Carla's Sandwich
Written by Debbie Herman
Illustrated by Sheila Bailey
Written by Debbie Herman
Illustrated by Sheila Bailey
Awards and Reviews
A NY State Reading Association Charlotte Award 2006 nominee
A Society of School Librarians International Honor Book 2005
A Storytelling World Award Honor Book in the Stories for Young Listeners category
An Atlanta Parent Magazine Staff Book Pick
"[We] pulled together the Atlanta Parent Staff Picks of our favorite books from 2004... We culled through hundreds of titles...
The competition was fierce, and many excellent books didn’t make the final cut. But then again, we only had room for 20.
Spunky Carla is one cool kid. Not one for the basic baloney and cheese, Carla leans more toward the chopped liver, potato
chip and cucumber combo. Her classmates offer harsh criticism, but Carla, loaded with self-esteem, holds fast to her original
tastes. One day she even shares a spare sandwich with the school bully and soon they all realize that “different” can be terrific!" -
Elizabeth Cobb
Chosen as the Best of Children's Fiction 2004 for 3-7 year olds by RebeccaReads.com
From Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
"This story was a hit as a read-aloud for first through third graders. In her free-spiritedness, Carla intentionally brings weird
sandwiches to school, all of which gross out her classmates. Her goal is to be creative and unique with ingredients and names
such as Banana-Cottage Cheese Delight or Carla's Crunch for her peanut butter, crackers and cheddar cheese combo.
Unfortunately, the other students' reactions verge on bullying with their mean teasing and not sitting by her. This negative teasing
reaches a peak led by Buster when she brings her Combo Deluxe (nicknamed Wormbo Deluxe by Buster) composed of lettuce,
tomato, raisin, bean sprout, pretzel and mayonnaise. Unfortunately for Buster he has fogotten his own sandwich, and when no
one offers to share their normal ones with him, he begrudgingly gives in to his hunger and accepts Carla's offer of the extras she
always brings. He stuns the others when he proclaims it the best sandwich he's ever eaten, and generous Carla divides her
remaining one up for the othes. There's a pleasing twist the next day when all the kids except Carla bring their novel creations.
This is a good story for a variety of reasons and uses ranging from its themes of not pre-judging something, especially food,
without trying it; problems with mean-spirited teasing; and creative follow-ups such as new sandwichs/drawings of these. The
water color and digital media illustrations emphasize the fa es and expressions of the children.
From Children's Literature
"Carla brought weird sandwiches to school." Any reader can predict the reaction of Carla’s classmates after reading the first line
of this story. Carla is ostracized and criticized for her concoctions: olive, pickle, and green beans; banana and cottage cheese;
sardine, mustard, and sunflower seeds. Carla declares that she likes to be different, but after a week, the illustrations show a sad
Carla eating lunch alone. However, on the class picnic Buster forgets his lunch and Carla offers him her extra Combo Deluxe:
lettuce, tomato, bean sprout, raisin, pretzel and mayonnaise. A great illustration of Buster eyeing the sandwich up close seals the
deal. He declares it delicious, and all Carla’s classmates want a taste of the Combo Deluxe. The next day at school, Carla’s
classmates bring their own far-out sandwich creations. And that is when Carla brings her most surprising sandwich,
in an ending that will delight readers young and old. “I like to be different,” Carla says, biting into her peanut butter and jelly. A
good book for any class reading stories on the theme of differences, and accepting differences. - Mary Loftus
Included in Back to School Recommended Booklists in Charlotte Parent, NJ Family, and Kern County Family
magazines: Can that be the school bell ringing already? Before we can check off the summer reading list it seems we're already
polishing apples and getting ready for a new school year. So stop, breathe, and take a few family moments to read some books
that will get your kids in a back-to-school frame of mind. (The first book featured is Carla's Sandwich.)
From Spectrum Children's Book Club
Picture Book Pick-of-theWeek (April 20, 2005)
Carla's sandwiches would ruin the appetite of anyone who sat by her
at lunch. She combined olives, pickles and green beans or banana with
cottage cheese. Every day she had a unique combination. By Friday it
was sardine with mustard and sunflower seeds. Eventually nobody would
sit by Carla and she ate by herself. On the day of the class picnic, Buster
forgot his sandwich and reluctantly tried one of Carla's lettuce, tomato,
raisin, bean sprout, pretzel and mayonnaise combos. He liked it.
Everybody wanted a sample. The next day everybody brought unusual
sandwiches. All but Carla. She brought peanut butter and jelly. Carla liked to be different. Carla's Sandwich will spark
discussion and creativity in the classroom. However, it may be best read after lunch. — Carloe Earle, Member SCBWI
From Academic Planet.com
Why are these two boys making sandwiches in our Pride Cafe?
Because that's the activity that fifth-grade Junior Counselor Jacob Gruener
came up with to follow up his reading of Carla's Sandwich by Debbie
Herman. This tempting little treasure features Carla, who creates savory
(and sometimes silly) sandwiches just to be different, and her classmates,
most of whom are turned off by her crazy creations. In fact, Carla and her
sandwiches become the brunt of their taunting and teasing. Until, that is,
one day when a student in her class forgets his sandwich. When Carla, who just happens to have an extra, offers him one of
hers, her classmate has to decide if he dares to risk trying something new or if he'd rather go hungry. This book was food for
thought for Jacob and his friend, both of whom are a little different themselves. After they discussed the story, they decided
which sandwich they each thought sounded best and they vowed to give them a try. The following week, Jacob brought the
ingredients and the two munched on a Carla's Crunch and a Caramel Apple Sandwich in their weekly friendship time, finishing
every last crumb. What a delectable way to follow up this delicious commentary on taking chances and tolerating differences.
