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The Know-It-All Pencil

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This Pencil Writes by itself. What Does a Pencil Know? It's Caspian's UnBirthday again. This year, Grandpa gives him a pencil and a small pad of paper. When Caspian picks up the pencil, it writes the word APPLE. What does a pencil know? Grandpa says "It's a STAR adventure." But there are no apples in the house. Caspian rescues a runaway walker and returns it to the woman whose leg is in a cast. She gives him an orange. He trades the orange for two bananas. He trades the bananas for a worm. Eventually, he gets apples. The pencil tells him to take them to Miss Susie. What else does the pencil know?
Follow Caspian as he follows the clues.

30 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2022

7 people want to read

About the author

Lois Wickstrom

87 books84 followers

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5 stars
36 (52%)
4 stars
30 (44%)
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2 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
5,896 reviews72 followers
April 3, 2022
The Know-It-All Pencil is an original and imaginative tale for children between the ages of 6 to 8 years. It is a delightful, and fun fantasy story. It is the fifth book the "Invisible Magic Wand" series by this author. I read this book to my grandsons, and they were entertained and engaged and loved looking at the colourful illustrations.
If you want to know what the pencil knows then you need to grab a copy and a snuggle buddy or two and journey along with Caspian on his UnBirthday adventure.
Profile Image for Rachel Moss.
582 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2022
This was a really cute book! This book is bright, colorful and engaging for children. It's very adventurous and sweet. I enjoyed reading this one myself. I think my daughter will enjoy it when she gets older, but for right she seems a little too young to completely understand the story and the concept. I can't wait to read this to her when she gets older!
Profile Image for Reader Views.
4,212 reviews277 followers
July 21, 2022
“The Know-It-All Pencil” is the fifth story in the “Invisible Magic Wand” series by Lois Wickstrom. I have not read any of the other books in the series, but in this story, a boy named Caspian wakes up and it’s his unbirthday. Every year, Caspian gets a gift from his grandpa on his birthday. This year, he sees a box under his bed and finds a pencil and a pad of paper; he isn’t sure what to do with it and isn’t really excited until he picks up the pencil and it moves on its own! The pencil writes “apple” on the paper and his grandpa says that he will have a “star adventure,” but Caspian isn’t sure what that means. The pencil takes Caspian on an adventure to figure out what is going on.

I was glad when I read this book that I didn’t need to know too many things that happened in the books before because this is the fifth book in the series; you can read it without reading the ones before and be okay. I think the idea of getting presents for your unbirthday is silly, and it reminds me of “Alice in Wonderland,” when they celebrated their unbirthdays. I hadn’t read a story about a magic pencil before, so that was new to me. I like that Caspian had an adventure with going to different people and places, kind of like a scavenger hunt, or a rube goldberg machine. I would read any books that come after and before this one in the “Invisible Magic Wand” series.

Note from Mom: “The Know-It-All Pencil” is a cute story that is different from others I’ve heard of or read myself. The story is entertaining, the right length, and contains age-appropriate words so Lydia could read the story to herself once and then I enjoyed getting to read it to her another time. This story has the ability to spark the imagination of young readers to think of other inanimate objects that could do magical things. The illustrations are colorful and show how to follow directions, share, trade, and get along with all different people.
Profile Image for Book Magic.
289 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2022
The-Know-It-All-Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom is a fun children’s read about a magical pencil and the adventures it leads to.

The book begins on "Caspian's UnBirthday," not having read the other books in the series, I'm not quite sure what day he celebrates his "UnBirthday," or even exactly what it is. To get the full story for yourself and the children I would suggest reading the whole series or at least the book detailing what an "UnBirthday" is.

That being said, this is a very cute, imaginative story. It also has very colorful and appealing illustrations that help the reader travel through Caspian's adventure along with him. This book has magic, adventure, and even shows instances of kindness by helping others. I also liked that everyone and everything Caspian encountered no matter the age, skin color, gender, ability, or animal type was treated with the same degree of helpful kindness.

This short read was really enjoyable and I think it would inspire children to want to go on a similar scavenger style hunt themselves. I'm excited to share it with my grandchildren. It would be great for children 4 to 6.

Profile Image for Janel.
111 reviews19 followers
April 29, 2022
The-Know-It-All-Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom - Review By Janel Bernotas

This is such a great children’s book! Every year on his “Unbirthday”, Caspian receives a gift from his grandfather. This time it was a magic pencil that wrote words on the notepad by itself. The words confused Caspian until he realized they were things that other people around him needed or needed his help with. A wonderful story about helping others in need with a little bit of science information thrown in too! The-Know-It-All-Pencil is beautifully illustrated. The artwork is vivid, and descriptive of what is happening in the story. All in all, this is a good book for children to read, and I would love to read more of this series. I absolutely recommend this book to other parents to both read for themselves and read with their children!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,044 reviews69 followers
June 16, 2022
It's Caspian's "unbirthday" and today his grandfather has gifted him with a pencil. At first he's confused and then he sees the paper. The pencil writes the word "apple" on the paper. He takes it to the breakfast table where grandfather says he's going to have a star quality day. Caspian is on his way to school when he sees a walker out of place. He returns it to the rightful owner and is given something in exchange for his kind act. This goes on for awhile with various people until Caspian finally learns the meaning behind the star.

