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Red: A Crayon's Story

by Michael Hall

A crayon’s label doesn’t define its color

Regular price $18.74 USD
Regular price $31.24 USD Sale price $18.74 USD
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Hardcover New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A crayon’s label doesn’t define its color

Red has a red label, but blue wax—and the mismatch shapes this picture book’s exploration of identity and self-understanding. Attempts by a teacher, a mother, and even a pair of scissors to help Red act red only underline the gap between the label and who he is. A new friend brings a different perspective, allowing the story to frame self-acceptance through a clear, child-friendly premise. The crayons, colors, and familiar drawing activities give the theme a concrete visual setting, while the story also touches on the pressure to meet others’ expectations.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 encountering stories about identity and self-acceptance
  • Families and educators looking for a picture book to discuss labels and expectations

Themes

Identity and self-understandingSelf-acceptanceSocial expectationsFriendship and perspective

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times-bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.

Funny, insightful, and colorful, Red: A Crayon's Story is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. Red will appeal to fans of Lois Ehlert, Eric Carle, and The Day the Crayons Quit, and makes a great gift for readers of any age!

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!

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.