I bought an 8B that is as dark as charcoal a while back, I didn’t know they existed, it’s pretty intense and awesome. A metal pencil sharpener is the best friend, a graphite pencil is one of my favorite mediums to draw with. Practicing on shading is very important, I like that your mother told you to practice on birds, there fun to draw, and your really good at it, Good Luck❣️