Check out this book; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the dialogue it'll generate with your little ones. (Oh, and you might
want to have some sandwich-making fixins ready!) - Barbara Gruener, Character Counts! Trainer of Trainers
From Suzette Kroll, registered dietician
Carla's Sandwich is a charming story that delivers a message about the joys of being different. However, it can also be used as a
springboard for discussing and inspiring your child's own creative sandwich "masterpieces." That's why this dietitian gives this
childrens book an A+!
From Midwest Book Review
Imaginatively written by Debbie Herman and nicely illustrated by Sheila Bailey for young readers ages 4 to 8, Carla's Sandwich
has a subtle message about the joy of being different woven into an original story of a little girl who brings weird sandwiches to
her school and how her classmates respond to her oddly original sandwiches. After considerable ridicule Carla is able to turn her
teasers into tasters and then everyone is into creative sandwich making too! Carla's Sandwich would make a popular and "kid
friendly" addition to any school or community library picture book collection!
From Eclectic Homeschool Online Magazine
Debbie Herman's text and Sheila Bailey's art brings Carla and her weird lunchtime delights to life in Carla's Sandwich. Are her
sandwiches really gross? Disgusting? Weird? Or are they, original, just like Carla? Good thing the little girl is packed with extra
helpings of self-esteem - along with an extra sandwich. She'll need that spunk as she works to convince her classmates of the
benefits of originality. The author and artist are perfectly paired for the task. They both enjoy sick, ur- yucky, ur- uh- "different"
innards for their own sandwiches. How about you? - Deborah D. Cariker
From Rebecca Brown, Rebecca Reads.com
Carla brings weird sandwiches to school. Her classmates have plenty to say about her combinations...and none of it nice! Carla,
however, has dollops of self-esteem and simply shrugs her shoulders & says her choices are just "different," "creative," "unique"
... and [that] she made them herself. Cool idea, right? Not to Carla's friends. They desert her lunch table to get on with their
usual, predictable meals.
On the day of a class picnic, Buster, the meanest kid in the class, declares before everyone that Carla's latest creation is the pits.
Today, however, Buster discovers he's forgotten his lunch. Carla offers to share hers. It takes a while of watching everyone else
eating for him to surrender to his hunger and accept Carla's spare sandwich ... which he actually enjoys ... a lot!
Soon everyone wants to taste Carla's unique combinations. Out of this step beyond the usual, the children decide to venture out
and create their own lunches. And what does Carla do then? Ah, you've got to read Debbie Herman's story to find out.
For ages 4-8, Carla's Sandwich is delightfully illustrated by Sheila Bailey: her way with food is scrumptious!
I could not put Carla's Sandwich down, nibbling my way through a very funny story, with a lesson to teach about being your own
person. - Rebecca Brown
From MyShelf.com
About the time preschool children start feeling the need of a little independence from their parents, they become very
conventional little animals, striving to be an identical member of the classroom pack. This is the age of conformity, when the drive
to be the same as your peers is a natural, integral part of the social learning process. But Carla breaks the mold. With her lunch.
Carla comes to school with weird sandwiches. She not only dares to be different, she revels in it. She is a past master of the
adventurous atypical Dagwood sandwich, the olive, pickle and green bean sandwich, Banana-Cottage-Cheese-Delight, the
peanut butter, crackers and cheddar cheese on pita bread sandwich. You can imagine how well this goes over with her staid little
peers.
Carla likes to be different. Her peers make faces at her creativity, walk away from her at lunchtime, poke fun at her food. But
Carla weathers it all, cheerfully composing new sandwich constructions and forging her individual path through the lunchroom
with nary a whine. She is master of her own fate, and faces each new day's rejection with a stalwart optimism that is admirable.
There is so much that is good about this beautiful little book that one could write far more than the 32 pages of its modest length,
and still not cover it all. Debbie Herman teaches so many lessons by example here: tolerance, creativity, independence, optimism,
determination, kindness and acceptance. Carla is not just the ultimate sandwich muse. She has a quirky nature and a kind of
bravery-by-example a child this age, (or an adult, for that matter) will really appreciate. Furthermore Debbie Herman's audience
of readers is right in the middle of that dreaded childhood mode: the picky eater syndrome.
This book will be to the brown bag lunch what Dr. Seuss was to ham and eggs. I feel certain there will be Carla's
Sandwich birthday themes, Carla's Sandwich sleepovers, Carla's Make Your Own Sandwich parties. Sheila Bailey's
irrepressible illustrations are completely engaging and the perfect complement to the text. This book is a gem. - Allie Bates
From Teacher's Pets and Kiddle CRITers
Whole wheat, rye, croissant, wrap, toast, bagel – all yummy sandwich covers. Turkey, peanut butter, jelly, liverwurst, cow’s
tongue – all yummy sandwich fillings. Uhh . . . well, maybe not cow’s tongue – I’ll pass on that. But there are endless
combinations and varieties of sandwiches to fulfill just about anyone’s desire.
