Although I'm always sad for summer to end, I am one of those people who really loves back to school season. What is not to love? I love school, I love learning, and I love welcoming so many families back to the Library for regular programs after a busy summer full of activities. But I would be remiss to not mention one of my favorite parts of back to school, which is back to school supplies. I, like Joe Fox from You've Got Mail "would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils" if I only knew your name and address. In pursuit of that love, here are some great picture books about stationary, pens, pencils, and all the other supplies you'll need for back to school!
By Hye-Eun Kim
New York: TOON Books, 2025. Picture book.
This wordless picture book follows a particular pencil throughout its life from tree to drawing tool. This book has a strong conservation message, with evocative images showing the impact of deforestation and the possibility of readers to find creative solutions. This is a quiet but empowering story about the creative possibility of young readers. Filled with colors and white space, this is a lovely pencil-centric book.
By Jamie Ofelia
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2024. Picture book.
In this story time favorite, the pencil is not the star of the story but is an important weapon against a fire-breathing dragon. Miguel's family is full of brave warriors and strong fighters, but Miguel is less interested in fighting and more interested in creating art and drawing. His family tries to encourage him to fight, but when El Dragón arrives, all of their might isn't enough to defeat him. It is Miguel, who shows that the pen really is mightier than the sword, that saves the day.
By Max Amato
New York: Scholastic Press, 2019. Picture book.
A never-endingly tidy pink eraser is the narrator of this book. This book that is full of perfectly blank white pages, which is just the way Eraser likes it. Then, Pencil shows up and fills the page with smudges and squiggles instead and Eraser can't keep up. Until eventually he finds a way to reach a happy resolution. This book is humorous but with an uplifting message of accepting imperfections which is just right for starting school.
By Jenny Alvarado
New York: Putnam, 2024. Comics. 67 pgs.
Following the pencil/eraser theme, this book stars best friends Pencil and Eraser who make for a silly odd couple. When Pencil discovers she is dull, she fears she may not be chosen by their owner. The only solution? To sharpen up. This leads the energetic Pencil and pragmatic Eraser on a journey across the classroom to the pencil sharpener and back. Silly, funny, and focused on teamwork, young readers will love this story.
By Crockett Johnson
New York: Harper & Row, 1955. Picture book.
I would be remiss to leave out my favorite book about the creative power of the writing tools in our lives. This timeless story follows the pajama-clad Harold on his moonlit walk through the woods, across the seas, and past dragons - before returning home safe and sound. Harold is a perfect example of how creativity, and a special drawing tool, can open up worlds and lead to new adventures.
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