Malala has a comfortable life playing with her brothers and going to school, until the Taliban takes over her town.

This is not the story of a girl and her magic pencil. It's the true story of Malala Yousafzai for younger readers. I do have some doubts about this title choice, as the context is not necessarily going to be clear for children picking this up. An adult will hopefully recognise the name and realise what it's about.

The focus is on Malala wishing she has a magic pencil to change the world, then slowly coming to realise that she could do a similar thing through her writing. I did like the way this storyline tied together, as it makes it relatable for a younger audience. It does also highlight how reading and writing can be used in a practical way, which reluctant readers can sometimes find difficult to see.

The pictures are fairly realistic watercolour paintings with black ink outlines. The details help to make the settings clear. There are also swirly patterns in places, examples of which can be seen on the cover, which invoke a sense of imagination and creativity.

There are obviously violent aspects to the story, as Malala's town was taken over by the Taliban and she was shot. This is handled in an age-appropriate way. There are some images with men carrying guns and it's clear people are scared, but there are no scenes showing the guns in use. The attack on Malala is very glossed over. It cuts from saying they want to stop her to her looking out of a window with a hospital bracelet on. I do think this image could have been clearer about being a hospital, as the small details would be easy to miss, particularly if the reader hasn't stayed in a hospital before. It wouldn't have needed to show all the gory details of the attack to do that.

The text is better suited to older picture book readers. There are some longer paragraphs and pages with multiple paragraphs. There is also a lot to take in, even in this simplified form. That said, I think the framing of the story does make it understandable for the intended age range. It's a difficult story to simplify and it mostly succeeds in that.

This is such a strong and powerful book that is perfect to give to young children just learning about the world. It is beautifully written and contains beautiful imagery as well. It flows really well and I found myself very much enjoying myself. I think Malala is a true inspiration and being able to put her story into a picture book format is wonderful. I hope that this book will inspire many young children to stand up to what they believe in and help to make the world a more peaceful place.

This is a really nice, easy to read book for young readers. My daughter really enjoyed it and liked the pictures too.

Difficult to review as a picture book in itself, as it doesn't quite work as one. However, as a book to introduce children to Malala's story and the fabulous work she has done in highlighting issues about treatment of women, then it does the job perfectly. A good book to discuss with a child, rather than a bedtime story. The illustrations are superb.

Interesting premise but I would have enjoyed less words? I feel like this is quite a long book to read to little ones who will pick it up but has a great message. I’d love to see it a little more condensed

Malala Yousafzai continues to be an inspirational young lady. The determination which led to her being targeted by Taliban enforcers has sustained her through writing her life story, continued activism for the education of girls and her own education. I can’t be the only one who felt oddly proud to see that she has just taken her place at Oxford – she has become a sort of symbol for what girls and young women can achieve. Although her autobiography was issued in an edition for younger readers in 2014 she has not previously written directly to the very young. This book changes that – it is, through the simply told story of a girl who decides that, if she had a magic pencil, she would draw a world where life was fairer. Malala’s story is one that children understand – life really should be fair – but the reality of her experiences are the sort of thing that we would hope to shelter primary-aged children from. This book allows her to encourage youngsters towards the sort of activism they can appreciate – kindness and fairness to all and not keeping silent about inequalities. Nobody is too young, or too old, for that.

A hard-hitting story simplified for a young audience, still inspiring

This is Malala's story, but streamlined and made clear enough for even a young child.

I really like the style of illustration used, rather beautiful coloured drawings, detailed and the characters really look Malala and her father and the scenes from her life are sympathetic.

This tells us about her experiences in her home country, how girls were stopped from attending school and Malala put herself in danger by speaking out. The poverty of her surroundings isn't skipped over and is brought in just enough to raise interest and questions in readers.

While it misses out the detail that would upset some children, the details are all there between the lines for adults to bring up, if they so wish.