In Carla's Sandwich, author Debbie Herman dreams up sandwiches all green and slimy, and some with yellow and white stuff
oozing from their sides, and Carla just loves them all. BUT, did you notice not a sandwich could be found with onions? Could it
be that Ms. Herman is not an onion fan?
Illustrator Sheila Bailey must have had a ball painting the variety of sandwiches. I particularly liked the sardine and mustard one
with sunflower seeds, though I would probably “hold” the sardines if it were my sandwich.
Together Debbie Herman and Sheila Bailey created not only weird sandwiches, but an original and fun book which will certainly
have children experimenting with all kinds of sandwich ingredients... Let’s see, how about gummy worms and popcorn covered
with marshmallow fluff and stuffed into a pita bread? YUM! Check out your local school lunchroom for more sandwich varieties
after teachers read this book to their classes. - Donna Figurski
FROM the MOUTHS of KIDDLE CRITers: a critique group of primary-age children who are avid readers
“This is a very interesting book,” said Hannah.
“Carla made some weird sandwiches,” said Ethan.
“Everybody thought that Carla’s sandwiches were disgusting,” said Sarit.
“I think the most disgusting sandwich was the asparagus, pasta and soybean sauce sandwich,” said Anya.
Hannah scrunched up her nose. “They WERE disgusting,” she said, “but they were creative, too!”
“The pickle sandwich looked creative,” said Katie-Erin.
“Carla got crazy with her sandwiches,” said Philippe.
“But, Carla’s classmates were mean to tease her,” said Katie-Erin.
“All she wanted was to be different,” said Marta.
“And, it’s okay to be different,” said Hannah.
“I’d like to be different - like Carla,” said Katie-Erin.
“Yeah, everybody has different tastes,” said Hannah. “I would actually like to try Carla’s sandwiches.”
“But, if someone laughed at my food, I would probably be sad,” said Katie-Erin.
“That’s happened to me before,” said Pritka. “I brought in pita bread with mashed potatoes that were yellow, and the other kids
said, ‘Eww,’ what’s that smell?”
Anya could barely wait for Pritka to finish. “One day I brought in sushi and my friend said, 'I hate sushi!'”
“Well, I’d probably tell them that it’s my food and I like it,” said Hannah.
Becky thought for a moment and then said. “I think Carla was brave to bring in all those sandwiches.”
“Marta nodded. “I never knew a person brave enough to bring in something like that, though.”
“But, Carla was!” said Sarit.
“And, she was very creative,” said Lucy.
“Yeah!” said Ethan, “and each food had a unique taste, smell, and texture,” he added, “but that’s just my opinion.”
“If I were Carla,” said Hannah, “I would bring a toasted marshmallow sandwich with blueberries, chocolate, and raisins.” Then
she laughed. “I don’t think it would taste too good though, but it would be fun to try it.”
“If I were to make a sandwich, it would include ketchup, mayonnaise, salad, and pizza,” said Pritka.
“Eww!” groaned Sarit.
“I think a hotdog and marshmallow sandwich would be good,” said Philippe.
“I wonder if Carla could put them in a cookbook?” asked Pritka. “It would make a very good cookbook.”
“I think that it would be fun to read over and over,” said Jake, “because every time you read it, you would laugh at the different
sandwiches.”
“Well, when I get home I am going to make a crazy sandwich like Carla’s,” said Anya.
“The lesson that the author was trying to teach you is that you should always try something,” said Ethan with a smirk on his face.
“Even if it looks like something that cat dragged in.”
From BookPleasures.com
Carla’s Sandwich is a great book that children will love! With its imaginative text by Debbie Herman, and its vivid and bright
illustrations by Sheila Bailey, no child will be disappointed as they turn each page to discover which weird and wonderful
concoctions Carla will be eating that day for her school lunch.
This book contains a story of being different – and you feel a little sorry for Carla as the other children isolate her because she
brings in such unusual combinations of sandwiches to eat, like sardine and mustard with sunflower seeds. But one day, another
boy forgets his lunch, and when his hunger gets the better of him, he reluctantly turns to Carla to beg a spare from her. He does,
of course, find the offering delicious, and the other children change their minds about what constitutes an ‘acceptable’ sandwich.
Fantastic pictures and colour, with an inspiring storyline for children aged four to eight years old; this book was a delight to read
and is thoroughly recommended. - Andrea Wren
From Large Print Reviews.com
Carla likes being unique, and this shows in her choice of lunch sandwiches. From a sardine and mustard with sunflower seeds
sandwich to a lettuce, tomato, raisin, bean sprout, pretzel and mayonnaise sandwich, Carla is game to eat just about anything -
proving both her creativity and uniqueness. The only problem is, that while Carla is anxious to share her creations with her
classmates, she can't find any takers. Although Carla continually proclaims just how delicious her sandwiches are, everyone just
thinks that they are icky and none is willing to give one of Carla's sandwiches a try. Even worse, Carla's classmates make fun of
her sandwiches and tend to tease her about them. Despite the teasing, Carla remains true to her desire to be different and keeps
inventing new sandwiches. The situation changes drastically when her class goes on a picnic and Buster forgets to bring along his
lunch. Carla immediately offers him one of her sandwiches, but he vigorously turns her down. As the day progress, and his
stomach begins to grumble, Buster breaks down and tries one of Carla' sandwiches - and discovers just how great they are.
