Stubby: A Pencil's Journey

Becoming a writer is a real adventure. This humorous and informational account of a pencil's journey from cedar tree to classroom is told by a stubby little pencil himself. For fans of The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors and The Day the Crayons Quit.

It all started in a forest.

Before working hard in the classroom and being sharpened down to a stub, Stubby was a towering cedar tree in a forest far away. It hasn't been easy for Stubby--he's been sliced and chewed, made friends and lost them, and even spent three dusty days on the floor before being scooped up . Stubby describes each step of his journey from tree to pencil to writer from his own (very silly, very dramatic, very creative) point of view.

Sydra Mallery's text is a testament to her many years as an elementary school teacher--it's an engaging read aloud full of fun information, and sure to have kids on the edge of their seats. John Hare's illustrations contribute even more comedy to Stubby's arduous journey and shine a spotlight on vehicles and professions, how things are made, and the real-world application of science. A pitch-perfect picture book with tons of curricular hooks and kid appeal, Stubby is an excellent pick for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit, The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, and Red: A Crayon's Story.

Author: Sydra Mallery
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Published: 06/30/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
ISBN: 9780062364319
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2026
School Library Journal 04/01/2026 pg. 67
Publishers Weekly 04/27/2026

About the Author
Mallery, Sydra: - Sydra Mallery is an elementary school teacher and poet. She is the author of the picture books A Most Unusual Day and Stubby: A Pencil's Journey. The author lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

Hare, John: - John Hare worked as a production artist, graphic designer, and art director before realizing that he wanted nothing more than to bring stories to life for young readers. His popular debut picture book, Field Trip to the Moon, was called a "close encounter of the best kind" by Kirkus Reviews and was named to numerous best-of-the-year lists. He is also the author-illustrator of the acclaimed A Mouthful of Minnows and Duck, Duck, Goose! and the illustrator of Stubby: A Pencil's Journey written by Sydra Mallery. John Hare spent much of his youth drawing comics, writing silly stories, and exploring the countryside of Southeast Kansas. The artist lives in Missouri with his family.