The Pencil

Allan Ahlberg (author)
Bruce Ingman (illustration)

Walker Books, UK: 2008

ISBN: 9781406309621

Genres: picture book

‘Once there was a pencil... that began to draw.' And all sorts of adventures ensue. At first all goes well as the pencil draws a boy, then a dog for the boy, then a cat for the dog.

Things even move into colour when the pencil draws a paintbrush to help. A great deal of fun is had by all characters - for a while. But discontent is brooding between the pages and soon characters are objecting to their clothes, their hair, their bedroom and they demand change. The pencil draws an eraser - and chaos ensues.

This is a picture book for people with imagination, giving insight into the warped and wicked mind behind the illustrations. The nature of the concept pulls the reader into the story and beyond the page. Very much a book that explores ‘what if', the question that keeps writers writing and artists drawing, there is a great deal of humour and playfulness that will appeal to younger readers.

Highly recommended.