Pencil’s Best Story Ever is a vibrant engaging story, written by Pencil with a little help from author/illustrator Carly Gledhill. I was immediately struck by the very distinctive artwork in this book, with scenes and characters constructed out of basic shapes, which young consumers of the story (and even older adults who share the story) could try to copy in their own drawings. The colour palette is very appealing and there is so much visual interest that this book would prompt wonderful conversations between young children and adults.
The story is simple but imaginative, with Pencil trying to write a story featuring his best friends Peanut and Jelly, sending them off on an adventure which features more jeopardy than they are prepared to accept! Therefore, they keep asking him to change the narrative, causing him to dream up ever more elaborate plots. In my experience, young children often go through a phase when they create stories or imaginative games featuring all of their friends, and I think that many will relate to this tale and will enjoy the humour in the text and pictures. I must add that I loved the endpapers, which looked as if a toddler had taken a crayon to the inside covers!
This is a high quality, hardback book which would create a lovely shared reading experience between adults, at home or in an educational setting, and children aged 3-6. I will look forward to sharing with a young relative during the summer holidays.
Disclaimer: I am very grateful to Post Wave Publishing and publicist Antonia Wilkinson for sending me a copy of Pencil’s Best Story Ever ahead of publication on 4 September 2025. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.
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