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When Pencil Met Eraser
Ever wonder why there's a little pink eraser on every pencil? Find out in this picture book that tells the true story of how Pencil and Eraser became the best of friends.
When Pencil draws on the pages of this book, Eraser erases parts of Pencil's work, and the book itself becomes a canvas for their different takes on creativity--until the two discover their artwork is even better when they work together.
When Pencil draws on the pages of this book, Eraser erases parts of Pencil's work, and the book itself becomes a canvas for their different takes on creativity--until the two discover their artwork is even better when they work together.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 28, 2019
9 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 4, 2019
Lines, smudges, and eraser dust! All three come into play in this pencil vs. eraser creation.
Pencil loves to draw. Eraser loves to erase. Can these two opposite characters find a way to create and work together?
The pages of pencil drawings here are full of shading and depth. Beautiful pages drawn by Pencil. Then along comes Eraser, erasing bits of the picture here and there. Needless to say, Pencil is not happy about the erasing. But somewhere along the line, Pencil begins to see more and more of what Eraser can do. It’s not about erasing the work. The erasing is about adding something new to the art or helping out with mistakes or even creating something new together.
Pick this one up and see how the pencil and eraser became a duo. It’s history in the making! :D
A cute read about collaboration and cooperation. Perfect for back to school!
July 31, 2019
Cute book, great for art teachers. Everyone has their strengths, you just have to let them try
December 22, 2019
Fantastic book that will teach small children the importance of friendship - great art!
January 30, 2019
So fun! My students are going to love this book.
June 16, 2019
Cute story about cooperation.
October 16, 2019
Somehow we keep finding more of these pencil and eraser books. This one is pretty good for the genre, if a little standard, as pencil and eraser first find and then find common ground. Nice art and energy.
September 25, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is When Pencil Met Eraser, written by Karen Kilpatrick and Luis O. Ramos, Jr., and illustrated by Germán Blanco.
There once was a pencil who loved to draw. His art was bold, well-shaded, and full of intricate detail. There was also once an eraser; he loved to create art as well, but through the use of negative space. Much to Pencil’s consternation, as he creates dark, brooding, and congested scenes, Eraser hops in to add levity and opportunities for lightness: a view of the sky in a crowded city, a path through a thick meadow of wildflowers, or stars in a forest sky. Pencil is unimpressed by his compatriot’s efforts, preferring to work alone. However, as he challenges Eraser’s creativity in an effort to drive him away, he begins to see the beauty and possibility in their teamwork… and in making a new friend.
Lovely! The story is a simple one that encourages working together and appreciating the talents of others, but there’s also a nice lesson in art and creative use of negative space hidden within. The characters are adorable, particularly Eraser’s unflappable cheerfulness, and the pencil artwork is quite stunning, providing loads of visual interest. The clever twist ending is also a treat, and drives home the importance and value of a diversity of talent when tackling projects. The length is great, and JJ loved the artwork and chipper dialogue. We liked this one a lot – Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
November 3, 2018
Not out yet but definitely pick it up once released because this is going to be a kid favorite. Who doesn't want to know the story about how erasers and pencils came together? Such a fun concept and clever book with beautiful artwork and great messaging. Simple but engaging. Advance copy.
August 17, 2019
It could be used as an origin story for the pencils we use today.
November 14, 2023
This book was hilarious and adorable 🤣 I need more books like this!!
December 25, 2019
This simple little story offers a message that is easy to understand but sometimes hard to put into practice. The yellow pencil with the stick-like figure loves to draw and is pleased with his art.
Oh, and did I mention, he likes to work alone?
But when the squatty little pink guy shows up, Pencil begins to grow more and more unhappy.
We learn that Eraser loves to erase just as much as Pencil enjoys drawing. So as fast as Pencil creates something beautiful, Eraser sets out to improve the creation by erasing a little bit here and there.
Pencil is certain there isn't any need to alter his drawings since his art is perfect just like it is. He begins to feel very unhappy and even angry.
Eraser, however, is just making a few subtle improvements. He feels he is just contributing his talents to the drawing.
Rather than continue to get angry Pencil sets out to prove a point. He creates two tests for Eraser. But Eraser is up for the challenge. He doesn't just surprise Pencil but impresses him in the process.