Soon the whole class is into making unique sandwiches, and Carla has to take a different tack to maintain her uniqueness.
Carla's Sandwich is a marvelous story by Debbie Herman. Carla is a unique heroine that you form an instant bond with, so much
so that I hope that Herman writes more stories featuring the indomitable Carla. This is a wonderful story to read to your children.
It will encourage them to experiment, and try new foods as well as providing ample fodder for numerous conversations about
what other types of sandwiches Carla might have made, and whether or not you might be willing to munch down on an olive,
pickle and green bean sandwich or one made of bananas and cottage cheese.
This is an enchanting story that is accompanied by delectable and gleeful illustrations by Sheila Bailey. These illustrations bring
Carla's unique sandwiches, and Carla herself with her freckles and missing tooth, to life. First released in 2004, Carla's
vivaciousness and willingness to be different has touched so many hearts that this book was recently released in a Spanish
edition, entitled El sándwich de Carla. The target audience for this book is children ages 4-8. However, it is a book that will
enthrall children of all ages, and it is one that adults can read aloud night after night without becoming fatigued. In addition, the
story is printed in about a 16-point font that is perfect for those needing a large print text. I wholeheartedly recommended Carla's
Sandwich to readers of all ages! - Auggie Moore
From Betty Dravis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
Here I go again: reviewing a book by one of my favorite kids publishers, FLASHLIGHT PRESS. Carla's Sandwich is the fourth
one I've read and reviewed, and it's as delightful as their other choices. You can't go wrong with any of their books.
Author Debbie Herman certainly had a great idea when she created the irrepressible Carla, a little girl with a unique talent for
creating delectable, mouth-watering, healthy sandwiches. Captivating illustrations by Sheila Bailey complement the story to
perfection, and will enchant adults and children alike.
Carla's sandwiches are creative and unique, to be sure, but "weird" to her classmates. They're creatures of habit -- stuck in a rut
with their usual hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly, and bologna sandwiches -- so they ridicule her for being different.
But that doesn't stop Carla, and she soon has them "eating out of her hand" ... literally. How does she accomplish this? And what
happens when her worst adversary forgets his lunch one day? Does Carla share with him, or ignore him? How does this girl who
dares to be different change her entire school? Well, you'll have to RFY (read for yourself); it will be a delicious reading
adventure as you and your kids nibble your way through, page after tasty page.
This book -- with its subtle message about the joys of being different -- is a great choice for kids from 4 to 8 and will make a
delightful addition to any picture-book collection. It will also be an excellent tool for teaching children to think for themselves and
to be kind and sensitive to others.
I highly recommend this book, but it's lunchtime, so I'm off to create a yummy sandwich of my own design. Does sliced bananas
with mustard and lettuce on rye bread sound good? Help, Carla!
From the Special Book Collection on Embracing the Child.com
Exploring the joy of being unique - check it out for school lunches. - Pat Kinderman
From Chef Ephraim Kadish
A delicious book -- I grant Carla five stars for her originality and fantastic food pairings. - Ephraim Kadish, Chef, Restaurateur,
and father of four
From Sally's Place.com
Carla's Sandwich by Debbie Herman and Sheila Bailey is a charming story that presents a new way for young children to
understand how to creatively embrace who they are, no matter what others think. Carla creates unique sandwiches all her own! -
Sally Bernstein, Editor in Chief (August 18, 2004)
From The Writer's Room.com
Raising our children not to fear being unique is a challenge for most of us. Carla’s Sandwich is a story of a young girl who dared
to be different regardless of the ridicule she received... The book is a delightful tale of a courageous young girl who, despite peer
pressure, stayed true to herself. Entertaining for the young reader while sending a valuable message. - Skye Lindborg
From Just-For-Kids.com
Carla's lunch box is filled with odd delights like the Olive, Pickle and Green Bean Sandwich. To Carla, they are delicious and
creative lunches, but her teasing classmates are unconvinced and abandon her at the lunch table to eat her bizarre sandwiches
alone. One day, however, tables turn when Buster, the worst tease of all, forgets his lunch on the day of the picnic and Carla
thoughtfully offers him her extra sandwich. - Susan Finkle
From Through the Looking Glass.com
Carla brings some very strange things to school for her lunches. In fact she brings such peculiar sandwiches that no one wants to
sit with her anymore and they make fun of her too. As far as Carla is concerned though, her sandwiches are “creative,” “unique,”
and “different,” and not “gross,” “disgusting,” or “sick.”
When Carla’s class is told that they are going to go for a picnic Carla is laughed at again for her very “different” sandwich. As
the children are eating their lunch sitting on the grass under the blue sky, Buster discovers that he forgot his lunch. Feeling
famished Buster accepts Carla’s offer of sharing some her peculiar sandwich – and he gets a real shock.
