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The Pencil

by

Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Bruce Ingman

In this sensitively illustrated metafictional tale, a pencil discovers its creative powers, at first tentatively drawing a boy, then more confidently providing him with what he asks for; a dog, then a cat.

 

The inevitable chase ensues, so the pencil draws a street for them to chase in, then finds it is limited in the refreshing food it can provide, and has to draw a paintbrush to provide some colour, before creating a whole family for the boy.

 

When the family start to quarrel a rubber has to be drawn, whose megalomaniac tendencies threaten everyone!

 

A wonderfully imaginative book to encourage early creativity.

 

Publisher: Walker Books

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