The illustrations are so bright and vibrant!!! I love that about a great children's book. The story is very well done as well and brings up several talking points after the book has finished. I have enjoyed this book series so far!
19 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2022
It’s Caspian’s Unbirthday and he can’t wait to see what surprise Grandpa got him this year! When he opens the box he finds a yellow pencil and a small pad of green paper but it’s not just any pencil, it’s a Know-It-All pencil! Caspian sets out on a “star adventure” on his way to school.

This is a cute children’s book that involves make believe, doing good deeds, helping others out and trading for things others want/need. There is a lot of diversity among the characters, which I think is really important in a children’s book. The illustrations are very colorful and super cute. I would recommend this book for kiddos age pre-K thru 3rd grade.
Profile Image for Jennie.
54 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2022
“The Know-It-All Pencil” is a story about a boy whose grandfather gives him a unique, magical gift. It is part of the Invisible Magic Wand series. I enjoyed this story. I read it without having read the other stories in the series and feel like I would have understood it more if I had read at least the first book in the series. I like the idea of a magic pencil. I was intrigued by the adventure Caspian experienced as a result of receiving the pencil. I recommend this book for children and anyone who enjoys a good children’s story.
937 reviews35 followers
April 23, 2022
A quick and easy book for little ones. Caspian receives a special pencil and paper from his grandpa. These special items take Caspian on a special adventure. One word begins the fun and soon he is finding and trading items. The story is easy to follow and very descriptive. It is an interesting story that keeps the young readers entertained and eager to see what happens next with each new item that Caspian gets and when this adventure is over it brings readers back to a point where Caspian is ready for another adventure to begin.
185 reviews4 followers
April 23, 2022
The-Know-It-All-Pencil is a cute, engaging, short story. Caspian’s unbirthday always starts with a unique gift from his grandpa. This year’s gift is a pencil that gives clues and a pad of paper to write them on. The adventure that Caspian goes on helps him meet many different people, teaches him about helping others, paying it forward, as well as interesting facts he didn’t know before.

This well written story is easy to follow and engaging. The art work is also beautifully done. I would recommend for kids around the ages of three to low elementary.
Profile Image for Christina Gran.
59 reviews
April 23, 2022
Great story….My son & grandson loved it. My 10yr old was able to read back & forth with me and my grandson was captivated with the colorful and bright illustrations. Will be on the hunt for additional Lois Wickstrom children books!

Caspian received a special gift that contained a magic pencil and a notepad. As he holds the pencil, words magically appear on the pad. As he attempts to discover the meaning of the messages, he is led on an adventure though his town, showing how one particular item can set wheels in motion for an awesome journey
Profile Image for Cami.
66 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2022
The author Lois Wickstrom did a fantastic job on this book! My 8 year old and I read this together and not only did he love the story but the illustrations as well. Caspian receives a pencil and a pad of paper from his grandfather for his “unbirthday”. It’s not just any pencil though, it’s a Know-It-All pencil. A magical pencil that Leads straight to adventure. What adventures you may ask? I will not spoil it, you must read to find out and I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s a great book to read and discuss with your kids. They will adore it.
Profile Image for Anantha Rusum.
287 reviews8 followers
Read
April 30, 2022
A very cute book for children, the story revolves around an unusual gift a boy called Caspian receives for his birthday from his grand father. The gift is a pencil which writes by itself. But does the pencil just write or is there some reason behind what the pencil is writing? Initially it writes one word, then when Caspian gets what it is asking for , it connects the thing to a person, and that person might be in need of help ! A very cute story about being kind and helpful to others written in a very unique way. I absolutely loved this book
Profile Image for Jenni.
5,896 reviews72 followers
May 6, 2022
The Know-It-All Pencil is an original and imaginative tale for children between the ages of 6 to 8 years. It is a delightful, and fun fantasy story. It is the fifth book the "Invisible Magic Wand" series by this author. I read this book to my grandsons, and they were entertained and engaged and loved looking at the colourful illustrations.
If you want to know what the pencil knows then you need to grab a copy and a snuggle buddy or two and journey along with Caspian on his UnBirthday adventure.
2,983 reviews33 followers
April 14, 2022
This is fun children's story that I think would really connect with children. I read this book with my four year old and she really seemed to enjoy it. I liked the fact that the story was also easy for me to enjoy and not a slog to try and read through like some children's books can be.
If all the books in the series are like this I can see it being a huge hit with children. This is great book ro read with them.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
April 22, 2022
This was a really cute and fun children’s book with beautiful, colourful illustrations. Caspian’s Grandpa gives him a know-it-all pencil for his unbirthday. As we navigate the story with Caspian we see him do things to help people all whilst trying to find out what adventure the know-it-all pencil wants him to go on. This is a fun book that will get children thinking about doing good deeds for others.
Profile Image for SaviLeeLind .
602 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2022
This was such a cute story with lots of valuable lessons attached. Caspian was a great kid and he definitely gave some food for thought after he received the pencil for his birthday. The illustrations were beautiful and the story itself left quite the mark. You learned the importance of doing for others as well as just doing good things in general. My 7 year old enjoyed the story and she was able to pin point the lessons right away!
Profile Image for Angela.
7,634 reviews110 followers
May 13, 2022
4 Stars