By telling a story that every child can relate to the author shows her readers that being different is not a bad thing. On the
contrary, it is something to be acknowledged and enjoyed. - Marya Jansen-Gruber
A Society of School Librarians International Honor Book 2005
A Storytelling World Award Honor Book in the Stories for Young Listeners category
An Atlanta Parent Magazine Staff Book Pick
"[We] pulled together the Atlanta Parent Staff Picks of our favorite books from 2004... We culled through hundreds of titles...
The competition was fierce, and many excellent books didn’t make the final cut. But then again, we only had room for 20.
Spunky Carla is one cool kid. Not one for the basic baloney and cheese, Carla leans more toward the chopped liver, potato
chip and cucumber combo. Her classmates offer harsh criticism, but Carla, loaded with self-esteem, holds fast to her original
tastes. One day she even shares a spare sandwich with the school bully and soon they all realize that “different” can be terrific!" -
Elizabeth Cobb
Chosen as the Best of Children's Fiction 2004 for 3-7 year olds by RebeccaReads.com
From Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
"This story was a hit as a read-aloud for first through third graders. In her free-spiritedness, Carla intentionally brings weird
sandwiches to school, all of which gross out her classmates. Her goal is to be creative and unique with ingredients and names
such as Banana-Cottage Cheese Delight or Carla's Crunch for her peanut butter, crackers and cheddar cheese combo.
Unfortunately, the other students' reactions verge on bullying with their mean teasing and not sitting by her. This negative teasing
reaches a peak led by Buster when she brings her Combo Deluxe (nicknamed Wormbo Deluxe by Buster) composed of lettuce,
tomato, raisin, bean sprout, pretzel and mayonnaise. Unfortunately for Buster he has fogotten his own sandwich, and when no
one offers to share their normal ones with him, he begrudgingly gives in to his hunger and accepts Carla's offer of the extras she
always brings. He stuns the others when he proclaims it the best sandwich he's ever eaten, and generous Carla divides her
remaining one up for the othes. There's a pleasing twist the next day when all the kids except Carla bring their novel creations.
This is a good story for a variety of reasons and uses ranging from its themes of not pre-judging something, especially food,
without trying it; problems with mean-spirited teasing; and creative follow-ups such as new sandwichs/drawings of these. The
water color and digital media illustrations emphasize the fa es and expressions of the children.
From Children's Literature
"Carla brought weird sandwiches to school." Any reader can predict the reaction of Carla’s classmates after reading the first line
of this story. Carla is ostracized and criticized for her concoctions: olive, pickle, and green beans; banana and cottage cheese;
sardine, mustard, and sunflower seeds. Carla declares that she likes to be different, but after a week, the illustrations show a sad
Carla eating lunch alone. However, on the class picnic Buster forgets his lunch and Carla offers him her extra Combo Deluxe:
lettuce, tomato, bean sprout, raisin, pretzel and mayonnaise. A great illustration of Buster eyeing the sandwich up close seals the
deal. He declares it delicious, and all Carla’s classmates want a taste of the Combo Deluxe. The next day at school, Carla’s
classmates bring their own far-out sandwich creations. And that is when Carla brings her most surprising sandwich,
in an ending that will delight readers young and old. “I like to be different,” Carla says, biting into her peanut butter and jelly. A
good book for any class reading stories on the theme of differences, and accepting differences. - Mary Loftus
Included in Back to School Recommended Booklists in Charlotte Parent, NJ Family, and Kern County Family
magazines: Can that be the school bell ringing already? Before we can check off the summer reading list it seems we're already
polishing apples and getting ready for a new school year. So stop, breathe, and take a few family moments to read some books
that will get your kids in a back-to-school frame of mind. (The first book featured is Carla's Sandwich.)
From Spectrum Children's Book Club
Picture Book Pick-of-theWeek (April 20, 2005)
Carla's sandwiches would ruin the appetite of anyone who sat by her
at lunch. She combined olives, pickles and green beans or banana with
cottage cheese. Every day she had a unique combination. By Friday it
was sardine with mustard and sunflower seeds. Eventually nobody would
sit by Carla and she ate by herself. On the day of the class picnic, Buster
forgot his sandwich and reluctantly tried one of Carla's lettuce, tomato,
raisin, bean sprout, pretzel and mayonnaise combos. He liked it.
Everybody wanted a sample. The next day everybody brought unusual
sandwiches. All but Carla. She brought peanut butter and jelly. Carla liked to be different. Carla's Sandwich will spark
discussion and creativity in the classroom. However, it may be best read after lunch. — Carloe Earle, Member SCBWI
From Academic Planet.com
Why are these two boys making sandwiches in our Pride Cafe?
Because that's the activity that fifth-grade Junior Counselor Jacob Gruener
came up with to follow up his reading of Carla's Sandwich by Debbie
Herman. This tempting little treasure features Carla, who creates savory
(and sometimes silly) sandwiches just to be different, and her classmates,
most of whom are turned off by her crazy creations. In fact, Carla and her
sandwiches become the brunt of their taunting and teasing. Until, that is,
one day when a student in her class forgets his sandwich. When Carla, who just happens to have an extra, offers him one of
hers, her classmate has to decide if he dares to risk trying something new or if he'd rather go hungry. This book was food for
thought for Jacob and his friend, both of whom are a little different themselves. After they discussed the story, they decided
which sandwich they each thought sounded best and they vowed to give them a try. The following week, Jacob brought the
ingredients and the two munched on a Carla's Crunch and a Caramel Apple Sandwich in their weekly friendship time, finishing
every last crumb. What a delectable way to follow up this delicious commentary on taking chances and tolerating differences.
