ERASER

Teamwork makes the dream work! (Apparently this is especially true among office supplies.)

Geisel winners Kang and Weyant (You Are (Not) Small, 2014) reteam to examine the relationship between an eraser and her pencil. From the copyright page, readers see just how hardworking Eraser is. When Pencil makes mistakes, Eraser is there to proofread and help correct her work before Red Pen sees it. The relationship is one-sided, however, as Pencil sits with the superstars at lunch and Eraser sits with the other support staff (Pencil Sharpener and Ruler). Eraser’s frustration boils over when a meeting is called to plan out a science project and Pencil dismisses Eraser’s skill set. Eraser sets out on her own and with a flying leap ends up in a wastebasket, where she finds a fan club among the first drafts. While she’s gone, Pencil also realizes how much of a contribution Eraser makes. When they’re reunited, happiness abounds. Kang tells a good, pun-filled story, and Weyant’s anthropomorphic school supplies are both enjoyable and emotive. The story doesn’t have the snap and snark of recent similar tales such as The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors or The Day the Crayons Quit, but the book will find a loving home among readers who like a softer tone.

A sweet parable on cooperation.