Crayons write postcards to their owner
I stumbled upon the most creative, hilarious, beautiful book in which crayons write postcards to the child who colours with them. Author Drew Daywalt and art creator Oliver Jeffers collaborated and have given us the gift of The Day the Crayons Quit and a sequel of sorts, The Day the Crayons Came Home.
Back in the day, when I worked at a couple of book stores, I used to spend my wages not on the latest new release, but on children’s books. And, keep in mind, this was way before I had kids. It would seem that my oldest, a nearly 18 yr old , has picked up my love for children’s books as it was due to her bringing these books home for gifts for some cousins, “cause they were perfect,” that I came to meet Duncan.
Letters from crayons
Now, Duncan, a lad who loves to colour, just really wants to get down to business, pick up his crayons and make the colours work their magic. Pretty normal stuff of a colouring kid.That is, until Duncan finds a stack of letters addressed to him. The letters are from the crayons.
And these crayons have personality! I especially love the purple crayon, who says that if Duncan “doesn’t soon start colouring inside the lines he is going to COMPLETELY LOSE IT.”
Postcards and letters rich with personality
It is in The Day the Crayons Came Home that Duncan received a package of postcards, from crayons that have left Duncan’s crayon box for a myriad of funny reasons ( think trip through the washing machine and dryer while melting in a pant pocket) and are writing to Duncan about their adventures; some hoping Duncan will come and rescue them.
I was smitten once I opened the pages of these books and saw the fun, engaging drawings by Oliver Jeffers, plus the clever concept of the crayons having personalities, but it was the idea of using letters and postcards as the crayons voices that has captured me as a fan.
Just plain old fun
Did you notice how the postcard is addressed to Duncan? Makes me smile out loud.
And the fact that the Pea Green crayon is becoming the master of his own universe, “running away to see the world” and changing his name from Pea Green to “Ebsteban…the Magnificent” is just plain old, gut busting fun.
Never too old to read children’s books
So now I am left with the dilemma whether to keep these books or to gingerly part with them. I suppose, as the Auntie, I can still read them when I visit….but I’m torn. I really want to keep them.
As I debate, I remind myself of the squabble between the orange and yellow crayon around which one is really the true colour of the sun. You’ll just have to read the book to find out the outcome to that part of the story.
When was the last time you read a children’s book? Do you have a favorite?
Barb, Thanks for posting this. I sent a copy off to my artist daughter. She loved it, so the sequel is on its way for an Easter surprise.
Picked this book up a few months ago for a fried’s kid and have been waiting for an excuse to give it. I think your review of the book counts as a special enough occasion.
I completely agree Bill, we should always find (make) excuses to read kids books. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you like it as much as I did.
Looks like a great book! I too love children’s books, especially some of the classics like The Story about Ping and The Story of Ferdinand (guess I like “stories”):) Miss Rumphius is one of my recent favourites.
Ohhh, I love Miss Rumphius too! Those lupins remind me of Nova Scotia and my Dad.Love your other suggestions too. Must make note and sleuth them out.
I didn’t know there was a sequel! I gave the first one to my niece last year. She hates reading, but that book she has read several times 🙂