Check out this book; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the dialogue it'll generate with your little ones. (Oh, and you might
want to have some sandwich-making fixins ready!) - Barbara Gruener, Character Counts! Trainer of Trainers
From Suzette Kroll, registered dietician
Carla's Sandwich is a charming story that delivers a message about the joys of being different. However, it can also be used as a
springboard for discussing and inspiring your child's own creative sandwich "masterpieces." That's why this dietitian gives this
childrens book an A+!
From Midwest Book Review
Imaginatively written by Debbie Herman and nicely illustrated by Sheila Bailey for young readers ages 4 to 8, Carla's Sandwich
has a subtle message about the joy of being different woven into an original story of a little girl who brings weird sandwiches to
her school and how her classmates respond to her oddly original sandwiches. After considerable ridicule Carla is able to turn her
teasers into tasters and then everyone is into creative sandwich making too! Carla's Sandwich would make a popular and "kid
friendly" addition to any school or community library picture book collection!
- Here's author Debbie Herman appearing at the Warwick Children's Book
Festival in Warwick, NY, September 2005.
From Eclectic Homeschool Online Magazine
Debbie Herman's text and Sheila Bailey's art brings Carla and her weird lunchtime delights to life in Carla's Sandwich. Are her
sandwiches really gross? Disgusting? Weird? Or are they, original, just like Carla? Good thing the little girl is packed with extra
helpings of self-esteem - along with an extra sandwich. She'll need that spunk as she works to convince her classmates of the
benefits of originality. The author and artist are perfectly paired for the task. They both enjoy sick, ur- yucky, ur- uh- "different"
innards for their own sandwiches. How about you? - Deborah D. Cariker
From Rebecca Brown, Rebecca Reads.com
Carla brings weird sandwiches to school. Her classmates have plenty to say about her combinations...and none of it nice! Carla,
however, has dollops of self-esteem and simply shrugs her shoulders & says her choices are just "different," "creative," "unique"
... and [that] she made them herself. Cool idea, right? Not to Carla's friends. They desert her lunch table to get on with their
usual, predictable meals.
On the day of a class picnic, Buster, the meanest kid in the class, declares before everyone that Carla's latest creation is the pits.
Today, however, Buster discovers he's forgotten his lunch. Carla offers to share hers. It takes a while of watching everyone else
eating for him to surrender to his hunger and accept Carla's spare sandwich ... which he actually enjoys ... a lot!
Soon everyone wants to taste Carla's unique combinations. Out of this step beyond the usual, the children decide to venture out
and create their own lunches. And what does Carla do then? Ah, you've got to read Debbie Herman's story to find out.
For ages 4-8, Carla's Sandwich is delightfully illustrated by Sheila Bailey: her way with food is scrumptious!
I could not put Carla's Sandwich down, nibbling my way through a very funny story, with a lesson to teach about being your own
person. - Rebecca Brown
From MyShelf.com
About the time preschool children start feeling the need of a little independence from their parents, they become very
conventional little animals, striving to be an identical member of the classroom pack. This is the age of conformity, when the drive
to be the same as your peers is a natural, integral part of the social learning process. But Carla breaks the mold. With her lunch.
Carla comes to school with weird sandwiches. She not only dares to be different, she revels in it. She is a past master of the
adventurous atypical Dagwood sandwich, the olive, pickle and green bean sandwich, Banana-Cottage-Cheese-Delight, the
peanut butter, crackers and cheddar cheese on pita bread sandwich. You can imagine how well this goes over with her staid little
peers.
Carla likes to be different. Her peers make faces at her creativity, walk away from her at lunchtime, poke fun at her food. But
Carla weathers it all, cheerfully composing new sandwich constructions and forging her individual path through the lunchroom
with nary a whine. She is master of her own fate, and faces each new day's rejection with a stalwart optimism that is admirable.
There is so much that is good about this beautiful little book that one could write far more than the 32 pages of its modest length,
and still not cover it all. Debbie Herman teaches so many lessons by example here: tolerance, creativity, independence, optimism,
determination, kindness and acceptance. Carla is not just the ultimate sandwich muse. She has a quirky nature and a kind of
bravery-by-example a child this age, (or an adult, for that matter) will really appreciate. Furthermore Debbie Herman's audience
of readers is right in the middle of that dreaded childhood mode: the picky eater syndrome.
This book will be to the brown bag lunch what Dr. Seuss was to ham and eggs. I feel certain there will be Carla's
Sandwich birthday themes, Carla's Sandwich sleepovers, Carla's Make Your Own Sandwich parties. Sheila Bailey's
irrepressible illustrations are completely engaging and the perfect complement to the text. This book is a gem. - Allie Bates
From Teacher's Pets and Kiddle CRITers
Whole wheat, rye, croissant, wrap, toast, bagel – all yummy sandwich covers. Turkey, peanut butter, jelly, liverwurst, cow’s
tongue – all yummy sandwich fillings. Uhh . . . well, maybe not cow’s tongue – I’ll pass on that. But there are endless
combinations and varieties of sandwiches to fulfill just about anyone’s desire.
