This was cute book about a girl that’s trying to write a book. She goes along the process with her dog and trusty pencil. This would be a good book to use to discuss the writing process as well as perseverance. But, the book was okay. The characters didn’t stand out and the book didn’t have much of a plot.

This book, My Pencil and Me, was a cute story that I could see being read in an elementary setting. It starts with a young girl who has writer's block and her dog suggests she asks her pencil for help. The pencil comes to life and helps her create a story. Only problem is, the pencil gets broken and the character has to figure out how to end the book.
I think this book would be a great mentor text read right before it is time to begin writing. It includes a lot of the aspects of reading and writing such as setting, plot, and climax.
However, don't count this book out just because you are not in a classroom setting. This book also lends itself to conversations on growth mindset, perseverance, and problem solving.
The illustrations were okay. They were not too kiddie or overdone. I really liked the last few pages that took you into the life of the author turned character. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars.

Nicole Shaw

A cute and fun little story with advice on crafting your own book. Perfect for younger readers and filled with adorable and engaging illustrations.

This was a cute story about writing a story. The illustrations are great (although I noticed that Varon made themselves a righty but in the picture at the end they are a lefty). This would be a great starting off story to encourage children to write, and illustrate, their own stories. It definitely simplifies the publishing process but I think the point is to jus get children to create their own stories.

sort of a cross between picture book and graphic novel--hard to tell in the egalley format, but the description says "picture book." I think this would have more appeal specifically to kids who love graphic novels (but picture book readers will gladly pull this one off the shelf as well). I loved this glimpse behind Sara's creative process, but as a picture book I don't think it would stand out.