Growing up, Deb Hamel loved books, from the plastic covers and the crinkling sounds they made to even their smell. She often escaped into books like “Corduroy” by Don Freeman and “The Mouse and the Motorcycle” by Beverly Cleary, two of her childhood favorites. Years later, Hamel became a children’s book author herself.
“I’ve always had a vivid imagination, so it was wonderful to get a book and just put myself in as one of the characters or the animals being portrayed,” Hamel says. She quite literally put herself in her own stories. Hamel currently has three children’s book series, all starring a young girl named Debber.
“My husband calls me ‘Debber,’ so I decided to call the little girl that. In real life, my husband’s name is Doug, whom I nicknamed ‘Dougah,’ but because that wouldn’t fit with the storyline of a little girl and her dad, I named his character ‘Daddy,’” she explains.
In “Daddy’s Hunting Series,” Debber has adventures in northern New Hampshire and learns about appreciating nature and wildlife. Inspired by her time living on Florida’s coast, “Daddy’s Fishing Series” shares the joys of coastal living and marine life. “Daddy’s Farming Series” is a tribute to Illinois farmers, originating from Hamel’s fascination with farm life and equipment.
“Each of my stories is true and factual to things that happened between my husband and myself,” Hamel says. “I am a native New Yorker, [a] city slicker who really knew nothing about hunting, or the wilderness, or the sounds animals make, but when Doug and I got together, I said I wanted to learn about his passion, which is all of the above.”
The books bring their outdoor experiences to life, teaching children and adults about nature and wildlife while emphasizing old-fashioned family togetherness. For her research, Hamel shares that she would ask her husband question after question.
“He had great patience for me,” Hamel says. “You see, I had major strokes at 40 and 50. I had to learn to walk and talk all over again, and in between, I have had several TIAs (transient ischemic attacks, or mini strokes). In some ways, I could say that was a blessing in disguise, because it slowed me down. It calmed me down. It made me want to stop and smell the roses. I now have a childlike way of looking at things, so the books are all real stories with my new stroke-enhanced imagination.”
Hamel’s journey to writing children’s books began in Olney, Ill., after a career in the public sector. During that time, she worked as a political consultant, a radio talk show host and for the state of New Hampshire’s board of education, among her other occupations.
Beyond her professional achievements, books and storytelling were always a passion. One cold day at Fox Creek Outfitters in Olney, she penned “Daddy’s Hunting Story” while her husband was out hunting. That day, she wrote nine manuscripts. A friend in publishing encouraged her to pursue children’s books, which led to the publication of her first series, and what started as a simple tale to pass the time blossomed into a new career.
For years, Doug visited Illinois to hunt, and the couple often talked about buying a place nearby. The charm of the area eventually won them over. Hamel explains that they fell in love with the area, the people and the down-home country feel.
They purchased their Richland County home a year and a half ago, which is on Norris Electric Cooperative lines. “Daddy’s Farming Series” came about as they were remodeling their new home.
“Our painter saw all my books and [suggested I write] a series based on farmers in Illinois,” Hamel says. “I asked if he knew a farm family I could sit down and talk with.” He did.
“I had so many questions, and [they] answered each one very patiently,” she says. “I immediately went home and wrote two books, figured out the illustrations, and I published them right off. The turnaround time on this was so quick.”
Each of Hamel’s series combines the author’s real experiences with vivid illustrations by artist Alena Karabach, who is from Ukraine. “I send her my storyboard, and I sometimes draw things out. More often, I take photographs of each situation that I want to be depicted and provide details from colors to emotions.” She says Karabach skillfully translates her vision to watercolor illustrations.
Looking ahead, more books are underway. Hamel has five manuscripts written, copyrighted and ready for editing and illustrating. She also hopes to publish more books about farming in Illinois and would love to speak to some interested farmers.
“These books are more than just stories about a little girl,” Hamel explains. “They are educational and fun to read. They teach about nature and the outdoors, and hopefully introduce a whole new generation to love wildlife.”
To learn more or to purchase a book, visit Hamel’s website at debhamel.com.
