Starchild: Malaysian children share why they love pencils so much

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Many of us would have used a pencil to write, doodle and draw. But apart from the graphite pencils we use everyday, there are also charcoal pencils that artists use for sketching.

Colour pencils have become more popular over the last few years, with many adults rediscovering the joy in colouring.

Pencil Day was celebrated on March 30. Here’s what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Pencils.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, writes: “I learnt something very interesting this week, that a pencil is made by sandwiching a piece of graphite led in between two pieces of wood. This whole process is now made by machines in a factory. Before pencils were invented, people would use a bird feather dipped in ink to write.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 3

Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, three, loves his colour pencils. “Long ago a knife was used to sharpen these pencils. Today I use a sharpener which is easier and safer for little children like me.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 8

“Pencils are very important. If we don’t have any pencils, we can’t write and draw. We need pencils to do our school homework and do any kinds of writing. Important messages and useful notes can be written down. My pencils have an eraser on the top, it can help me to correct my mistakes, ” Jayden Tan Li Sheng, eight, says.

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11, writes, “I bring my pencils everywhere I go. I use them to draw, doodle and sketch. I have done many creative drawings with my pencils. I also use my pencil to pen down my thoughts in my diary each day.”

Chloe Leong Xizhen, 7

“I like mechanical pencils because they help me to write neatly. My favourite part about a mechanical pencil is I don’t need to sharpen them,” says Chloe Leong Xizhen, seven.

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

“Without a pencil, I will end up using a pen to do my homework, which is not allowed by my teachers. The pencils that I use are mostly those with dark lead. The colour pencils that I have come in pretty boxes,” says Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 5

Five-year-old Claire Yap Jyn Wei likes pencils with colourful designs. “Among my favourites are those with designs such as bananas, dinosaurs, and unicorns. Did you know that pencil leads are made from graphite. Colours pencils are made with using colour pigments, clay and dyes.” – Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: If you love to eat burgers, we have the perfect topic for you. World Hamburger Day is on May 28. Tell us all about your favourite burger. Do you like your burger with additional toppings like cheese, sliced onions and gherkins? Or do you prefer them plain and simple, with only a meat patty in between the buns?

If you could create your dream burger, what would you call it? What would you put inside your burger? Share your thoughts with Starchild. Don’t forget to send in a drawing too.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by April 16. Please put “STARCHILD: Burgers” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to

children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address.