The Day the Crayons Quit
A stack of resignation letters from a box of crayons, and it is funnier than most sitcoms.
Why they ask for it again
Each crayon has a grudge, and kids love knowing that the things in their pencil case have strong opinions about them.
Our review
Duncan opens his crayon box and finds letters. Red is exhausted from all the fire engines. Beige is sick of drawing wheat. Yellow and Orange have stopped speaking, and each insists it is the true colour of the sun. Peach has lost its wrapper and refuses to leave the box.
The book is a pile of complaints that adds up to a real idea: what would you draw if you stopped doing what you always do? It is also a brilliant first look at the idea of writing in a voice, and plenty of kids start writing letters from their own toys.
How to read it aloud
Give each crayon a real character. Beige as a weary office worker and Peach whispering from inside the box are both reliable winners.
The catch
The handwritten text is harder for a child to follow along with than ordinary type, so early readers will need your help.
Is it scary?
Nothing frightening. A naked crayon is the most shocking thing in the book.
Books like The Day the Crayons Quit, and what to read next
The Book With No PicturesAnother book where the joke is the book itself.
I Want My Hat BackSame dry humour, with a much darker punchline.
MatildaWhen they are older and ready for a long, wicked, very funny read.
Also good for
Quick answers
What age is The Day the Crayons Quit for?
Ages 3–8. The sweet spot, in our opinion, is age 4 to 7.
How long does The Day the Crayons Quit take to read aloud?
About 7 minutes at a calm bedtime pace, by our estimate. Allow longer if you do the voices.
Is The Day the Crayons Quit scary?
Nothing frightening. A naked crayon is the most shocking thing in the book.
What should we read after The Day the Crayons Quit?
We would suggest The Book With No Pictures, I Want My Hat Back, Matilda.