And so begins the adventure of the pencil... he creates a whole world from blank paper – Banjo the little boy, Bruce the dog, Mildred the cat and then, there is some unrest. So he creates Kitty the paintbrush who helps him bring colour into the world he creates. So the pencil creates a family for Banjo and for a while everyone is happy.
Until, more unrest – they start complaining about their features so the ever obliging pencil creates a rubber. BUT the rubber has an anarchic streak and starts rubbing e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g out, including Banjo and Kitty. The pencil is lonely once more and tries all manner of things to contain the rubber but is foiled at every turn... until he creates another rubber and they destroy each other.
The pencil then redraws Banjo, Bruce, Mildred, Dad, Mum and all the family and Kitty helps to colour them. And everyone is happy again.
This story is wry, amusing and full of intricate detail and a multi-faceted story that withstands lots and lots of readings.
This review by KBR contributor, Cat Conidi.
Title: The Pencil
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Bruce Ingman
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781406319552
For ages: 1 – 5 years
Type: Picture book
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