Make Your Own Badge for Your Favorite Crayon
My kiddos have been absolutely loving Penguin Books’ new site, a delightful online home for all the crayons we’ve grown to adore in Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers’ The Day the Crayons Quit and the follow-up The Day the Crayons Came Home. If you’re not familiar with these quirky, creative books, you’re missing out. Each crayon has a personality all its own, and now, thanks to Penguin Books, we can dive deeper into their colorful world. The new site was launched just in time for the upcoming release of The Day the Crayons Came Home on August 18, 2015, and it’s packed with activities, lesson plans, and even a fun way to make your own badge for your favorite crayon.
Why I Love the Crayon Books
We all know crayons have been a staple in every household with kids, but Drew Daywalt turned these simple art supplies into hilarious characters with unique stories. My kids couldn’t stop laughing at the idea of a crayon quitting its job because it felt overworked or unappreciated. It’s not just the humor that draws us in – it’s the relatable feelings of frustration, exhaustion, or even the desire to stand out that make these books so much more than just kids’ stories. And the illustrations by Oliver Jeffers? Stunning. He brings each crayon to life with so much charm and character, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them.
Crafting Your Own Crayon Badge
Now, thanks to Penguin Books, we get to extend the fun beyond the books and into crafting! On their site, you can make your own badge for your favorite crayon. I recently sat down with my kiddos to give this a try, and let me tell you, it was a hit. My oldest chose Red – the crayon who complains about being overworked from coloring too many fire trucks, apples, and Santas. We designed a bold badge with flames and bright splashes of red to celebrate its hard work. My youngest, who loves all things blue, created a badge with waves and sky-colored bursts in honor of Blue Crayon’s tireless service in coloring oceans and skies.
Here’s one of the badges we made:
Engaging Activities for Everyone
But it’s not just about the badges. The site offers a variety of lesson plans and activities that you can download. They range from coloring pages (naturally) to more structured learning activities that combine creativity with education. For instance, one activity encourages kids to write letters to their crayons, just like in the books. This was a fantastic way to get my kiddos to practice their writing skills while having fun. My youngest wrote a letter to Green Crayon, thanking it for always coloring the grass so beautifully, while my oldest expressed sympathy for Beige Crayon, who feels ignored because it’s not “exciting” like Red or Blue.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just a fan of these books, there are tons of ways to get involved with these crayons. And don’t forget to check back soon for my full review and some exciting new activities related to The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Trust me, you’re going to love what’s in store!
Crayon Fun Facts
Did you know that crayons have been a favorite for over a century? According to a study by the Crayola company, the average child wears down 730 crayons by the age of 10! That’s a lot of waxy masterpieces. It’s no wonder why this medium holds such a special place in so many hearts. For years, crayons have been a go-to tool for young artists and a symbol of creativity and childhood innocence. They’re the building blocks of imagination, and these books only serve to elevate that bond between kids and their trusty art supplies.
Call to Action: Get Creative with Your Own Badge
Ready to join in on the fun? Head over to Penguin Books’ new site and make your own badge for your favorite crayon! It’s the perfect way to channel your inner artist and celebrate these beloved characters. Whether you’re Team Blue, Team Yellow, or rooting for Beige to finally get some recognition, crafting your own badge is a blast for all ages. And if you’re in need of some fresh crayons or crafting supplies, make sure to check out my Amazon affiliate link where you can find everything you need to get started. Happy crafting!
CrayonsGuideWhat’s Next?
Check out The Day the Crayons Came Home – it’s sure to be a colorful adventure. There’s a whole series of fun awaiting! And in the meantime, what crayon are you rooting for?