The Day the Crayons Quit is a clever, creative and colourful exploration of, well, colour. In it, first-time author Drew Daywalt, better known as a filmmaker, makes his foray into a different form of storytelling - the world of picture books. He’s been teamed with the wonderful Oliver Jeffers, whose artwork is perfectly suited to the story.
One day when Duncan goes to do some drawing, he discovers a series of letters instead of crayons. His crayons have gone on strike - and they have some demands, or there will be no more colouring fire engines, whales and dragons.
Duncan’s favourite blue crayon is scared because he’s grown so short, the purple crayon wants him to be neater, and red crayon just wants a holiday! Pink crayon, on the other hand, would love to be used. Unfortunately Duncan isn’t too fussed on the colour pink.
Green crayon is actually rather happy: “I like my work - loads of crocodiles, trees, dinosaurs and frogs.” However green is quite worried about his friends the yellow and orange crayons, who disagree about the colour of the sun.
I’m sure you’re getting the picture by now. You’ll have to read the book to discover whether or not Duncan can entice the box of twelve crayons back to work.
A fun and fabulous book for kids and adults alike, and sure to inspire some creativity afterward.
Title: The Day the Crayons Quit
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: Harper Collins, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: July 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007513758
For ages: 4+ years
Type: Picture book