Pencil and her friends give Eraser no respect: they taunt her for not being "creative." Tired of playing "Pencil's pooper-scooper," Eraser splits the scene and unexpectedly encounters some discarded papers that remind her of her importance: she gives second chances. Set inside a school bereft of humans, the story delivers ticklish wordplay against ink and watercolor art starring comically anthropomorphized desk mainstays.

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. (Picture book. 5-8)

PreS-Gr 2 Eraser is tired of cleaning up after bossy and arrogant Pencil; she knows she is destined for more. She shares her desire to be creative with her encouraging friends Ruler and Sharpener. When the school supplies begin working on a big science project, Eraser may get her chance to shine. Educators will identify and appreciate Eraser's growth mind-set and all readers will find comfort in the opportunity to embrace second chances. The story is reminiscent of the Drew Daywalt's The Day the Crayons Quit , but with different perspectives and complexities. Pastel illustrations and the use of curvy two-dimensional shapes bring everyday school supplies to life. VERDICT A delightful picture book that emboldens readers to embrace mistakes and elevates the eraser to hero status. A fun addition for storytimes and classroom read-alouds. Jewelee Painter, Springfield Elementary School, Rilleyville, VA