Pencil's Best Story Ever

Carly Gledhill's picture book, Pencil's Best Story Ever, is a delightful story that invites children into the process of storytelling in a playful and interactive way.

Told from the perspective of Pencil, who is eager to share his "best story ever", the book quickly turns into a hilarious adventure when the characters don't stick to the plan. What results is a joyful celebration of creativity, imagination, and collaboration.

Why it works in the classroom: The book is a perfect springboard for lessons on narrative writing. Children can discuss how stories sometimes take unexpected turns and then try writing their own "best story ever", letting their characters misbehave or take charge just like Pencil's do.

Themes of flexibility and resilience provide a great opportunity to talk about problem-solving, teamwork, and not giving up when things don't go as expected. With its energetic illustrations and comic book-style narration, this book makes for a highly engaging read-aloud that keeps students laughing and participating.

Children can design their own characters (like Peanut, Jelly, and Bear) and then collaborate to create a shared classroom story, combining illustrations and writing.

Overall this is a super 'all rounder' that can be enjoyed by young readers at home and in any Key stage 1 class (ages 5+).

Picture book / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Pencil is very excited about the story he has written - the BEST STORY EVER - and can't wait to share this with his friends. However, as the story progresses, Pencil's characters refuse to stick to the plot, forcing Pencil to adapt and amend the action. But will he be able to create a story which everyone enjoys being part of?

Celebrating the joy of storytelling and imaginative play, Pencil's Best Story Ever is full of fun and action. As he introduces the characters and dictates the action, Pencil become a little annoyed when Peanut and the others balk at some of the situations he creates for them, causing chaotic situations and calling for some quick thinking!

Presented in graphic novel-style sections with speech bubbles as well as more traditional picture book layouts, the illustrations are lively and colourful. Younger readers might need some support in following who is speaking at some parts of the story, using the different fonts to recognise when Pencil is speaking and when he is narrating the story, but will enjoy the immediacy of the action!

Perfect for inspiring children to invent and adapt their own stories, the book also encourages flexibility when playing and adapting ideas to accommodate those of others, allowing them to have a say in imaginative games. The story is great fun and sure to become a firm favourite at home and at school. 

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+