The Day the Crayons Quit

The Day the Crayons Quit Series – Why Kids (and Teachers!) Love these Books

If you teach literacy in the early years, chances are you’ve already met Duncan and his very opinionated box of crayons.

The Day the Crayons Quit series by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers has become a classroom favourite—and for good reason.

These books bring colour, voice, and humour into every reading session, all while teaching powerful lessons about empathy, self-expression, and problem-solving.

Start with a Letter… and a Laugh

The Day the Crayons Quit kicks off the series with a simple but brilliant premise: Duncan’s crayons are fed up. Each one writes him a letter to express their frustrations. Red feels overworked, Beige feels overlooked, and Peach? Well… Peach feels very exposed without a wrapper.

This unique format immediately hooks young readers. The letter-writing structure not only builds engagement but also introduces children to voice, point of view, and persuasive writing—all important components of the English curriculum.

The Day the Crayons Come Home

The follow-up, The Day the Crayons Came Home, expands the universe with new crayons and even more hilarious grievances. From a crayon left behind on a couch to one that melted in the sun, these characters bring even more personality—and more teachable moments.

Unlike many sequels, this book doesn’t just recycle the same formula. Instead, it deepens the emotional layers and encourages discussions about belonging, inclusion, and the importance of caring for others, even the forgotten ones.

Love From The Crayons

Love from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers offers a heartwarming twist to the crayon series, making it the perfect read for Valentine’s Day or any unit focused on kindness and emotions.

This charming picture book explores the many shades of love—from warm and fuzzy to messy and unexpected—using the familiar crayon characters we all adore.

With simple text and vibrant illustrations, it encourages young readers to see love in all its forms. Not only does this book spark meaningful discussions, but it also fits beautifully into social-emotional learning and classroom literacy activities.

If you’re searching for a picture book that combines creativity, empathy, and connection, Love from the Crayons belongs on your classroom shelf.

The Crayons love our Planet

The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers delivers an inspiring message about caring for the Earth—perfect for Earth Day or any sustainability unit.

In this beautifully illustrated book, the crayons celebrate the beauty of our planet and remind readers why protecting it matters.

Through playful language and vibrant visuals, the story encourages students to appreciate nature and take small, meaningful actions to help the environment. Teachers can use this book to spark discussions about recycling, conservation, and responsible choices in everyday life.

If you’re planning eco-friendly classroom lessons, The Crayons Love Our Planet offers the perfect blend of environmental awareness and creative storytelling.

Happy Easter from the Crayons

Happy Easter from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers adds a colourful twist to your Easter celebrations with fun, laughter, and the beloved crayon characters. This festive picture book delivers a light-hearted take on Easter traditions while reinforcing kindness, creativity, and the joy of giving.

With simple text and eye-catching illustrations, it engages young readers and makes a fantastic addition to your Easter-themed classroom lessons or storytime.

Use it as a springboard for writing tasks, Easter crafts, or character discussions. If you’re looking for a playful, meaningful book to include in your Easter activities, Happy Easter from the Crayons makes a perfect choice

Extend Learning with Writing, Art, and SEL

What makes this series such a hit in the classroom is its versatility. After reading, you can lead students in a wide variety of activities:

• Write your own crayon letters: Students choose a classroom object and write a letter from its perspective.

• Crayon art project: Mix art and literacy by designing a new crayon character.

• Social-emotional learning (SEL): Discuss feelings, voice, and listening to others with empathy.

These books spark creative thinking and build foundational writing skills in a playful, memorable way.

Why This Series Works So Well in the Classroom

Teachers love this series because it’s funny, relatable, and packed with depth. Students recognise themselves in the crayons—each one with its own needs, voice, and story. The vibrant illustrations by Oliver Jeffers also draw in visual learners and support comprehension.

Furthermore, the books support a wide range of literacy outcomes. You can explore tone, voice, narrative structure, persuasive writing, and character development—all through a story kids want to read again and again.

Bring Crayons to Life in Your Classroom

Whether you’re introducing narrative writing or building community at the start of the year, the Day the Crayons Quit series offers a creative, fun-filled entry point. Plus, it permits students to express themselves—something every learner needs.

So, if you haven’t already, add these books to your classroom library. And if they’re already on your shelf? It’s time to pull them out again and explore all the colourful learning possibilities.

Click here to see our packs on our website or here on TpT

Get Started with Our Crayon-Themed Activities!
Looking for ready-made resources to use with this series? Check out our [Crayon Book Study Pack]—it’s filled with questions, writing tasks, creative templates, and more!

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