Xander and the Pen
Xander buys a pen that gives him the power to improve his family's fortunes, only to discover that power comes with its own problems.
Xander and the Pen is the story of a boy who loves to draw superheroes, and the pen he buys from a mysterious market stall. He soon learns that the pen has a magical power: whatever he draws, happens! At first the pen helps Xander improve his family's fortunes, but there are many unintended consequences and soon everybody is angry at him.
Xander sees that the power of the pen has changed him into somebody his sister and his friends despise. But how else to deal with the bullying Bruise Brothers and solve the mystery of the poisoned llamas? Can Xander win back the respect of his sister and friends without using the pen? Or will he succumb to the temptation of an easy fix?
Featuring hilarious illustrations, and with messages about bullying, family dynamics, disability and the environment, this is fast-paced, entertaining middle grade fiction that will resonate with kids everywhere. After all, who wouldn't want to fix all their problems with the stroke of a pen!
David Lawrence started out as a financial analyst, but went from creating profit-and-loss statements to performing stand-up comedy and TV writing before penning his first book in 2007. Since then, he has written another 12 fun-filled children's books aimed at engaging reluctant readers.
Cherie Dignam has always loved drawing and works in a variety of mediums including coloured pencils and watercolour. However, she is at her happiest with a good old-fashioned dip pen and ink.