This was a silly fun book, and I understood the point trying to be made, but I don't think it worked. The bizarre 4th wall breaking just didn't work for me in this context. But I enjoyed the story well enough, just not the best it could be, I don't think.

This is a fun book that illustrates the creative process of writing. I think it would be great for elementary school teachers to read this during their writing lessons, as it shows the process of coming up with an idea, creating the characters, and developing the plot. I loved how in the end, there were pictures of the real author and dog, and how the illustrations were placed over real pictures.

This is a cute, but not terribly exciting picture book/graphic novel about an artist trying to come up with something to draw. It shows how she relies on her pencil, who gives her good advice.

Good to get kids started on being creative, and they would probably enjoy this little story about being creative, and having fun with it.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

Sara Varon has written and illustrated a charming picture book that is just perfect for young authors. Varon’s illustrations are wonderful, as always, and I loved how she encouraged revision and included real pictures.

The book is yet another lovely entry from the author of New Shoes and Robot Dreams. Highly recommended for personal libraries, as well as for classroom and school library shelves.

Many thanks to publisher First Second for an advance review copy, from which I am pleased to offer this unbiased review.

An imaginative glimpse into the mind and creative process of an author/illustrator told through clear, playful writing and whimsical illustrations by one of my family’s favorite creators, Sara Varon (Hold Hands, New Shoes, Robot Dreams).

Great book for children who struggle with perfectionism. Adults will find value in the message too since people of all ages find themselves intimidated to begin sometimes.

My Pencil and Me is a unique picture book exploring creativity, literacy, and self-expression. As I began reading the book, I wondered about the plot because the story is not written in narrative form but in graphic fiction form. Using graphic form was an interesting choice. Varon modeled the main characters on herself and pet dog which makes the story more nuanced. She draws from her profession as an artist and writer to illustrate how a child can incorporate autobiographical and inventive narrative threads to create a narrative tapestry of self-discovery and self-expression. Varon also teaches her readers how to write, illustrate and edit a book manuscript and motivates them to seek publication. I like how she weaves in photographs of herself, pet dog, and a local bookstore towards the end of the story. This book will engage readers in first to third grades for its simple plot and vibrant illustrations.

I loved this book! In My Pencil and Me, we follow the artist as she, step by step, makes up a story with the help of her dog and trusty pencil. All the while we learn about how to come up with ideas, how to tell a story and, very briefly, the life cycle of a published book.

This was cute and funny and I am a fan of any book that leaves so much room to be used for library programming and/or getting kids to make books of their own!

Go ahead and buy an extra copy of this one! Kids, parents, and teachers will fall in love with this playfully honest look at the writing process. Simple yet profound for the way it directly addresses the emotional arch involved when writing. Illustrations are phenomenonal and will grab older readers too!

A very cute look at how Varon creates a story - overcoming fears it might be bad, and just having fun with it.

When her special pencil breaks, she must figure out how to finish the story for her book.

The illustrations are very cute, and remind me of the Disney show Teacher's Pet. Also, Sweet Pea, her dog is adorable.

Quarantining with mom who likes to hang onto items and in family home with tons of relics. Stumbled upon a box labeled: pencils and found a treasure trove of odds and ends. Chalk pencils, sketch pencil, rotring pen (dad did blueprints and art and drawing). Two pencils, surprisingly show up on the opening pages of Varon’s book (Green Kimberly pencil and one made in Britain). And now, thanks to reading her new title, given an extra burst of inspiration to create what you know.

Loved the spread near the end showing her actual studio setup and pup. Love seeing, what seems like ages ago pre-covid closure world, books in bookstore (Women’s History Month?) and cant wait to see this one on the shelves.

This book was adorable and I loved how playful and colorful the illustrations were. The messages about creating are fabulous, especially for any young readers. It's a great addition to collections!

I love Sara Varon! Her newest graphic novel takes us on a very "meta" adventure with her and her pencil creating a story, with setting, characters and conflict. This book will be a fun mentor-text for teachers and students to use in discussing their own creative writing process. Succinct and funny, Varon really gets the "point" across (pun intended) about writing, encouraging us to see it as fun and engaging, including visual elements and to give it a try!

Cute story for young writers that shows a few tricks for writers to get started on stories when they are stuck

My Pencil and Me is a fun frame story about just doing something when you want to do it (in this case, drawing a comic). Sara uses her special pencil, which gives some pretty sound advice on starting any project. The art is clean, but sparse. Will be popular with fans of Varon's previous works.

A very cute story about writing a story.In this book writer takes you to his journey of finding inspiration with her dog and ger trusted pencil.
This book can be very useful when we are discussing creative writer in schools.
This books explains the process of how to find inspiration and use imagination to create an interesting story.How to overcome the hurdles and reach to an end.

Bold, clear illustrations tell the story of the creation of this book, breaking down the writing and illustrating process into steps that children could use in their own compositions. The importance of blending experience and imagination is captured in an entertaining way, and the addition of photographs of the author, her dog and her trusty pencil add that touch of reality that children will relate to. I really enjoyed the lightness of touch with which conflict is dealt with, both as an important feature of a good story, and as a human (dog versus pencil!) emotion.
A delightful book.

I received an ARC through NetGalley from First Second. This picture book tells a fun story of Sara and her pencil. It guides the reader through the steps in the story making process and how to use your imagination. A graphic novel format for young readers, ages 4-7. My son loved the real pictures of Sara, her pencil and her dog Sweet Pea at the end of the book. It blew my son away when he saw the illustrations come to life with her actual image working at her writing desk.

This was cute book about a girl that’s trying to write a book. She goes along the process with her dog and trusty pencil. This would be a good book to use to discuss the writing process as well as perseverance. But, the book was okay. The characters didn’t stand out and the book didn’t have much of a plot.

This book, My Pencil and Me, was a cute story that I could see being read in an elementary setting. It starts with a young girl who has writer's block and her dog suggests she asks her pencil for help. The pencil comes to life and helps her create a story. Only problem is, the pencil gets broken and the character has to figure out how to end the book.
I think this book would be a great mentor text read right before it is time to begin writing. It includes a lot of the aspects of reading and writing such as setting, plot, and climax.
However, don't count this book out just because you are not in a classroom setting. This book also lends itself to conversations on growth mindset, perseverance, and problem solving.
The illustrations were okay. They were not too kiddie or overdone. I really liked the last few pages that took you into the life of the author turned character. Overall, I would give this book 3.5 stars.

Nicole Shaw