Pencil & Eraser New Friends Rule! An Early Reader Graphic Novel by Jenny Alvarado

This charming early reader explores the delicate dynamics of friendship when a new companion enters the picture, following the established bond between two classroom tools. When Pencil discovers Ruler can help create perfect straight lines without any mistakes, their partnership seems ideal—leaving Eraser feeling suddenly unnecessary and left out. The story cleverly uses these familiar school supplies to personify the very real emotions children experience when friendships shift and expand. Young readers will immediately connect with the school setting and the expressive characters who face relatable social challenges.

What makes this friendship story particularly effective is how it validates multiple perspectives without villainizing any character, showing that everyone's feelings matter during social transitions. The graphic novel format with speech bubbles and simple panels makes this accessible for emerging readers while keeping the emotional content substantial. Children navigating their own evolving friendships will find comfort in seeing these conflicts resolved with empathy and understanding. This school supplies adventure ultimately delivers a gentle lesson about making room for new friends while valuing old ones.