The Crayon Box That Talked

Shane DeRolf, reprinted with permission from Random House, Inc.

While walking in a toy store, the day before today,

I overheard a crayon box with many things to say.

I dont like red, said Yellow. And Green said, Nor do I.

And no one here likes Orange, but no one knows just why.

We are a box of crayons that doesnt get along,

said Blue to all the others, Something here is wrong!

Well, I bought that box of crayons, and took it home with me,

And laid out all the crayons so the crayons could all see. . . .

They watched me as I colored with Red and Blue and Green,

and Black and White and Orange, and every color in between.

They watched as Green became the grass and Blue became the sky.

The Yellow sun was shining bright on White clouds drifting by.

Colors changing as they touched, becoming something new.

They watched me as I colored. They watched me till I was through.

And when Id finally finished, I began to walk away.

And as I did the crayon box had something more to say. . . .

I do like Red! said Yellow

And Green said, So do I!

And, Blue, you were terrific,

So high up in the sky!

We are a box of crayons,

Each one of us is unique

But when we get together . . .

The picture is complete.

Discussion

This is a vivid story about a box of crayons that did not get along. At first they disliked each other, but after learning to value each others unique qualities, the crayons in the box began to appreciate each other as they worked together to create a beautiful picture. Young children will relate to these colorful characters.

Questions

1)  Why didnt the crayons in this box get along?

2) Each crayon had a unique quality that contributed to the picture. Think of two unique qualities you have as an individual. Share them with the group. Take note of any similar and/or different qualities that you and your classmates have.

3) Pretend you and your friends were like this box of crayons. What would the picture that you color look like?