In Carla's Sandwich, author Debbie Herman dreams up sandwiches all green and slimy, and some with yellow and white stuff
oozing from their sides, and Carla just loves them all. BUT, did you notice not a sandwich could be found with onions? Could it
be that Ms. Herman is not an onion fan?
Illustrator Sheila Bailey must have had a ball painting the variety of sandwiches. I particularly liked the sardine and mustard one
with sunflower seeds, though I would probably “hold” the sardines if it were my sandwich.
Together Debbie Herman and Sheila Bailey created not only weird sandwiches, but an original and fun book which will certainly
have children experimenting with all kinds of sandwich ingredients... Let’s see, how about gummy worms and popcorn covered
with marshmallow fluff and stuffed into a pita bread? YUM! Check out your local school lunchroom for more sandwich varieties
after teachers read this book to their classes. - Donna Figurski
FROM the MOUTHS of KIDDLE CRITers: a critique group of primary-age children who are avid readers
“This is a very interesting book,” said Hannah.
“Carla made some weird sandwiches,” said Ethan.
“Everybody thought that Carla’s sandwiches were disgusting,” said Sarit.
“I think the most disgusting sandwich was the asparagus, pasta and soybean sauce sandwich,” said Anya.
Hannah scrunched up her nose. “They WERE disgusting,” she said, “but they were creative, too!”
“The pickle sandwich looked creative,” said Katie-Erin.
“Carla got crazy with her sandwiches,” said Philippe.
“But, Carla’s classmates were mean to tease her,” said Katie-Erin.
“All she wanted was to be different,” said Marta.
“And, it’s okay to be different,” said Hannah.
“I’d like to be different - like Carla,” said Katie-Erin.
“Yeah, everybody has different tastes,” said Hannah. “I would actually like to try Carla’s sandwiches.”
“But, if someone laughed at my food, I would probably be sad,” said Katie-Erin.
“That’s happened to me before,” said Pritka. “I brought in pita bread with mashed potatoes that were yellow, and the other kids
said, ‘Eww,’ what’s that smell?”
Anya could barely wait for Pritka to finish. “One day I brought in sushi and my friend said, 'I hate sushi!'”
“Well, I’d probably tell them that it’s my food and I like it,” said Hannah.
Becky thought for a moment and then said. “I think Carla was brave to bring in all those sandwiches.”
“Marta nodded. “I never knew a person brave enough to bring in something like that, though.”
“But, Carla was!” said Sarit.
“And, she was very creative,” said Lucy.
“Yeah!” said Ethan, “and each food had a unique taste, smell, and texture,” he added, “but that’s just my opinion.”
“If I were Carla,” said Hannah, “I would bring a toasted marshmallow sandwich with blueberries, chocolate, and raisins.” Then
she laughed. “I don’t think it would taste too good though, but it would be fun to try it.”
“If I were to make a sandwich, it would include ketchup, mayonnaise, salad, and pizza,” said Pritka.
“Eww!” groaned Sarit.
“I think a hotdog and marshmallow sandwich would be good,” said Philippe.
“I wonder if Carla could put them in a cookbook?” asked Pritka. “It would make a very good cookbook.”
“I think that it would be fun to read over and over,” said Jake, “because every time you read it, you would laugh at the different
sandwiches.”
“Well, when I get home I am going to make a crazy sandwich like Carla’s,” said Anya.
“The lesson that the author was trying to teach you is that you should always try something,” said Ethan with a smirk on his face.
“Even if it looks like something that cat dragged in.”
From BookPleasures.com
Carla’s Sandwich is a great book that children will love! With its imaginative text by Debbie Herman, and its vivid and bright
illustrations by Sheila Bailey, no child will be disappointed as they turn each page to discover which weird and wonderful
concoctions Carla will be eating that day for her school lunch.
This book contains a story of being different – and you feel a little sorry for Carla as the other children isolate her because she
brings in such unusual combinations of sandwiches to eat, like sardine and mustard with sunflower seeds. But one day, another
boy forgets his lunch, and when his hunger gets the better of him, he reluctantly turns to Carla to beg a spare from her. He does,
of course, find the offering delicious, and the other children change their minds about what constitutes an ‘acceptable’ sandwich.
Fantastic pictures and colour, with an inspiring storyline for children aged four to eight years old; this book was a delight to read
and is thoroughly recommended. - Andrea Wren
From Large Print Reviews.com
Carla likes being unique, and this shows in her choice of lunch sandwiches. From a sardine and mustard with sunflower seeds
sandwich to a lettuce, tomato, raisin, bean sprout, pretzel and mayonnaise sandwich, Carla is game to eat just about anything -
proving both her creativity and uniqueness. The only problem is, that while Carla is anxious to share her creations with her
classmates, she can't find any takers. Although Carla continually proclaims just how delicious her sandwiches are, everyone just
thinks that they are icky and none is willing to give one of Carla's sandwiches a try. Even worse, Carla's classmates make fun of
her sandwiches and tend to tease her about them. Despite the teasing, Carla remains true to her desire to be different and keeps
inventing new sandwiches. The situation changes drastically when her class goes on a picnic and Buster forgets to bring along his
lunch. Carla immediately offers him one of her sandwiches, but he vigorously turns her down. As the day progress, and his
stomach begins to grumble, Buster breaks down and tries one of Carla' sandwiches - and discovers just how great they are.