Is it possible that these two opposites will find a way to work together after all?
Kids will smile at the humorous story and conclusion.
What Concerned Me:
Nothing bothered me at all.
What I Liked Most:
This is well written and illustrated and even has a cute ending. Kids should love it.
It is a wonderful book to open discussions either individually or in classrooms.
More Reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
Oh, and did I mention, he likes to work alone?
But when the squatty little pink guy shows up, Pencil begins to grow more and more unhappy.
We learn that Eraser loves to erase just as much as Pencil enjoys drawing. So as fast as Pencil creates something beautiful, Eraser sets out to improve the creation by erasing a little bit here and there.
Pencil is certain there isn't any need to alter his drawings since his art is perfect just like it is. He begins to feel very unhappy and even angry.
Eraser, however, is just making a few subtle improvements. He feels he is just contributing his talents to the drawing.
Rather than continue to get angry Pencil sets out to prove a point. He creates two tests for Eraser. But Eraser is up for the challenge. He doesn't just surprise Pencil but impresses him in the process.
Is it possible that these two opposites will find a way to work together after all?
Kids will smile at the humorous story and conclusion.
What Concerned Me:
Nothing bothered me at all.
What I Liked Most:
This is well written and illustrated and even has a cute ending. Kids should love it.
It is a wonderful book to open discussions either individually or in classrooms.
More Reviews at https://pickagoodbook.com
August 14, 2019
Sweet book with a great message of working on teams and using each others strengths to be create!
Want to read
February 11, 2020Text to Self Connection
This book is a great reminder to me, while it is okay to work along, I don't always have too. You see the pencil was doing a great job all by himself, but he did a better job with an eraser. Personally, I enjoy doing home improvement projects, mostly have the vision all ready in my head. How I want it to turn out, but it is still nice to have a fresh perspective on things. I have learned to accept help sometimes it grants me the freedom to try something completely new.
This book is a great reminder to me, while it is okay to work along, I don't always have too. You see the pencil was doing a great job all by himself, but he did a better job with an eraser. Personally, I enjoy doing home improvement projects, mostly have the vision all ready in my head. How I want it to turn out, but it is still nice to have a fresh perspective on things. I have learned to accept help sometimes it grants me the freedom to try something completely new.
October 20, 2019
Yet another pencil and eraser picture book. This is probably the next best one I've read so far after Perfect.
August 25, 2020
This delightful story provides an explanation for how pencil and eraser came together. Pencil loves to draw and is very good at it. Pencil is not impressed when Eraser erased some of the picture Pencil drew. Pencil tries to ignore Eraser, but Eraser continues to change Pencil's pictures. Finally, Pencil tries to stump Eraser's creativity only to find that working together has it's benefits. I loved the illustrations in this book. The detailed pencil drawings mixed in with the eraser marks. The illustrator even included eraser pieces just like when using a real eraser. Pencil's facial expressions are one of the best parts of the whole book. Overall a clever take on the power of combining talents and working together.
November 30, 2020
This was cute and humorous and the illustrations really added to the story. At first, pencil and eraser didn't see eye to eye. Pencil would draw perfect illustrations (in pencil's mind, at least). And eraser would come and "improve" them. Will they ever learn to be a team?
June 20, 2019
Pencil and Eraser have a contentious relationship until they learn to work together.
February 4, 2022
Sky said a five because she loves when eraser erases stuff.
July 15, 2022
A lovely little story about cooperation. The only down side, eraser acts impulsively, changing pencils work without asking, potentially sending the message that it’s okay to cross personal boundaries without consequence.
I know, pretty deep for a children’s picture book, but I can totally see pencil’s frustration….
I know, pretty deep for a children’s picture book, but I can totally see pencil’s frustration….
August 2, 2020
Absolutely adorable!
August 22, 2019
Childrens Picture Book. Pencil is an artist, he loves to draw beautiful scenes. Eraser likes to come through and erase just enough to make the drawing perfect. Pencil is not happy about this of course, until he finds he drew himself into a corner of a maze. Then the two are able to collaborate, eventually joined by a crew of other school supplies. This would be a really cool book to use in art, by having the students draw a picture in pencil and then erase some of the details. It could also be used to discuss different styles, origination stories, or collaboration. A fun read, especially for back-to-school.
