The Day the Crayons Came Home Book Review: The Crayons Are Back

The Day the Crayons Came Home book review: what the story is about

This time the crayons are not on strike. They are lost.

Some are forgotten, some are broken, and some are stuck in strange and unexpected places. Each crayon shares its own tale as it tries to make its way back to Duncan.

It is the sequel to the bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit, written with the same humour and heart.

Why children and parents love it

The storytelling is clever, and the book offers a fresh take on the world of crayons rather than repeating the first one.

Children love the colourful characters and funny situations. Parents enjoy the witty humour and the warm messages about friendship and belonging.

The illustrations

Oliver Jeffers' pictures are full of colour and playful detail. His distinctive artwork gives each crayon its own personality.

From towering stacks of forgotten crayons to the odd places they end up, the pictures add depth and humour and invite children into a world of creativity.

What age is The Day the Crayons Came Home for?

It is a children's picture book for readers aged 3 and up who enjoy adventure, friendship and creative expression.

The Day the Crayons Came Home book for kids who love art

The book celebrates storytelling and artistic expression. Following the crayons on their journey, children are inspired to see the world in new ways and to find beauty and possibility in unexpected places.

It also nudges them to embrace their own talents.

Activity tip Hunt for a "lost" crayon at home after reading. Ask your child to write or draw the letter that crayon would send to them.

About the author and illustrator

Drew Daywalt is known for his witty, imaginative children's books. Oliver Jeffers is an acclaimed illustrator. Together they have made a series of books that bring creativity, laughter and joy to readers of all ages.

Similar books in this category

• "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
• "Press Here" by Hervé Tullet
• "Dragons Love Tacos" by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri

Gift it right: The Day the Crayons Came Home as a birthday gift

Gift it with The Day the Crayons Quit and you have a pair a young artist will read for years. Funny picture books like these are among the easiest books as birthday gifts for kids aged 3 and up. A name label inside each cover helps them come back home too.

See all personalised book labels, browse children's books, or look at our gifts for kids.

Read next

• The Day the Crayons Quit book review
• The Tiger Who Came to Tea book review for kids
• Why book labels are a school essential