Getting Glam at Gram’s is a colourful and celebratory picture book for children that embraces all gender expressions through a fun family fashion show…
Sara Weed and Erin Hawryluk, two childhood friends from Petrolia, Ontario, have teamed up to create a delightful children’s book that celebrates diversity, self-expression and the joy of family. Getting Glam at Gram’s follows Alex, a non-binary child, as they embark on a glamorous adventure at their grandmother’s house. With access to a wardrobe bursting with vintage styles and with a family that embraces individuality, Alex and their cousins explore the boundless possibilities of fashion and self-expression. This heartwarming tale is more than just a children’s book; it’s a celebration of love, acceptance and the power of imagination.
The book is a truly “family” affair: Sara wrote the story while Erin provided the illustrations, and Sara’s wife, Emly Denham Weed, provided input, as did all their kids. In this exclusive interview, Sara and Erin share their inspiration and creative process, and their hopes for the book’s impact on young readers.
You two have such a unique history, growing up across the street from one another and now seeing your own daughters become friends. How has this lifelong connection influenced your creative partnership?
Sara: Collaborating together is wonderful. We recognize that our connection is special. Our mothers are friends, we are friends, our daughters were born on the same date and are obviously best buddies. Our shared roots have allowed us to really understand one another, which helps the creative process unfold effortlessly.
Erin: Whenever we get together, we’re always creatively workshopping ideas. While our kids are off playing, our ideas naturally flow into conversation and the living room transforms into a writers’ room with lots of laughter. Sometimes our kids wander into the discussion or eagerly jump in with their own ideas. It’s been really fun to imagine and dream up characters and stories together.
What inspired you to write/illustrate Getting Glam at Gram’s? Was there a particular event or experience that sparked the idea?
Erin: We really wanted to create a relatable story with positive queer representation. One day, we were having a conversation about the similarities between how we played as children and how our kids play, and were inspired by this shared experience. Dressing up and playing pretend is something we all did, and I think so many people can relate to that.
Sara: And Gram, with her extensive wardrobe and accessories, is loosely based on my own mother, who generously allowed my sister and me, and now her grandkids, free rein to explore her clothes for dress-up and play. As Erin and I crafted the concept, we were intentional with character, setting and language details so that it aligned with our goal of positive queer representation.
The book features a non-binary main character, Alex. Why was it important to you to include this representation?
Sara: When my kids were younger, it was not easy to find books that represented our two-mom family in an authentic way or [with] characters that challenged the gender binary. We wanted to focus on filling this gap. I think fashion and style is a fun creative outlet for self-expression. We wanted the messages of the book to carry that we can express our own unique identities and love ourselves fully. By including Alex, we hoped to offer representation for those who, like me, might not always fit into traditional gender roles, and to create a story that sparks conversation around self-love, individuality and acceptance. At the beginning of the book, characters are introduced by name and pronouns are listed. Just like how calling someone by their correct name is respectful, so is using their correct pronouns. We were intentional about providing this inclusive language to ensure that each family member’s identity is seen and included.
The illustrations are so vibrant and full of life! Erin, can you tell us a bit about your artistic process and how you brought these characters to life?
Erin: Thank you! It was such a fun story to illustrate. My process starts by storyboarding small sketches and ideas. From there, I move on to finding a layout for the pages, thinking about a colour palette including textures, patterns and lighting. I like to make character turnarounds and expression sheets to help develop their unique personalities. In the end, the hope is to create designs that kids will find interesting and relatable [and] that connect with the story.
What do you hope young readers – and grown-ups! – will take away from this book?
Sara: With play at the heart of this book, we want readers to be lifted by its joyful energy and supported by the message of self-love and expression. Play allows children to explore different versions of themselves, be unapologetically themselves, and simply be silly and creative without fear of judgment. Even if something doesn’t go as planned, we can work through problems with the help of loving family members and keep moving forward. Play is contagious – in the book, the whole family gets in on the fun. We hope to inspire kids to put together their own fun outfits and host their own fashion show!
Getting Glam at Gram’s (from Arsenal Pulp Press), for ages three to eight, is written by Sara Weed and illustrated by Erin Hawryluk. It is available in bookstores across the country. For more information, visit arsenalpulp.com.
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