Author: Stephanie Ward
Illustrator: Shaney Hyde
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Synopsis
Arabella is a beloved only child who has everything a little girl could want. That is, until her brother, Avery, the master of mayhem, comes along. While she certainly loves him, she finds that it’s sometimes very hard to like him. So she spends her days creating marvelous, magnificent things with her magic pencil, and trying to ignore him. But when he spoils her perfectly proper tea party, she decides drastic action is required and she erases him from her life. Oops! But things aren’t the same without him — can she get him back?
Arabella and the Magic Pencil is a charming story, which will appeal to any child coming to terms with a new sibling and to caregivers who are supporting changing family dynamics, as well as those who love fantasy and engaging alliterative language.
Amazon * B&N * IndieBound * EKBooks
Review
This book is perfect for anyone that has a child and is expecting another or recently had another child. Or really for any family with siblings. I was the oldest of five, so I remember not wanting younger siblings especially my youngest sister that born close to my birthday. Thankfully, that was just when I was younger and I have the best relationship with all of my siblings.
Arabella is an only child and you might say she is a bit spoiled. That is until her new brother, Avery, comes along. She quickly learns that having a younger sibling isn’t always calm and peaceful until they aren’t around anymore.
This book is magical and will draw young children into a world of make-believe. I can only imagine what children could come up with if they had their own magic pencil that would bring whatever they drew to life. It also teaches them to have patience with a younger sibling.
I really enjoyed the illustrations. They are colorful, whimsical, and depict the story very well. They help bring the story to life.
We give this book 5 paws up.
Activities to do in conjunction with the book
Teaching Notes
Magic Pencil Craft *Â Paper Doll Craft *Â Coloring Pages
About the Author
Stephanie Ward is the author of Arabella and the Magic Pencil. Her next picture book is due for release in 2020, but it’s all under wraps at the moment so stay tuned for details! After many years in marketing, Stephanie now spends her time writing sweet, silly and side-splitting stories for children. Originally from Spokane, Washington, Stephanie currently lives in London, England with her husband and young son.
Website * Twitter * Facebook
About the Illustrator
Shaney Hyde is an Early Childhood Teacher from Melbourne who runs art workshops for children and draws inspiration from her own playful childhood. Arabella and the Magic Pencil is the first book Shaney has illustrated, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Giveaway
Enter to win a copy of this book – open anywhere Amazon will deliver.
My younger brother and I fought all the time when we were younger. We didn’t become close until after I moved out and he was in high school.
I have a younger sister. We were close when we were young, but grew apart during middle and high school. We are best friends now.
I have a younger brother. We got along great until we didn’t! hahahah!
I have an older sibling and we fought all the time. Luckily we grew up and enjoy spending time together now, in fact we teach at the same school.
I am the baby in my family. My brother & I are very different but get along okay. Love the beautiful artwork. Thanks.
We always got a long no fighting.
“Do you have younger siblings and did you get along or fight all the time?” I have no siblings, and therefore I had no sibling problems!
I have a younger sister and most of the time we got along great.
I have younger & older siblings & we did fight at times.
Thank you for the lovely review — perfectly timed for Siblings Day! So glad you enjoyed the story and illustrations.
Thanks for sharing this and supporting authors with your thoughtful reviews.
I have a younger brother, and we fought all the time, until I left home at 17. When he came to visit me, we bonded, and have been close ever since.