Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-Emma! Is Like Toy Story With Stationery

Written and art by Jenny Alvarado. Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

There are heaps of kids’ graphic novels centred around a buddy dynamic. In these, two pals – who could be different animals or food – get up to hijinks or embark on an adventure. They’re heaps of fun, with a versatile formula that opens up different storytelling possibilities. Jenny Alvarado’s Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-Emma! is the latest, differentiating itself by taking a Toy Story approach with stationery.

Readers are introduced to the titular characters Pencil and Eraser in this series debut. As you can assume by their name, they’re a pencil and eraser who live on a girl’s classroom desk. When humans are away, they come to life in a Toy Story fashion. During one recess, Pencil discovers that her point is dull. This prompts an adventure to find a pencil sharpener before their human returns.

Alvarado set up the pair as an odd couple. Pencil is bright and bubbly, unrestrained in enthusiasm, and a worrier. On the other hand, Eraser is the straight man in the dynamic, a minor grump, and a realist. These personalities bounce off each other, best seen in the different methods of planning different stages of their hunt for a sharpener. Here, Pencil bounces around the page, blurting out all the possible (and elaborate) ways to execute a plan. Where Eraser will suggest the most logical solution. Alvarado draws the Penicl, a naturally rigid object, with some bendy qualities. This adds to their expressive and bubbly nature, allowing her to play off the unmoving Eraser, whose features seldom move.

Thematically, Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-Emma! explores bravery and being there for your friends. These themes never feel like they stick out or are preachy. Instead, they’re natural to character dynamics and their adventure.

While it could be read in one sitting, this 80-page graphic novel is broken into four chapters. Beyond the benefits of being able to jump in and out easily, it allows for a quick intermission in the form of a joke break. These are one-page gags that play on the odd-couple dynamic with stationery-based puns. They’re there for a chuckle or two and are perfect for the 5 to 8-year-old target audience. Additionally, a How To Draw page is dedicated to the graphic novel’s two characters.

Readers (young and old) will enjoy this graphic novel’s artwork. Alavarado’s line work is clean and implements soft edges. It never feels too stiff or rigid, allowing for lively movement. When paired with a soft colour palette, Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-Emma! is a very approachable read.

To draw a conclusion, I would say that We Have A Dull-Emma! is an enjoyable debut for the Pencil & Eraser series. Jenny Alvarado has given the titular characters defined identities right out of the gate and drives lively cartooning. This all drives a charming little stationery-based adventure that kids and parents/guardians will enjoy.

Pencil & Eraser: We Have A Dull-Emma! can be found in good comic book shops, book stores, online retailers, and Amazon/Kindle.