Where Do Stories Come From?

My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon

How does a book come into existence? Can the process be broken down into steps? Or is the creation of a story the result of inspiration? My Pencil and Me suggests that authors find that both method and inventiveness are important.

Varon offers young readers a glimpse into a story's creation. Meet an author as she struggles with developing a narrative for her book. Fortunately, she has two friends to help: her dog and her pencil. The faithful canine sits beside her and serves as a sounding board, helping Sara to frame her thoughts in an interesting way.
Her pencil, kept at the ready in her pocket, makes visible the ideas percolating in her brain. The dialogue between the pencil and author is reassuring and to the point. (Pun intended.) “My pencil always gives me great advice.”

​Varon's signature style packs each page with delight. Several whimsical critters are located throughout the text, most notably on the baseball diamond. Readers observe the artist’s process, as she brings her ideas to life with a zany assortment of baseball players.

Varon concludes the book with a wonderful surprise. Moving away from the talking pencil and fanciful characters, readers are offered a “real life” photograph of this author and artist creating a book. Great fun!

Along with a box of freshly sharpened pencils, hand this to aspiring authors. It’s a lighthearted approach to overcoming writer’s block, encouraging youngsters with gentle humor. A welcome addition to school and classroom libraries. Particularly helpful for youngsters receiving instruction at home. This comic might be the impetus for an informal My Pencil and Me writers’ collective where creators share their own stories.

Electronic copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 28, 2020  Publisher: First Second  ISBN: 978-1596435896