Soon the whole class is into making unique sandwiches, and Carla has to take a different tack to maintain her uniqueness.
Carla's Sandwich is a marvelous story by Debbie Herman. Carla is a unique heroine that you form an instant bond with, so much
so that I hope that Herman writes more stories featuring the indomitable Carla. This is a wonderful story to read to your children.
It will encourage them to experiment, and try new foods as well as providing ample fodder for numerous conversations about
what other types of sandwiches Carla might have made, and whether or not you might be willing to munch down on an olive,
pickle and green bean sandwich or one made of bananas and cottage cheese.
This is an enchanting story that is accompanied by delectable and gleeful illustrations by Sheila Bailey. These illustrations bring
Carla's unique sandwiches, and Carla herself with her freckles and missing tooth, to life. First released in 2004, Carla's
vivaciousness and willingness to be different has touched so many hearts that this book was recently released in a Spanish
edition, entitled El sándwich de Carla. The target audience for this book is children ages 4-8. However, it is a book that will
enthrall children of all ages, and it is one that adults can read aloud night after night without becoming fatigued. In addition, the
story is printed in about a 16-point font that is perfect for those needing a large print text. I wholeheartedly recommended Carla's
Sandwich to readers of all ages! - Auggie Moore
From Betty Dravis, Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer
Here I go again: reviewing a book by one of my favorite kids publishers, FLASHLIGHT PRESS. Carla's Sandwich is the fourth
one I've read and reviewed, and it's as delightful as their other choices. You can't go wrong with any of their books.
Author Debbie Herman certainly had a great idea when she created the irrepressible Carla, a little girl with a unique talent for
creating delectable, mouth-watering, healthy sandwiches. Captivating illustrations by Sheila Bailey complement the story to
perfection, and will enchant adults and children alike.
Carla's sandwiches are creative and unique, to be sure, but "weird" to her classmates. They're creatures of habit -- stuck in a rut
with their usual hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly, and bologna sandwiches -- so they ridicule her for being different.
But that doesn't stop Carla, and she soon has them "eating out of her hand" ... literally. How does she accomplish this? And what
happens when her worst adversary forgets his lunch one day? Does Carla share with him, or ignore him? How does this girl who
dares to be different change her entire school? Well, you'll have to RFY (read for yourself); it will be a delicious reading
adventure as you and your kids nibble your way through, page after tasty page.
This book -- with its subtle message about the joys of being different -- is a great choice for kids from 4 to 8 and will make a
delightful addition to any picture-book collection. It will also be an excellent tool for teaching children to think for themselves and
to be kind and sensitive to others.
I highly recommend this book, but it's lunchtime, so I'm off to create a yummy sandwich of my own design. Does sliced bananas
with mustard and lettuce on rye bread sound good? Help, Carla!
From the Special Book Collection on Embracing the Child.com
Exploring the joy of being unique - check it out for school lunches. - Pat Kinderman
From Chef Ephraim Kadish
A delicious book -- I grant Carla five stars for her originality and fantastic food pairings. - Ephraim Kadish, Chef, Restaurateur,
and father of four
From Sally's Place.com
Carla's Sandwich by Debbie Herman and Sheila Bailey is a charming story that presents a new way for young children to
understand how to creatively embrace who they are, no matter what others think. Carla creates unique sandwiches all her own! -
Sally Bernstein, Editor in Chief (August 18, 2004)
From The Writer's Room.com
Raising our children not to fear being unique is a challenge for most of us. Carla’s Sandwich is a story of a young girl who dared
to be different regardless of the ridicule she received... The book is a delightful tale of a courageous young girl who, despite peer
pressure, stayed true to herself. Entertaining for the young reader while sending a valuable message. - Skye Lindborg
From Just-For-Kids.com
Carla's lunch box is filled with odd delights like the Olive, Pickle and Green Bean Sandwich. To Carla, they are delicious and
creative lunches, but her teasing classmates are unconvinced and abandon her at the lunch table to eat her bizarre sandwiches
alone. One day, however, tables turn when Buster, the worst tease of all, forgets his lunch on the day of the picnic and Carla
thoughtfully offers him her extra sandwich. - Susan Finkle
From Through the Looking Glass.com
Carla brings some very strange things to school for her lunches. In fact she brings such peculiar sandwiches that no one wants to
sit with her anymore and they make fun of her too. As far as Carla is concerned though, her sandwiches are “creative,” “unique,”
and “different,” and not “gross,” “disgusting,” or “sick.”
When Carla’s class is told that they are going to go for a picnic Carla is laughed at again for her very “different” sandwich. As
the children are eating their lunch sitting on the grass under the blue sky, Buster discovers that he forgot his lunch. Feeling
famished Buster accepts Carla’s offer of sharing some her peculiar sandwich – and he gets a real shock.
By telling a story that every child can relate to the author shows her readers that being different is not a bad thing. On the
contrary, it is something to be acknowledged and enjoyed. - Marya Jansen-Gruber
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