Why I wrote "Drew and the Magic Pencil"

When I set out to write Drew and the Magic Pencil, I was thinking about the many children I’ve met over the years who were bright, creative, and full of ideas, but struggling to express themselves because of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Despite how common DLD is (it affects about 1 in 14 children), I noticed that outside the world of speech-language pathology, very few people knew about it. In schools and communities, DLD often flies under the radar. If you weren’t an SLP, chances are you hadn’t even heard of it.

I wanted to change that.

I also noticed a significant gap in children's literature. While many wonderful books exist for young readers, few feature protagonists who experience communication challenges like those faced by children with DLD. This under-representation was the primary inspiration behind "Drew and the Magic Pencil".

I was fortunate to have a wonderful creative team. The original concept and story vision for Drew and the Magic Pencil came from Robin Grant, whose passion for metaphor and inclusive storytelling laid the foundation for what the book would become. Together with Karen Richard, a former Speech-Language Pathologist turned children’s entrepreneur with Made Live , we refined the narrative and therapeutic elements, shaping Drew’s glowing pencil into a powerful symbol of self-regulation and self-expression. Through close collaboration, we ensured the story would resonate with both children and the professionals who support them.

Seeing Themselves in Stories

Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. For children with DLD, this representation is particularly meaningful. When Drew struggles to express his stories and ideas, many children with communication difficulties will recognize their own experiences in his journey.

The Magic of Metaphor

The magic pencil serves as a powerful metaphor for the various tools and strategies that help children with communication difficulties express themselves. For some children, this might be drawing, just like Drew. For others, it could be technology, visual supports, or other alternative communication methods. The core message remains the same: There are many ways to share your stories with the world.

The pencil that glows brighter with each deep breath also subtly introduces the concept of self-regulation and calming strategies. When Drew remembers to "Breathe, Wait, Take Your Time" (a mantra children can easily remember), he finds his own path to communicate.

A Resource for Speech-Language Pathologists and Educators

While I wrote this book primarily for children to enjoy, it also serves as a valuable resource for the professionals who support them. Speech-Language Pathologists can use Drew's story to:

• Introduce the concept of using drawings to supplement verbal communication

• Teach breathing techniques for managing speech anxiety and promote self-regulation

• Demonstrate how perseverance leads to communication success

• Accepting help from others

• Normalize different communication styles and paces

  
  

Educators will find that the story naturally promotes classroom inclusion and understanding. When Drew's friends celebrate his unique way of telling stories, it models acceptance and appreciation of neurodiversity for all children.

At its heart, "Drew and the Magic Pencil" is about more than just DLD. It explores universal themes that resonate with all children, such as friendship, self-confidence, self-expression, and perseverance.

Creating Without Preaching

Perhaps what I'm most proud of is that "Drew and the Magic Pencil" accomplishes all this without feeling didactic or preachy. The lessons emerge naturally from an engaging narrative. The book has a “Call to Action” at the end that invites readers to grab their own magic pencil and draw a story to then tell that story to a loved one. I wanted to give children the opportunity to use their newly learned strategy and reinforce their language in an active way. This approach makes the book accessible and enjoyable for all children, whether they have DLD or not.

A Tool for Conversations

Beyond the story itself, I've found that "Drew and the Magic Pencil" opens doors for important conversations between children and adults. When parents, teachers, or therapists read this book with children, it creates natural opportunities to discuss:

• Different ways people communicate

• How to be patient when someone is taking time to express themselves

• The importance of looking beyond words to understand someone's message

• Creative problem-solving when facing challenges

  
  

Looking Forward

I am happy to say that Drew and the Magic Pencil is the first book of a series called TRICOAST Adventures. Each book will focus on a character navigating adventures, and learning new strategies to support their language development. Children with DLD deserve to see themselves represented in literature across all genres. They deserve to be heroes, adventurers, problem-solvers, and friends.

By creating stories that celebrate diverse communication styles while maintaining the magic and wonder that makes children's literature special, we can help all children feel seen, understood, and valued. Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or simply someone who believes in inclusive education, I hope this story finds a home in your heart and on your bookshelf.

Stay tuned for other books in the TRICOAST Adventures series.

To purchase Drew and the Magic Pencil:

English

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