I’m also always reading picture books to my son, both to learn and to stay inspired. My goal is to pass my love of reading down to him. We both love stories that blend warmth, humor, and heart – the Little Blue Truck books and There’s a Nightmare in My Closet are some of our favorites. I also find comfort re-reading childhood favorites and revisiting stories that remind me why picture books matter so much.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
Before becoming a children’s book author, I worked (and still work) in the world of math education. I was an actuary and then a math educator – and I absolutely loved it. I even received the National Teaching Excellence Award, which was such an honor! Something readers might not know is that I played and coached college basketball. I was part of the NJCAA National Championship Teams as both a player and a coach.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve always dreamed of being an author. My mom instilled a deep love of reading in me from a young age, and I had an incredible elementary teacher, Mrs. Bartch, who encouraged our imaginations and taught us how to write and illustrate our own stories. The very first ‘book’ I ever created was in her classroom – it even made its way into our school library, which felt like magic at the time.
My inspiration for Tony Tractor Gets Glasses came from my nephew. Watching him face something scary with such courage made me want to create a story that would help him – and other kids – feel brave, confident, and proud of what makes them unique. And as a lifelong lover of picture books, it felt natural to bring that message to life in a way that children could connect with and carry with them.
Where is your favorite place to write?
My favorite place to write is at my parents’ cabin. It’s such a different environment from the Arizona desert I’m used to – with wildlife, tall trees, and crisp mountain air. There’s something about the quiet, the scenery, and the slower pace that helps my ideas breathe. It’s the kind of place where stories seem to arrive a little more easily.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
I would tell myself: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just start. The story will grow with you. Trust the process, celebrate the small steps, and don’t be afraid to share your work with others – beautiful things happen when you do.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope children walk away knowing that being different is not something to hide – it’s something to celebrate. I want them to feel proud, brave, and excited about the things that make them unique. And I hope they always remember Tony’s message: that courage grows in the moments that feel unfamiliar, and sometimes the scariest steps lead to the brightest views. Be kind, be brave, and be you!
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