When Pencil Met Eraser by Kilpatrick and Ramos, Jr.

– A Challenging Friendship-

Authors: Karen Kilpatrick and Luis Osvaldo Ramos, Jr.

Illustrator: German Blanco

Publisher: Macmillan / Imprint (May 28, 2019)

Genre: Picture Book

• Hardcover: 40 pages

• Approx Word Count: 162

Ever wonder why there’s a little pink eraser on every pencil? Find out in this funny, clever picture book that tells the true story of how Pencil and Eraser became the best of friends. When Pencil draws on the pages of this book, Eraser erases parts of Pencil’s work, and the book itself becomes a canvas for their different takes on creativity—until the two discover their artwork is even better when they work together. From Karen Kilpatrick, Luis O. Ramos, Jr., and illustrator Germán Blanco, When Pencil Met Eraser brings to life something kids use every day at school and at home. Engaging art, adorable characters, and a clever ending create a memorable message about friendship and creativity.

My Thoughts:

This simple little story offers a message that is easy to understand but sometimes hard to put into practice. The yellow pencil with the stick-like figure loves to draw and is pleased with his art.

Oh, and did I mention, he likes to work alone?

But when the squatty little pink guy shows up, Pencil begins to grow more and more unhappy.

We learn that Eraser loves to erase just as much as Pencil enjoys drawing. So as fast as Pencil creates something beautiful, Eraser sets out to improve the creation by erasing a little bit here and there. 

Pencil is certain there isn’t any need to alter his drawings since his art is perfect just like it is. He begins to feel very unhappy and even angry.

Eraser, however, is just making a few subtle improvements. He feels he is just contributing his talents to the drawing.

Rather than continue to get angry Pencil sets out to prove a point. He creates two tests for Eraser. But Eraser is up for the challenge. He doesn’t just surprise Pencil but impresses him in the process. 

Is it possible that these two opposites will find a way to work together after all?

Kids will smile at the humorous story and conclusion.

What Concerned Me:     

Nothing bothered me at all.

What I Liked Most: 

This is well written and illustrated and even has a cute ending. Kids should love it.

It is a wonderful book to open discussions either individually or in classrooms.

About the Authors/Illustrator:

Karen Kilpatrick has been telling and writing stories for as long as she can remember. A former attorney who left the legal industry for the toy industry, she is also the author of the Pumpkinheads children’s book series and cocreator with her two daughters of the toy brand, MeBears. She lives in South Florida with her three kids.

Luis Osvaldo Ramos, Jr. was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and graduated from University of Central Florida and University of Miami Law. He’s an attorney at law and a kid at heart who practices law during the day and writes and consumes stories in his free time. He and his wife currently live in South Florida with their very cute but very demanding orange cat.

Germán Blanco has been using pencils all his life. Erasers, too. He unknowingly began his artistic career as a kid by doodling in school whenever he was bored. (Sorry, Mom!) He later became a graphic designer but he found his passion in illustration. When he’s not drawing, he enjoys watching movies and playing football (AKA soccer).

When Pencil Met Eraser Activity Kit

When Pencil Met Eraser Youtube Trailer