The Know-It-All Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom is a fun children’s story that has a cute storyline, colourful illustrations, fun and adventure, educational elements, and a touch of magical whimsey in the form of the know-it-all pencil.
With interesting characters, this quirky story was engaging and fun, feeding both the imagination, as well as inspiring a little learning.
Happy reading!
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
1,053 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2022
What a fun engaging children's book! I have 3 kids of my own; 5, 8, & 13 and the younger 2 loved this story while my older one while has a mind of a much younger child wasn't interested in the story but LOVED the pictures!
This kept their attention and had them guessing right along with Caspian, the main character. I will be finding the others in this series now.
Profile Image for Shannon.
836 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2022
This story is a very cute kid’s story about a pencil that can write by itself. This pencil takes Caspian on an adventure by writing one-word clues.

This story is short, fun and easy to read. I would have read this to my preschool class and my own children when they were younger. Even the pictures are cute.
Profile Image for Angela Packard.
166 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2022
I read this book with my 6-year-old daughter and we enjoyed this fun little book. We liked the way it ended as we had a great discussion about what else the pencil would write. I liked the openness of the ending as it did open the floor for us to talk. Would we want a know-it-all pencil? It might be fun to solve the puzzle of what it is trying to tell us one word at a time.
Profile Image for Hannah.
380 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2022
I read The Know-It All Pencil for the first time definitely a reread. I read it to my nieces and son they were definitely into it🤣 one of nieces asked if I could get her one of the pencils. It's a cute little adventure books. Im gonna have to go check out more books by Lois Wickstrom since this one was a hit.
Profile Image for Bethany Rucker.
66 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2022
This was a cute short storybook for young children. Grandpa gives Caspian, a special pencil. When he takes the pencil out of the box, it starts trying to write something. Caspian thinks it's a strange gift, but eventually, the pencil takes him on a STAR adventure. Caspian learns why it's called the Know it all pencil!
142 reviews
April 14, 2022
This little book was so super cute! I love the illustrations. This story was cute for children as they realize that Caspian is on a little mystery driven by his know-it-all pencil! It is nice to see that his grandma gave him this pencil to begin with, and the story centers around his family and those closest to him. Very cute story!
Profile Image for Rayne.
1,334 reviews15 followers
April 17, 2022
Fun read
Aimed towards 6-8 year olds, The Know-It-All Pencil is a brilliantly written imaginative story. The author creates a magical and entertaining storyline that children will find fascinating. The illustrations are well done and there are many opportunities for educational discussions. Highly recommend for home or class library.
945 reviews11 followers
April 22, 2022
It is the morning of Caspian’s UnBirthday and when he wakes up to a box tied in a ribbon from his Grandpa, he is excited, but when he opens it and all it contains are a yellow pencil and a green pad of paper he is confused, especially when it starts writing by itself!

What kind of an adventure can a Know-It-All Pencil bring? You can only find out by reading this charming book.

Profile Image for Amber Day.
256 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2022
This book is too cute. It is a great book perfect for little kids. The know-it-all pencil story and illustrations were beautifully done. We watch Caspian as he and the pencil go on a little adventure and learn a lesson or two. It is a perfect read for children and those who still love a good children's book. I will be sharing it with my nieces and nephews.
Profile Image for Ashley.
171 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2022
My kids loved this book! They asked me to read it to them multiple times. I loved the characters and how fun the story was. This book inspired lots of questions from my 4-year-old and 7-year-old. I really enjoyed that it was fun for them and for me. Big Bonus. Can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us. I highly recommend it. I think your kids will love it.
Profile Image for Kay.
255 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2022
This was definitely a cute book! My five year old really enjoyed the magic of it, even though I did have to explain pencils like this dont exist. I was however able to make a comparison for her that while these pencils are magic our intuition is very much a real thing!
Profile Image for Mikaela.
39 reviews
April 7, 2022
An excellent and sweet story about a magic pencil. The element of curiosity and mystery kept my niece and I on our toes. Truly a story about doing good in the world, with such a sweet touch. Recommend this book for all young kids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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