June 12, 2019
This is a super cute story about how a pencil got an eraser attached to it. I think it would be a great book to kick off writer's workshop at the start of a school year. The illustrations tell the story just as much as the story itself. For fans of the book, "Perfect", children will love this story as well.
October 3, 2019
Great story about how friendships don’t always start out with two people being instant friends, but they can turn into something beautiful with time, understanding, and a willingness to be open to another point of view. Fun illustrations, too. This book is reminiscent of the children’s picture book: “When the Crayons Quit.”
August 18, 2019
Very cute and snappy. I’m surprised this story hasn’t been written before now. This is a partnership almost as old as paper and it seems fitting that we know their origin story. This is delightful although perhaps a bit predictable. A read aloud that kids will enjoy.
August 27, 2019
Clever little tale! I think this is a very creative story of how pencil and eraser met. At odds, at first, Eraser happily erases his way into a beautiful friendship with pencil. I think littles will enjoy this tale. The illustrations are so fun to look at; could make a fine story for story time.
September 13, 2019
I absolutely loved this origin story of how pencil met eraser. It was so creativity and beautiful! Pencil keeps creating beautiful masterpieces and eraser makes changes that always somehow make it better, even when you think it cant get any better.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
October 6, 2019
I think this would be my kids' pick for this year's Caldecott. Pencil likes to draw, and he's not happy about Eraser getting in on the action until he sees what he can do. The two become inseparable. The illustrations show this collaboration in unique ways.
September 26, 2019
A delightful book about creativity, cooperation, and the wonderful things we can accomplish when we work together. Quite funny as well -- would make a great read-aloud.
August 14, 2019
Pencil wants to be a solo artist, but when a persistent eraser keeps erasing in his drawings, he eventually decides to collaborate.
"Once, there was a pencil ... who loved to draw ... And once, there was an eraser ... who loved to erase! But Pencil wasn't very happy about it."
Pencil prefers to work alone, but Eraser keeps adding his own touches to Pencil's drawings. Finally, Pencil feels a creative spark and decides that he and Eraser make the perfect artistic team. This story reminded me of Perfect, which is another picture book about a reluctant relationship between a pencil and an eraser, but with the roles reversed.
The moral of the story is that if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Pencil likes "to work alone," but Eraser refuses to give up until Pencil finally invites him to contribute to a drawing and discovers that he likes Eraser's style, which in turn illustrates the power of getting one's foot in the door. It also demonstrates how together people (or, in this case, art supplies) can accomplish things that they could never acheive individually. Sometimes two is better than one.
"Once, there was a pencil ... who loved to draw ... And once, there was an eraser ... who loved to erase! But Pencil wasn't very happy about it."
Pencil prefers to work alone, but Eraser keeps adding his own touches to Pencil's drawings. Finally, Pencil feels a creative spark and decides that he and Eraser make the perfect artistic team. This story reminded me of Perfect, which is another picture book about a reluctant relationship between a pencil and an eraser, but with the roles reversed.
The moral of the story is that if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Pencil likes "to work alone," but Eraser refuses to give up until Pencil finally invites him to contribute to a drawing and discovers that he likes Eraser's style, which in turn illustrates the power of getting one's foot in the door. It also demonstrates how together people (or, in this case, art supplies) can accomplish things that they could never acheive individually. Sometimes two is better than one.
August 10, 2020
Pencil loves to draw. Eraser loves to erase. When Eraser tries to add some creative touches to Pencil's artwork, Pencil is frustrated at first. Can these two polar opposites learn to set their differences aside and work together? This cute story of overcoming differences treads familiar ground (You know just from the cover how the story will go) and the conflict is resolved a little too neatly. That aside, it's still a fun book overall. The characters are cute and expressive, their contrasting personalities conveyed effectively through their facial expressions. I especially enjoyed seeing what clever additions Eraser would add to Pencil's drawings next. The final pages show some new friends joining Pencil and Eraser in creating some artwork, inviting readers to imagine what might happen next. A predictable but fun read that encourages creativity and cooperation, this might be a good pick for a classroom read aloud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews