Red: A Crayon's Story
What’s inside...
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as 'red' suffers an identity crisis in the new picture book 'Red: A Crayon's Story' by Michael Hall. Despite attempts by his teacher, mother, and others to help him be red, Red is miserable as he can't be what he isn't. Finally, a new friend helps him see that he's actually blue, leading him to embrace his true colors. This insightful and colorful story celebrates being true to oneself and is a great read for all ages, appealing to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and 'The Day the Crayons Quit'. Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the crayon labeled 'Red' couldn't draw anything red properly?
How do you feel about the other crayons’ reactions to Red’s struggle?
What does this story teach us about being true to ourselves?
Can you think of a time when someone misunderstood you, like the crayons misunderstood Red?
How did you feel when Red finally discovered he was blue?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to explain the plot of the book in their own words to gauge their understanding.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Red’s journey and relate it to their personal experiences.
Discuss the importance of self-identity and acceptance with your child, emphasizing that everyone has unique strengths.
Use the illustrations in the book to talk about visual cues and how they help tell the story.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think of ways they can support their friends in being true to themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The story revolves around a crayon mistakenly labeled as red but truly blue, tackling the journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of accepting themselves as they are, boosting self-confidence and authenticity as they navigate personal and social dynamics.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: Other crayons and characters struggle but eventually understand the blue crayon’s true color, reflecting the development of empathy.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids to be empathetic and supportive toward peers who may seem different, promoting an inclusive and understanding community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenge
Explanation: Despite numerous attempts and failures to be red, the blue crayon keeps trying until his true identity is recognized.
Real-World Application: It highlights the value of persisting through struggles and failures, a crucial skill in both academics and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for individuality
Explanation: The book encourages respect for individual differences when the crayon's true color is celebrated.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate each other's unique traits and abilities, fostering a supportive and positive peer environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: The blue crayon shows courage when he finally accepts and reveals his blue nature despite external expectations to be red.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to boldly embrace and express their true selves in everyday situations, despite external pressures and expectations.