Genres: Children's, Picture Book

Publisher: EK Books

Page Count: 32

ISBN: 1925820017

Goodreads Rating: 4.62

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. "A magical story with luscious language, whimsical illustrations and strong emotional core that will surprise and delight young readers." - Debra Tidball, award-winning author of The Scared Book and When I See Grandma

When I received a request to read this beautiful picture book of ‘Arabella and the Magic Pencil’ I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Not only was this book the first picture book I got send since starting Maureen’s Books, but it was also the first book I got to review with my little girl sitting next to me. And that made this book special for multiple reasons.

‘Arabella and the Magic Pencil’ is the story of Arabella. Arabella is the daughter of a duke and duchess and she’s living in a beautiful home with a beautiful garden. And Arabella has gotten one wish every year. And every year she gets beautiful gifts from that wish. One day Arabella gets a baby brother called Avery and he is definitely not what the girl wished for.

This gorgeous book is perfect for children who have or are expecting a baby brother or sister. In this story Arabella gets everything she wishes, and when she gets herself a baby brother who she didn’t wish for she doesn’t like it at all. Not only is this story perfect for children who are expecting a new sibling, the drawings in this book are absolutely beautiful. The colors are so bright and simple gorgeous. And my little girl, who is almost 1.5 years old and loves reading books, was mesmerized by all those beautiful colors and the little girl in the pretty dress.

With this book I also got a set of the downloadable paper doll activity which you can get at the publishers website. My little is a little too young for cutting the paper doll but I love that it’s an option. And I’m definitely saving the paper doll for when she is a little older so she can dress the dolls herself.

‘Arabella and the Magic Pencil’ is definitely a book I’d recommend for young children. It’s beautiful and fun to read, even if there’s not a baby brother or sister to expect. This book is also about problem solving and simple a gorgeous fun book to read.

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Stephanie Ward is the author of Arabella and the Magic Pencil, illustrated by Shaney Hyde, published by EK Books in September 2019. 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 sidesplitting stories for children. Too old to blame it on youth, she still hasn’t settled down and spends her spare time traveling. Originally from Spokane, Washington in the U.S., Stephanie’s wanderlust inspired her to visit all seven continents, live in four countries and become a citizen of three. At present, she can be found in London, England with her husband and young son. Member of SCBWI, ASA, PNWA, #Newin19 debut author group and a former book reviewer for the Children’s Book Council of Australia. To find out about her latest bookish activities, please visit her website. Or visit Stephanie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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. For more information about Shaney please visit her website. Or visit her on Instagram.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Maureen Bakker

Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always!  Facebook | Instagram