Ruby and the Pen
$16.99
Ruby and the Pen is the story of a 12-year-old, cartoon-drawing girl who buys a pen from a mysterious market stall. She soon learns that the pen has a magical power: whatever she draws, happens! Initially the pen protects Ruby from the meanest girls at her new school, but over time the pen’s power becomes dangerous. Soon, Ruby has problems galore and one big question to be answered — should she fix all of her problems with the stroke of a pen?
Specifications: 9781922539380 
| 210mm x 135mm | Paperback | 280 Pages |B/W Illustrations | EK Books
Awards:
Shortlisted: 2024 Speech Pathology Australia – Book of the Year Awards | 2024 Wilderness Society – Environment Awards for Children’s Literature
Just So Stories,
“There’s a lot of absurd humour in this which readers will enjoy very much, and the villains are nasty enough to also be a hit. Underlying the humour are some deeper themes of ethics, family, friends, relationships and the abuse of power, which would provide some interesting discussions. Cherie Dignam’s illustrations are terrific with definite echoes (for me) of Ronald Searle, and perfectly suited to the content.”
Kirkus Reviews
“An engaging study of power and moral choices.”
In the Good Books (via instagram),
“12 year-old Ruby loves to draw cartoons. She buys a pen from a mysterious market stall one day, and realised that the pen has a magical power – whatever Ruby draws, happens!! But it isn’t all good news, and as Ruby tries to wean herself away from the pen, she is hit with problems galore! This entertaining story is suitable for middle grade readers, and touches on topics including bullying, teamwork, and the environment.”
We Made This Life | active blog with 7.6k Twitter followers,
“a great plot and great themes for children of this age [9-12], struggling with fitting in and issues with school. Definitely recommended!”
Literacy, families and Learning,
“Any 12-year-old who picks up this delightful book will find it hard to put down.”
Buzz Words
“Ruby and the Pen is filled with comedy and heart, combined with Cherie’s black and white illustrations which are lively and dynamic. Young readers are going to thoroughly enjoy the first book in this new series.”
Armadillo Magazine
“David Lawrence can indeed write fantastic comedy but in Ruby and the Pen, we find it mixed perfectly with compassion, sensitivity, and a depth of understanding that we perhaps don’t often expect to blend with comedy.”
Magpies Magazine
“Dotted with wonderful pen and wash illustrations, and exposing topical themes such as bullying, while espousing the environment and working together, this novel for middle primary readers will gain an enthusiastic audience as Ruby is a most appealing character.”
Story Links
“Ruby and the Pen is a fun read for any kid who has ever wanted to rewrite (or draw!) the world around them and their place in it.”
Reading Time
“a great transition book for emerging readers moving off junior fiction books..”
Kids’ Book Review
“Fantastic artwork by Cherie Dignam enhances David Lawrence’s story full of humour and clever prose.”
