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Michael Hall
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Red: A Crayon's Story Library Binding – Picture Book, February 3, 2015

by Michael Hall (Author, Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,549 ratings
Teachers' pick
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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!

Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD380L
  6. Dimensions
    10 x 0.25 x 12 inches
  7. Publisher
    Greenwillow Books
  8. Publication date
    February 3, 2015
  9. ISBN-10
    0062252097
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0062252098
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] fresh approach to colors and feelings. . . . Readers will share all the emotional elements of the tale―humor, despair, sadness, frustration, and finally, excitement.” — Booklist (starred review)

“When a red-labeled crayon discovers he’s actually blue, he finds joy, ebullience and acceptance. . . . Hall’s compositions . . . convey a strong sense of emotion. Red captures [his feelings] . . . in an exuberant, far-reaching sky. Smartly designed and appealing, Red’s story offers much for discussion and affirmation.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Crayon Red may be labeled red, but he colors blue. . . . Once he lets go of his label and proclaims, “I’m blue!” everything turns around . . . Smart design, bold colors, and sharp details keep the story both effective and amusing.” — Horn Book Magazine

“Red is a crayon, and children will see his problem right away: his label reads ‘red,’ but he’s blue. . . . The overly cheerful encouragement Red endures will sound familiar to any child who’s struggled to perform. . . . Unexpectedly affecting.” — Publishers Weekly

“Funny and poignant . . . Hall’s latest picture book is all about staying true to oneself, no matter what others say. . . . Witty and heartwarming [and] sure to become a favorite for children and adults alike.” — School Library Journal

“Funny and clever, with a wonderful message about embracing who we are.” — Huffington Post

“This story of mistaken identity has a simple yet profound premise that makes it feel fresh.” — USA Today

“[A] smart, insightful coming-of-age story for [the] youngest readers.” — Shelf Awareness

From the Back Cover

This is a story about a crayon I know.

I wrote it for you.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Greenwillow Books; Illustrated edition (February 3, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Library Binding ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062252097
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062252098
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD380L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.25 x 12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,549 ratings

About the author

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Michael Hall

Michael Hall

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Since Michael Hall — the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of eleven picture books including Red: A Crayon’s Story, My Heart Is Like a Zoo, and Perfect Square — believes that writing about himself in the third person could trigger an existential crisis, he has nothing more to say.

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,549 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and effective. They appreciate the strong message and how it helps children understand complex topics. The book is accessible for all ages, with nice illustrations that are beautiful to behold. It explains the concept clearly and in a simple way, making it easy for readers to understand. Many readers also find the humor funny.

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Story qualityMessageAgesAcceptanceIllustrationsEase of understandingHumorValue for money
163 customers mention "Story quality"163 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it effective with a good moral that doesn't feel too heavy. The book is described as wonderful, interesting, and simple. Readers appreciate the touching depiction of how some of us are not perfect.

"...It’s a really excellent book!" Read more

"...Though under the guise of a children's book it is actually a story for all humanity...." Read more

"...We even bought Frankencrayon. Both books are great and we love that Michael Hall did not just stick to the same 100 sight words that seem to..." Read more

"...The story is simple and sweet to understand, it’s great for any classroom. The pictures are beautiful and simple. Love this book." Read more

101 customers mention "Message"101 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message. They find it engaging for kids and a good way to teach complex subject matter. The topic is well-presented, inspiring, and creative.

"...I think it helps children understand a very complex subject matter than just because they may be labeled as anything from their race, their religion..." Read more

"...So while, yes, this book CAN apply to trans kids, or any kid who is LGBTQ+ (which is wonderful), it can also apply to neurodivergent kids, and weird..." Read more

"...I can't recommend this book enough as it has value and purpose in a person's life. The Hero is Berry...." Read more

"This books is a very creative book on inclusiveness; allowing students to learn their own way, and helping students find what they are good...." Read more

80 customers mention "Ages"77 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's age-appropriate content. They find it a great way to teach young children that they must be true to themselves and not let others change who they are. The book is presented in a clear, accessible way for young kids. It's a creative way to get students of all ages to think about how we can seem different from others. Readers find it a gentle story for children and their families about being different from what they think.

"This book is officially now one of my children’s favorite books...." Read more

"This books is a very creative book on inclusiveness; allowing students to learn their own way, and helping students find what they are good...." Read more

"This book was identified to be appropriate for children 3-7 years old. However, I work with kids with a wide age range...." Read more

"...Excellent book for kids of many ages and those of us who are kids at heart." Read more

21 customers mention "Acceptance"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book about acceptance inspiring. They say it's a story about loving yourself and being true to yourself. The book encourages tolerance and individual interpretation, which combats stressors of perfection.

