The Day the Crayons Quit
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 978-0399255373
Reading Level: Ages 3–8
Main Characters: Duncan and his pack of colorful, quirky crayons.
Plot: Duncan’s crayons are fed up! Each crayon writes him a letter detailing their woes: overuse, neglect, or even unfair assignments. It’s up to Duncan to find a creative solution to make them all happy.
Settings: Duncan’s house and the colorful world of his imagination
Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Book, Humor, Empathy, and Creativity.
Five Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why Five Roars? This book is great fun for kids and adults alike. The witty letters bring the crayons to life, and Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations make each page a playful experience. Each crayon has its own quirky personality and voice. For example, Blue is exhausted from coloring too many skies, while Peach feels vulnerable because its wrapper was peeled off. A great time to ask the kids in your life what their crayons might say!
I love the idea of adding this book to a family trip or adventure!!! Have your kids document the trip through their crayons’ eyes. For example, Blue might write about the ocean instead of the sky this time. They can draw pictures and write funny notes from their crayons about what they liked or didn’t like about the trip.
Secret Adventure Crayon Journal! Help your kids help the crayons keep a Secret Adventure Crayon Journal. This might include how the crayons secretly feel about the trip or adventure! Too much fun!
This would be great for any type of trip where kids have periods of wait time. Whether in a car, at the airport, or a restaurant, kids can focus on writing or drawing in the journal rather than feeling bored. It keeps hands and minds busy in a productive way.
The secret journal also offers a safe way for kids to express their thoughts and feelings through their crayons' voices, exploring self-reflection.
Once home, create a mini art gallery (on the fridge) or scrapbook of the crayon adventures, complete with drawings, photos, and letters written by the crayons about the trip and their confidential thoughts about it. Parents/grandparents can keep it as a creative souvenir, capturing the child's unique perspective on the trip. Years later it will be fun that keeps on giving.
Critical Analysis: The Day the Crayons Quit is more than just a cute story—it’s a lesson in empathy and perspective. Each crayon’s complaint is an important reminder of balance and fairness for children. The book creates opportunities for discussions about emotions, teamwork, and creativity.
Connections: Add this story to a DIY crayon craft or an art project where kids reimagine their own crayons’ personalities and what their crayons might say. It’s also a great pick for a classroom read-aloud, sparking conversation about fairness and problem-solving.
Once home, create a mini art gallery (on the fridge) or scrapbook of the crayon adventures, complete with drawings, photos, and letters written by the crayons about the trip and their confidential thoughts about it. Parents/grandparents can keep it as a creative souvenir, capturing the child's unique perspective on the trip. Years later it will be fun that keeps on giving.
Critical Analysis: The Day the Crayons Quit is more than just a cute story—it’s a lesson in empathy and perspective. Each crayon’s complaint is an important reminder of balance and fairness for children. The book creates opportunities for discussions about emotions, teamwork, and creativity.
Connections: Add this story to a DIY crayon craft or an art project where kids reimagine their own crayons’ personalities and what their crayons might say. It’s also a great pick for a classroom read-aloud, sparking conversation about fairness and problem-solving.
This book earns the Re-Read Roar Award! Kids will want to revisit it again and again.
This book earns the Adventure Award!
