Stephanie Ward is an award-winning children’s author and reviewer who splits her time between London, Seattle and Sydney. She spent 15 years in public relations before deciding to dedicate herself to what she loves – writing stories for children. Stephanie has five award-winning picture book manuscripts and her stories have been published in the 2016 Creative Kids Tales Anthology and the 2016 CJ Dennis Poetry Anthology.
Shaney Hyde is an Early Childhood Teacher from Melbourne who runs art workshops for children and draws inspiration from her own playful childhood. Arabella and the Magic Pencil is the first book Shaney has illustrated, fulfilling a long-held dream.
Arabella and the Magic Pencil – A Launch and Exhibition
For curious minds, big and small, the illustrator of Arabella and the Magic Pencil, Shaney Hyde invites you to come and see in vivid detail the wonderful working process of creating a magical picture book, to ensnare and delight!
Be a part of a very special Book Launch of Arabella and the Magic Pencil on:
Saturday, September 7, between 2-4pm.
And peruse the wonderful collection of ideas, drawings and paintings all enveloped into creating the art within the final picture book, on display for one month only, at Antipodes Bookshop and Art Gallery from the 17th of August – September 15, 2019.
138 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC
email: [email protected]
phone: 03 5984 4217
antipodesbookshop.com
Click here to view all details
That’s Another Story by Andrea Mack
“I love the imaginative way that Arabella deals with the problem of an annoying little brother. Writers could study this story to see how to add a surprising twist to their story.” Click here to read more
The Strawberry Post
“I’ve seen several picture books that address issues of younger siblings, giving an ultimate positive ending of course, but this is definitely a favourite of mine and one I would recommend.” Click here to read more
Dim’s Write Stuff
“Arabella and the Magic Pencil is a charming story, which will appeal to any child coming to terms with a new sibling and to caregivers who are supporting changing family dynamics, as well as those who love fantasy and engaging, alliterative language.” Click here to read in full
Miranda Reads‘s review ★★★★★ – 4.75 – Via Goodreads
“I was impressed with this book! For such a short story, it did a really nice job of conveying the thoughts and feelings of a first-time big sister. Arabella was such a delightful main character. I loved her personality and creativity.” Click here to read more.
ReadPlus
“A true cautionary tale about wishes not being all they seem, children will ponder the fate of the unwished for sibling and think about their own siblings and how much they are part of their lives.” Click here to view
School Days Magazine
“Delightfully pretty illustrations. A story for young child children who might have difficulty adjusting to new siblings”
The Caffeinated Book Reviewer – Nonna’s Corner
“If you are looking for a gift for an older child expecting a new sibling or even a holiday gift Arabella and the Magic Pencil would make a wonderful edition to your bookshelf, classroom or nursery.” Click here to read more
Little Parachutes
“A sweet story featuring an independent and creative young girl, enhanced with pretty watercolour illustrations by Shaney Hyde” Click here to read more
In Their Own Write
“a delightful take on sibling rivalry.” Click here to read
Alphabet Soup
9-year-old Kobe from says that Arabella and The Magic Pencil is “the most wonderful picture book” she has ever seen. Click here to read in full.
Swings and Roundabouts
“This book has quite a spell-like dreamy effect with its alliterative and imaginative language alongside soft whimsical illustrations. The book encourages discussion on topics with as the normal feelings of jealously and rivalry when a baby arrives and fosters imaginative play especially when it comes to drawing and storytelling. The book is perfect to be read in large or small groups, 3-4+”
Herald Sun
“The book is full colourful things and fairies . I really enjoyed it and I know my friends would too. It made me feel happy and sad”. – Ellen aged 6
Armadillo Magazine
“A truly delightful book and princesses aside this is for both boys and girls an important message about learning to appreciate the gifts we are given for free, learning to understand one another and learning to tolerate as well as love. An important message, a funny story, a beautiful book.” Click here to read more.
2ST Bowral “A terrific new book. It is beautifully illustrated”
The Bottom Shelf -Edu Blog
“Dedicated to all those who have become an older sibling, this will resonate well as sometimes it is hard to adjust to the changes. While it might be nice to wish for things to return to what they were, if it actually happened the results might not appeal. A modern-day cautionary tale.” Click here to view
Blue Wolf Reviews
“the perfect picture book story to read to children once their new baby brother or sister arrives at home ” Click here to view
Just Write for Kids Australia
“absolutely heart-warming and utterly magical! ” Click here to view
Female.com.au
“inventive“ Click here to view
The Pregnancy Centre
“will appeal to any child with a new sibling and to caregivers who are supporting changing family dynamics. ” Click here to view
Bookworm for Kids
“Arabella and the Magic Pencil is a charming story, which will appeal to any child coming to terms with a new sibling and to caregivers who are supporting changing family dynamics, as well as those who love fantasy and engaging, alliterative language.” Click here to read more
The Burgeoning Bookshelf reviews”
Arabella and the Magic Pencil is a charming story filled with magic and wonder to enhance a child’s imagination. The story includes words to extend the child’s vocabulary and Dot was quick to ask the meaning of ‘mayhem’ and ‘acoustics’. Alliteration is used at times to give a fun rhythm to the story; Dainty dolls dined, Pretty princesses paraded.” Click here to read more
Frog on a blog reviews
“Arabella is a beloved only child who has a picture perfect life, until her brother, Avery, arrives. While she loves him, of course, it’s sometimes hard to like him. When he spoils a proper tea party, Arabella erases him from her life for good. But things aren’t the same without him. How can she get him back?” Click here to read more
jeanniejeanniejeannie.co.uk BLOG
“Arabella and the Magic Pencil is a charming story, which will appeal to any child coming to terms with a new sibling and to caregivers who are supporting changing family dynamics, as well as those who love fantasy and engaging, alliterative language.” Click here to read more
The Corner on Character’s Spectacular Picture Book Picks
“Its figurative language (yay for alliteration!) and its dream-like illustrations will grab your learners and pull them in. Check out this book; stop at the point of conflict (wait, she really erases her brother?) and invite your learners to problem solve together.” Click here to read more
Motherhood – the Real Deal
When my poor old mum had me, let’s just say that there wasn’t much that was done to get my sister and I off on the right foot. Although for health reasons we never did go on to have another child, I know first hand from my own upbringing just how important introducing your child to a new baby is if you want to ensure a happy and healthy relationship between siblings.
Just Kids Lit – The Quick Six Interview with Stephanie Ward
Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Stephanie Ward! We are excited to welcome author Stephanie Ward to our blog for this interview! Stephanie will be releasing her debut picture book into the world shortly, and it sounds absolutely heart-warming and utterly magical! Thanks, Stephanie, for introducing us to Arabella and the Magic Pencil!
