The Day the Crayons Quit Book Review: A Funny Story About Colours

The Day the Crayons Quit book review: what the story is about

Duncan just wants to colour. But when he opens his crayon box, he finds letters instead of crayons ready to work.

Each crayon has written to him with its own grievances and wishes. Red is overworked. White feels neglected. Every colour shares its frustrations and its hopes for a better life.

The result is a humorous, warm story about creativity, friendship and saying how you feel.

Why children and parents love this book

The concept is clever and the humour is witty. The crayons are relatable characters, which is why the book is a favourite with children and adults alike.

Parents and educators like its messages: individuality, empathy, and the importance of listening to other people's point of view.

From overworked Red to neglected White, each crayon shares its frustrations and hopes for a better life.

The illustrations

Oliver Jeffers' pictures are colourful and full of playful details. The crayons have expressive faces, and Duncan's world is drawn with plenty of imagination.

His distinctive style captures each crayon's personality and brings their letters to life. The artwork adds depth and humour to every page.

What age is The Day the Crayons Quit for?

It is a children's picture book for readers aged 3 and up who enjoy imaginative stories and colourful characters.

The Day the Crayons Quit book for kids who love to draw

The book celebrates self-expression and individuality. As children read the crayons' letters, they are nudged to think creatively, embrace their own talents and see the world in different colours.

Drawing tip After reading, ask your child which crayon in their own box would write the angriest letter, and why. Then let them draw a picture using only the "neglected" colours.

About the author and illustrator

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

Similar books in this category

• "The Day the Crayons Came Home" by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
• "Press Here" by Hervé Tullet
• "The Book with No Pictures" by B.J. Novak

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

For a child of 3 and up who loves colouring, this is one of the easiest books as birthday gifts for kids: funny, colourful and about creativity. Add a name label inside the cover so it comes home from school, and a name sticker on the wrapping.

See all personalised book labels, browse children's books, or look at our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.

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