The Pencil
By Allan Ahlberg
Published by Walker Books
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Another classic from Ahlberg, whose insight into the workings of young minds is as magical as his stories.
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Children's Book review
Another classic from Ahlberg, whose insight into the workings of young minds is as magical as his stories.
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.
Illustrator: Bruce Ingman
Reading age: 6+
Interest level: 4+
