Pencil & Eraser: New Friends Rule!: An Early Reader Graphic Novel

by Jenny Alvarado

In the third book of this hilarious series—perfect for fans of Pizza and Taco—Pencil makes a new friend... and Eraser learns that three can be a crowd.

Pencil and Eraser complement each other perfectly, like any best buds should. Who else could help Pencil when she messes up her drawings in art class? But what if she didn't make any mistakes? Enter Ruler, a new friend who can easily help Pencil keep her lines straight, without any need to ever erase again...

When these school supplies learn a green crayon has gone missing, Pencil insists her new bud Ruler join their quest to save them. The two hit it off immediately, building off each other’s wacky ideas. And as the sole voice of reason, Eraser quickly starts to feel like the odd one out. With Stella and the rest of the students due back form lunch any minute, and each of their plans to rescue Green a bigger disaster than the last, can our dynamic duo learn to work as a trio before it’s too late?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens

80 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In NEW FRIENDS RULE! by Jenny Alvarado, friends Pencil & Eraser meet Ruler. Pencil is quick to embrace a new friend, but Eraser is more hesitant. After Green, a crayon, goes missing, the trio work together on a plan to reunite the stray crayon with the rest of the colors. Pencil’s impulsivity is contrasted with Eraser’s matter-of-factness, staying true to the pattern established in the first two installments of the series. With colorful illustrations and full of puns, the early graphic novel’s story about friendship dynamics, the value of teamwork and perfectionism will resonate with and entertain young readers.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's graphic novel, early reader level. This third book in the series continues the format of the previous 2 books-- short chapters broken up by joke breaks, which allow built-in stopping points for a beginning reader. The two main characters, Pencil and Eraser, meet a new friend Ruler. Pencil accepts the new friend right away, Eraser seems to be struggling a bit with jealousy but eventually comes around. The three work together to save a green crayon, who has fallen out of sight from the other crayons. This series is fun to read and can be read in any order as the stories are not necessarily chronological.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
Pencil and Eraser are back for more adventures and this time they meet a new friend. Pencil is welcoming, but Eraser is more reserved. Readers will appreciate the antics involved as the three become friends and save the day. I appreciate the message that friends don't have to be perfect to be accepted. Alvarado continues to develop these characters and pull readers in to be part of the fun. Perfect for lower elementary level readers.

[Emily Raij · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute way to show the value of friendship, working together to solve a problem, and helping out when needed! The illustrations are adorable, and little learners will build reading confidence with the graphic novel format. I especially love the grumpy yet endearing eraser and the "joke breaks" throughout the book.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving up level graphic, cute illustrations. New friendships, jealousy and insecurities covered great for young reader. Love the cranky eraser

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reader comic style. The words are pretty hard for a true easy reader, so maybe geared towards higher level readers. Several hard to read words..but the story was cute and it was short.

[Brittany White · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are so entertaining!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The facial expressions on Eraser are so great!