Ruby and the Pen

by David Lawrence

Ruby buys a pen that gives her the power to fix all of her problems, only to discover that power comes with its own problems. Ruby and the Pen is the story of a 12-year-old, cartoon-drawing girl who buys a pen from a mysterious market stall. The pen has a magical whatever she draws, happens! Initially the pen protects Ruby from the meanest girls at her new school, but over time the pen’s power becomes dangerous. Soon Ruby faces a difficult choice ― the pen or her best friend. As Ruby struggles to wean herself off the pen, she’s faced with problems galore. Can she foil her headmaster’s evil plan, and save an endangered species of bird in the process, relying on her own talents and working as a team with her friends? Or will she succumb to the pen’s power? Featuring hilarious illustrations, and with messages about bullying, teamwork and the environment, this is fast-paced, entertaining middle grade fiction that will resonate with kids everywhere. After all, who wouldn’t want to fix all of their problems with the stroke of a pen!

Genres: Fantasy

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2023

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Graphic novel author is David Lawrence

Reviews

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby is drawing - her most favourite thing to do. She's been grounded by her mum's boyfriend (Dodgy Dave) and confined to her room she is happy just to be away from him. When she finishes drawing her caricature of him, Ruby climbs out her bedroom window and soon finds herself in a local market.

Drawn towards a stall called 'Second Hand Treasures', Ruby picks up a golden pen. It makes her feel strange, somehow even feeling better about everything that has been happening in her life. The stall holder explains the Latin inscription along the pen - "The Future is in Your Hands." Ruby's very near future holds Hetherington Hall, a boarding school for both girls and boys, and she has no choice whether to go or not. Maybe having such a special looking pen might help?

Hetherington Hall is awful for the first few days. Ruby is bullied by the soccer team captain and her friend, and even a teacher. Somehow the headmaster Mr Lemon takes a disliking to her too. Ruby falls back on her drawing to make herself feel better - with surprising results.

The more she draws with the golden pen, the better she feels. Some of her drawings are to vent her anger at the unfairness of her new school, but then she discovers that they seem to becoming true. The more she is bullied, the more she refines her drawings until she wreaks havoc on her bullies.

They try to complain to Mr Lemon the headmaster, but he is too busy planning something that will make him rich, ruin the forested area behind the school, and put one of Ruby's new friends in terrible danger.

Can Ruby use her amazing pen to stop his terrible plan? Will she be able to stop before she becomes a bully herself? All that is messy in her life comes to a head. Her mother's unhappiness, her friend's safety, Dodgy Dave's deals and her terrible teachers are all soon to be faced in a courageous showdown.


With high production values, great b&w illustrations throughout and a fast moving story, Ruby and the Pen is a fun start to a new series for 8+ readers.

This tale has a straight forward storyline including boarding school bullies, problems at home with a step parent, and a likeable main character.

Swirl in a magic pen, hilarious moves on the soccer field and a bumbling headmaster and you will find a light entertaining story with a plethora of engaging illustrations to portray the action.

The image of the cover doesn't show the eye catching sparkling blue font in the title and stars.

Age 8+

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ruby and the Pen" is a delightful middle-grade fiction that effortlessly weaves humor, magic, and valuable life lessons into its engaging narrative. The story revolves around Ruby, a relatable 12-year-old protagonist whose encounter with a mysterious pen introduces her to a world of endless possibilities. The initial joy and empowerment Ruby experiences as she uses the pen to navigate the challenges of her new school provide a whimsical and entertaining start to the narrative.

The strength of this book lies in its ability to balance the magical elements with real-world dilemmas. As the pen's power becomes both a boon and a bane, Ruby is confronted with tough choices and moral decisions. The central theme of the story revolves around the consequences of unchecked power, making it a thought-provoking read for young readers.

David Lawrence's storytelling is complemented by Cherie Dignam's delightful illustrations, adding visual appeal to Ruby's adventures. The humor infused into the narrative, coupled with the underlying messages about bullying, teamwork, and environmental consciousness, elevates the book beyond a mere magical escapade. The plot's fast pace keeps readers engaged, making it an ideal choice for young readers.

The character development is skillfully handled, especially as Ruby grapples with the challenges posed by the pen's magic. The story cleverly intertwines Ruby's personal growth with her efforts to foil her headmaster's plan and save an endangered species, emphasizing the importance of relying on one's talents and working together with friends.