The writing is straightforward but confident, the voice of a girl who has been through and seen much but has used it to bolster her own confidence and compassion. She talks to the reader, and hopefully will inspire other young people to look around them and care too.

Could be used in classrooms for primary students or as a bedtime read. For ages 5 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

This is an absolutely beautiful book. The illustrations are lovely and the message raised in the book is very special. Well worth reading.

A wonderful picture book which tells the story of Malala Yousafzai for younger children. This is a great book to teach children about politics and current affairs, and will inspire a lot of classroom debate and discussion. I'll be buying a copy for my young cousins, too.

A deeply disappointing book. Perhaps expectation causes a reaction. It never took off in any way and the illustrations were just OK. The basic tenet of the title/story is good but the book did not go far enough into the potential aspirations of young readers. I feel bad not liking it because of who Malala is but one has to be honest or the whole idea is pointless. Sorry.

Malala's Magic Pencil is the story of little girl who, through the power of her pen, has managed to shake the consciences and inspiring many people in the world. Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize, addresses small readers by explaining to them the importance of pursuing their dreams, despite the difficulties. A way to talk to readers by means of pictures, elegant styles and soft colors. A brief illustrated work able to convey this message to the more adult audience.

This picture book serves as a good introduction to Malala Yousafzai for children. Malala's bravery and commitment to playing her part in improving the world are demonstrated, and this story is sure to inspire others to speak up for what they believe in. Personally, I feel that the illustrations by Kerascoet are adequate rather than inspirational, but it is a nice touch to have photographs of Malala at different ages shown at the end of the book, as I think this will encourage children to relate to her even more.

I received this ebook free from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of Malala's childhood in a simple way. Even though the story is perhaps aimed at younger children, I think young teenagers will appreciate this too.

Beautiful picture book that tells the story of this inspirational young woman in her own words. The illustrations are just gorgeous and perfectly in keeping with the text, being dark and atmospheric in places without being upsetting for younger readers. It would be a perfect book for using for topic work in a primary school, so many angles to cover, but is also a great read aloud for at home.

An inspiring and magical story!
Malala’s story is one which could be hard to share with young children due to the dangers and hardship she had to face however, the picture book has just the right amount of detail about the challenges she face for the younger reader. It focuses on her determination and positivity instead.

A story which I will definitely be sharing with children, of all ages, at my school when it is published.

Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC.

Malala tells her story in an accessible way for younger children.

My 7 year old daughter (a discerning reader!) gave this 4 and a half stars, and we both enjoyed it. I've admired Malala for a number of years, and thought this book was a great way to introduce her story and mission to younger readers. My daughter's first question was 'Is this real' so I went on to use the info at the back to tell her about Malala. The illustrations are lovely and really add to the story.

The book significantly underplays her courage and the real threats from the Taliban to her, instead focusing on the value of education and the ways all of us can use our voice to advocate for change.

Malala's Magic pencil is an inspiring read for children and adults, and a great way to introduce children to serious issues.

I knew the basics about Malala before, but I never bothered to read more about her. This little and wonderful book made me read everything there is about her, and I really loved it. It is very hopeful, inspiring and represents a short account of her life, her hopes and struggle to make her country a better place. I'm really glad there are still some people in the world who are caring and fearless, and would raise their voice for those who need it most, even if that would pose a threat to their lives. Many people say Malala is over-appreciated, but how would they feel if they weren't allowed to go to school just because of their gender, or if they were shot in the head for speaking up for those who can't? Malala is very brave and now I too admire her work and efforts. Also, the illustrations are simply beautiful, I'm a big fan of the Kerascoet duo, which is the reason I picked this book in the first place.

Malala is the most inspirational voices of our generation, and will continue to be thought of as such far into the future. This picture book gives you an insight into Malala's childhood, revealing why she decided to start speaking out about the state of education in her country.
I haven't read any of Malala's writing before, but I need to. This was a delightful introduction to her work, and the illustrations are so beautiful!
This will definitely appeal more to older children and young teenagers, as it's not only educational but enjoyable too.