An eraser likes to have a clean sheet of paper and is upset when a pencil makes marks on the page. As the pencil draws more and more, the eraser finds its own creativity.
Perfect
Discuss the Book
Not So Clean
Pages 1–11
- Important Moment: An eraser declares it will erase everything to keep the page perfect. A pencil responds by drawing a mocking picture on the eraser’s blank piece of paper.
- Ask and Share: Why do you think the eraser is so upset when the pencil draws a picture on the blank page? Have you ever felt that way when something wasn’t “perfect”?
A Real Mess
Pages 12–22
- Important Moment: While the eraser runs after the pencil, the pencil draws shapes that make the eraser nervous. The eraser stops chasing the pencil and runs away from the shapes.
- Ask and Share: How do you think the eraser feels when it sees the group of pencils coming toward it? What advice would you give to the eraser?
This Is Fun!
Pages 23–34
- Important Moment: The eraser feels hopeless and frustrated when a page is completely colored over. Then it creates its own fun designs by erasing some of the pencil marks to create a space scene.
- Ask and Share: Can you think of a time you enjoyed trying something new like the eraser does? How about a time when you worked together with someone to create something you couldn’t do alone?
A Creative Team
Pages 35–45
- Important Moment: The pencil and eraser work together to create designs on the page.
- Ask and Share: How does the eraser act at the end of the story? What lessons do you think the eraser has learned? What could the pencil and eraser say to each other to be a better team?