I had not wanted to read My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon when I read about it. I am not sure why, but perhaps it was that odd look to their illustrations. Or perhaps it was just the story was not what I was looking for at the time. When I finally did pick up a copy of the book, I was not OMG This is the BEST, but I did know that there were several people out there that would think that.
And that story is about Sara, a person who loves to draw and tell stories, but sometimes that is not easy. There are always things in the way. Mostly thoughts of, “What if I don’t have ideas” or “What if the drawing turns out to be bad?” But in the end, it is a special friend of the Sara’s that helps her figure things out. It is her, Pencil!
Goofy and quirky, the art of the inside matches the outside. Therefore, there are no surprises with the type of details, colors, or style. It has a modern presentation, but a classic idea. I was reminded, among other titles, Simon’s Book by Henrik Drescher. That imagination (without the darker elements) comes to life. Therefore, obviously the theme is not new, but Varon’s way of presenting things is.
Considered both a graphic novel and picture book, the format is a bit confusing at times. However, I would give it more quickly to the picture book crowd than graphic novel. The ages vary but would work for ages 5 and up.