"...all of us have both strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of being true to oneself...." Read more

"It’s a good book, It teaches kids to be themselves, accept others ,and even if they are not good a t one thing the can be better at another...." Read more

"...to be and to express your art YOUR way - individual interpretation combats stressors of “perfection”." Read more

"...I think it can be interpreted a few different ways - it can be about being yourself, no matter what others say; it can be about persevering when..." Read more

19 customers mention "Illustrations"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book. They find them nice, beautiful, and amazing. The pictures encourage kids to express themselves creatively in a fun style. Readers appreciate the creative take on "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover" and the message that kids should release their creative selves.

"...immediately ordered it and could not agree more that this book is so beautiful, inspiring and well-written...." Read more

"...Jeffers illustrates the "crayon" stories in a delightful and fun style of art. BTW, I own all the "crayon" books and merchandise...." Read more

"...The pictures are beautiful and simple. Love this book." Read more

"...to be the human you will discover yourself to be and to express your art YOUR way - individual interpretation combats stressors of “perfection”." Read more

18 customers mention "Ease of understanding"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand. They appreciate the simple way it explains the concept of how a person feels on the inside. The book has a great message and the narration is creative and adorable. It's well-written and written by a Minnesota native.

"...could not agree more that this book is so beautiful, inspiring and well-written...." Read more

"This is an intelligent, yet, easy to understand master piece of literature...." Read more

"...It was easy to understand that the crayon was one thing on the inside, but looked like something else on the outside...." Read more

"...My sibling is a transgender woman. This book explains so simply the concept that the way a person feels on the inside is what matters even if they..." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor and engaging storyline.

"This book was so cute and funny. Perfect for a 7 year old or younger. The characters are cute too." Read more

"...Super tongue in cheek humor abounds, also. Every time we read it, we 'see' something new. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!" Read more

"This is the simpliest, funniest, most perfect metaphor for gender/transgender issues I have ever read - and I majored in Women Studies!..." Read more

"...Good book for early readers. She liked the sense of humor. She wrote this review." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it's worth it, invaluable, and a great choice.

"...but this is so worth it. We even bought Frankencrayon...." Read more

"...Otherwise the item seems decent." Read more

"...professional development to pre-K through 8th grade teachers, and it is invaluable. Students also LOVE the message and the metaphor...." Read more

"Great price! Thank you!" Read more

book cover messed up some.
5 out of 5 stars
book cover messed up some.
the story is awesome and the book it self is in good condition however the book cover is a little messed up and with the price you pay I am disappointed anything would be messed up and this is a gift so tjats disappointing that it will be messed up some.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • PhilaGal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Inspirational Story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is officially now one of my children’s favorite books. I read about it being banned by a teacher who said it was a travesty because it helped so many children. I immediately ordered it and could not agree more that this book is so beautiful, inspiring and well-written. I think it helps children understand a very complex subject matter than just because they may be labeled as anything from their race, their religion, their special need, what their parents want them to do, or their gender (as I imagine the ban is concerned), they are more than their label and individual on the inside. The excitement my younger daughter expresses when the crayon figures out he is blue is so joyful. And, the discussions my older daughter and I can have after are so organic. It’s a really excellent book!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story for anyone who doesn't feel like they fit the mold
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Don't let the transphobes in the negative comments fool you, this book is for anyone who doesn't quite fit the prescribed mold of what society expects.

    This book was read at my local library's story time a couple weeks ago. While the librarian was reading it, I felt an almost instant connection to Red, having always been the weird kid growing up that was always told to act and be like everyone else. I knew I wanted a copy for our home library before the story was even finished. Then, at the end of story time, my neurodivergent four year old ran right past all the kids who were eagerly playing with the bubbles the librarians set up at the end of story time, and headed straight towards where this book was sitting on the table. He picked it up and hugged it to his chest, clearly having felt a similar connection to Red or really Blue that I did. We checked it out that day, and he's wanted to read it every day since. And now we are very happy to have our own copy too.

    So while, yes, this book CAN apply to trans kids, or any kid who is LGBTQ+ (which is wonderful), it can also apply to neurodivergent kids, and weird kids, and anyone who feels like they can't just be themselves because someone is always trying to tell them to be something else.
    24 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • T. Rudolph
    5.0 out of 5 stars a MUST HAVE book - it should be required reading for every person, not just kids
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is an intelligent, yet, easy to understand master piece of literature. Though under the guise of a children's book it is actually a story for all humanity. I was overwhelmed after it being read to me on ZOOM and ordered it immediately while still chatting.
    I can't recommend this book enough as it has value and purpose in a person's life. The Hero is Berry. Typically heroes are ordinary people that allow/facilitate us to be our best selves. We all need a "Berry" in our lives. We all deserve a teacher, relative, or friend that creates a safe space for us to express ourselves without criticism, shame, or oppression. This is my favorite book. I can relate to RED. It is a very personal story to me.

    There wasn't anything available in the 70s or 80s like this for me. Could it have changed my life as a child?
    I think it would have. This has become my absolute favorite book. it is my new #1.
    My three favorites were WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak
    THE KNIGHT AND THE DRAGON by Tomi De Paola
    MOM RICHARD HAS A BIG FAT BUTT by Rudi Rudolph

    RED by Michael Hall is NOT like the series Drew Daywalt. Oliver Jeffers illustrates the "crayon" stories in a delightful and fun style of art. BTW, I own all the "crayon" books and merchandise. The series is that good.

    RED is illustrated by the author. There isn't anything that is as fantastic as RED. It is the best story.

    I just ordered all his other books.
    31 people found this helpful
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  • Summer Noelle
    5.0 out of 5 stars We sing a song, and we read... Red a Crayon's Story
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    My son is 4 years old, has autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, is profoundly gifted, and is really big for his age (looks about 7). And though he pretty much is a mislabeled crayon, I thought the concept would be a bit too abstract for him. He thinks in clear and concrete pictures and usually does not like fiction, especially anthropomorphized objects (think Thomas or Disney's Cars). But, his love of crayons won out and this is now his all time favorite book. And he gets it. "Red never really was red, was he?" "Red was happy and everyone liked him better when he decided to just be blue." "Being blue wasn't wrong, it was just unexpected." Wow. I am floored at the level of depth he was able to take away from this story. I don't usually buy Kindle books because there is so much available for free (sort low to high in the children's and see what I mean, selection changes daily, also our local library has Kindle books available), but this is so worth it. We even bought Frankencrayon. Both books are great and we love that Michael Hall did not just stick to the same 100 sight words that seem to populate every story for children, challenging words in a story for children is what every parent of a gifted child dreams of.

    PS We read this on an ipad mini and both books are formatted well for the screen. I wish the text was a bit larger, but it is readable on the mini. I would not recommend it on anything smaller though. Amazon does let you to return kindle books for a refund if you let them know that there is something wrong right away (even if the "something wrong" is that you just didn't like it) so why not give it a try?

    Oh and PPS, I bought this book because of the complaints about a transgender acceptance theme and I am so glad I did. Thank you, hateful reviewers, for encouraging me to buy one of the most meaningful books in my son's library. You have sincerely done me a great service.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Pogepi03
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book all classrooms
    Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This books is a very creative book on inclusiveness; allowing students to learn their own way, and helping students find what they are good. The story is simple and sweet to understand, it’s great for any classroom. The pictures are beautiful and simple. Love this book.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Aubrey
    4.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, but it arrived damaged
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The purchased book for my kindergarten age child for Christmas. It’s an absolutely wonderful book through and through.

    However, I ordered the book new and yet it came with multiple pages folded in the corners and creased down the centers, exactly where you would see creases if a child had been flipping through the book.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • J.C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Una historia con un gran mensaje
    Reviewed in Spain on May 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Un cuento precioso, con un mensaje muy valioso sobre lo importante que es ser uno mismo.
    Report
  • Kitty Douglas
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book
    Reviewed in Canada on June 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book it's a great way to talk to children about a variety of different subjects including autism, trans identity, and self acceptance to name a few. The art style is also really cute.
    Report
  • Mario Alberto
    5.0 out of 5 stars Es un libro que le. Encantará atu hija
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Llego. Antes de. Tiempo la. Calidad esta muy bien
    Report
  • S Hawkes-Dighton
    5.0 out of 5 stars The brave little crayon
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book. It's so lovely. It's all about self-acceptance and people's expectations and being brave. It won't mean anything at all to the average toddler but the parent reading it will sob and then try to explain how amazing the crayon is. I bought this for a school I was working in as well as a copy for myself. We could all do with a little more love in our lives, right?
    Report
  • Anne87
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on January 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Simple, subtle, thought-provoking.
    Report