Whenever I watch my daughter drawing, I feel like I get a glimpse into a world of imagination and endless possibilities. The Magic Crayon by Amy Sparkes and Ali Pye is a rhyming picture book that captures that world.
When Chloe’s older brother Jack makes a big mess, Chloe gets the blame. She goes to her room feeling very upset and there she finds a magical crayon. She draws a picture of a wicked witch and imagines her brother being turned into a frog. Then there’s a rat-a-tat-tat on her bedroom door. The witch has come to life and is flying off with her froggy-brother!
Chloe must use her magic crayon to draw a way to save her brother. This is where Amy and Ali’s own creativity really takes over as they transport you into this fantastical fairytale world.
Chloe comes across many different fairytale creatures on her quest to rescue her brother and must draw her way out of some tricky situations. My daughter and I were both utterly captivated. We loved her encounter with a huge stinky troll, who just needed a bottle of Stink-Me-Not perfume – brilliantly invented by Chloe! I love picture books that include the character’s drawings within the illustrator’s illustrations – there is something so special about the way children draw and Ali has captured that.
The Magic Crayon has Amy Sparkes’ trademark style of imaginative flare and magical mayhem. Ali Pye’s delightful illustrations transport you into this fantastical world and make you want your own magic crayon! We love this book and are hoping for a sequel!
Published by Penguin, 18 March 2021
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She Rex by Michelle Robinson and Deborah Allwright
This is also a fabulous rhyming picture book featuring a brother and sister duo. It is full of imagination and ROARS!
The Secret of Me by Amy Sparkes and Sandra de la Prada
This lovely picture book about the power of imagination and being yourself would be perfect for younger picture book readers, as well as older picture book fans.
The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes, Illustrated by Ben Mantle
For older children, I highly recommend Amy’s new middle grade series. It has her same trademark imaginative flare and magical mayhem.
I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
This reminds me of Penny Crayon – do you remember that series?!
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