1
Perspective-Taking
Imagining how objects feel teaches children to consider viewpoints beyond their own.
Why It's On Our Shelf
Each crayon writes a letter explaining why they're quitting - blue is overworked, beige is underappreciated, gray only gets to color elephants. The format is clever because it gives each color a distinct personality and grievance. The illustrations by Oliver Jeffers show the letters as actual child handwriting, which adds to the authenticity. What kids love is the idea of their crayons having feelings and opinions. What parents appreciate is the humor and the way it encourages kids to think about using all the colors, not just their favorites. The sequel 'The Day the Crayons Came Home' is also good, but this first one nailed the concept.
Why It Works
2
Expanding Choices
Encourages using all available options (colors) rather than defaulting to favorites, supporting creative flexibility.
3
Objects Have Stories
Shows that even everyday items can be reimagined as characters with thoughts and feelings.
Imagination & Make-Believe
Where the Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak
Max sails to a land of wild creatures and becomes their king.
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Imagination & Make-Believe
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Crockett Johnson
Harold draws his own adventure with his magical purple crayon.
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Imagination & Make-Believe
Not a Box
Antoinette Portis
A rabbit transforms a simple box into anything imagination allows.
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