"Ruby and the Pen" is not just a whimsical tale; it's a story with heart and substance. As readers follow Ruby's journey, they will be entertained, enlightened, and inspired by the resilience and determination of a young girl faced with the unexpected consequences of newfound power. This book is a delightful addition to middle-grade fiction, offering a perfect blend of magic, humor, and meaningful life lessons.

Overall I enjoyed reading it and is highly recommended ✨

[Somnath Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Lawrence's "Ruby and the Pen" introduces readers to Ruby, a 12-year-old girl grappling with her tumultuous life after the loss of her father. The author's narrative intricately weaves themes of grief, family dynamics, and self-discovery with a touch of magic. Ruby's encounter with a mysterious pen promises to solve her problems but leads her down a path fraught with unexpected consequences.

The first chapter sets the stage for Ruby's journey, painting a vivid picture of her complex emotions and strained relationship with her mother's successive boyfriends. Through Ruby's eyes, readers witness her longing for connection and her yearning to escape the turmoil of her home life.

The author's writing is both engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers into Ruby's world with its mix of humor and poignant moments. The promise of magical realism adds an intriguing layer to the story, hinting at the adventures to come.

"Ruby and the Pen" holds promise as a captivating middle-grade read, blending relatable themes with a dash of enchantment. David Lawrence's storytelling prowess shines through, making this book a delightful addition to any young reader's shelf.

[Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite many stories that are well weaved with pain and passion,love and the gloom, the days that never kept being sad nor bad it changes with each lower expectations we held at life.

One such mesmerizing title I read recently is "Ruby and the Pen".This is the story of a young girl 'Ruby' who's life has been shattered with the pain of losing her loved father.

Even though her mother loves her endlessly,there is a void created due to her mother's relations with other males.This has impacted her to convey the whole hearted love to her mother.

the book starts with how her mother decision to send Ruby to a board school which is away from her home.

This book gives you an equal thrill and easy experience while reading about how mysterious pen change her life and bring the liveliness.

I loved how author has meticulously penned the tale with love and sensitivity with an ease.

I would suggest you to read this tale which could bring the solace to your heart.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book from the stunning cover , and the eye catching drawings by Cherie Dignam this book will appeal to young children aged about 8 to 12 and the fascinating story of Ruby and her pen will resonate with a lot of young ones. Its a kind of fantasy which children enjoy and author David Lawrence ensures Ruby can deal with some of the issues in her life creatively with the pen Thoroughly recommend for children needing to work through the challenges of modern life

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard the author speak at a conference last year and when he spoke about Ruby and the Pen it sounded fun, so I decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me. I wasn't a fan of the illustrations or the storyline. I am sure younger readers will enjoy the humour in this novel but I am WAY past the demographic and I never connected with Ruby and her friends.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawrence Arabia's #1
The Pen Series #1
Bullies, Boarding School, and Bodgy characters highlight this tale which is quite engaging.
Some obvious moments and the ending is predictable, but there is enough in it to make it entertaining enough.
It ends with the start of the next yarn in the series.
I wonder if book #2 will be a basic rewrite or have something new to say.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Lawrence, author of Ruby and the Pen has a strong supporter in his mother! She is quoted as saying he is “the most gifted comedy writer in the country.” I think I agree with her. But I want to add to that thought. David Lawrence can indeed write fantastic comedy but in Ruby and the Pen, we find it mixed perfectly with compassion, sensitivity, and a depth of understanding that we perhaps don’t often expect to blend with comedy. It may not be a laugh-out-loud sort of story, but the gentle humour is perfect and, with the fantastic illustrations from Cherie Dignam this book is really difficult to put down once you’ve started to read it!

Ruby is not enjoying her life when we first meet her. Not only does she still miss her dad who died four years ago but her mums new, and dodgy, boyfriend is paying for her to be sent off to boarding school. Sneaking out to the mall she sets herself up to draw cartoon pictures for anyone interested. Ruby loves to draw. Then she is drawn to the market, and wandering around, she stumbles across a stall that seems to have appeared from nowhere. It is here, at Second Hand Treasures that she finds the pen and ink which are about to launch her into an exciting adventure for this is no ordinary pen. With this pen any drawings that Ruby makes come true. Can this pen help her and her new friends at boarding school overcome the bullies; prevent an environmental disaster; help Ruby and her mum? It’s a magic pen and this is just the first of its adventures.