Review of The blue crayon

[Dimi1]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The blue crayon" by Vanessa Adelaide.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Blue Crayon by Vanessa Adelaide is an illustrated children’s book about a forgotten blue crayon that needs to get out of his boredom and his practical uselessness and become a vital part of Jimmy’s and Amy’s daily routine. The crayon seems to follow the fate that forgotten toys follow, and this leads to him being disappointed and resigned. All seem negative and predefined until an unexpected turn of events revives hope and expectations.

The book is full of beautiful illustrations that will surely appeal to children due to being unsophisticated and naturalistic. They are pictures that any kid could do or think it could do and, as such, I consider that the book becomes more approachable to the target group it wishes to reach. Moreover, it uses simple words and a smooth flow that will help children to easily understand its meaning and inner messages. Lastly, I spotted only one typo error, so the book seems professionally edited.

Considering the part with the inner messages that the author wishes to pass, I think that she creates great expectations for the reader. In her initial note, she states that she wishes to draw attention to matters of “resilience, problem solving, exploring change, understanding feelings and… hope”. By reading the book, I feel that the reader mostly gains a glimpse of most of these matters rather than a thorough look. One can probably see some parallelisms to the values promoted but not to the point that the messages are clear and stimulating for future action.

Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars for good illustrating, a vocabulary that seems fitting to its target group, and the values it wishes to stand for. One star was deducted because the story seems predictable and a bit superficial considering the way it passes its messages.

In the above given context, I think that the book is going to appeal to children at preschool age. On the other hand, it probably prevents children older than 5 from reading it, considering that, in the modern era with access to a plethora of information, they would probably prefer a more sophisticated and challenging reading.

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The blue crayon
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Eddy E]

This sounds like a lovely children's book. The story of the forgotten crayon passes a deeper message.

[Kanchan Bhil]

I am an adult, and I love illustrations in any book. Recently I read a non-fiction book with doodles and illustrations in it and I enjoyed it more that way. The idea behind the book is what we observe in any kid's day-to-day life. Thank you for this great review!

[NetMassimo]

This seems like a nice book for children, useful for parents who like to read to their little children and teachers. Thank you for your great review!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

What a lovely book! Thank you for this delightful review!

[markodim721]

I like that the book is richly illustrated. I am sure that this book will be a great choice for children.

[Jagiine]

I love blue. Cerulean was actually my favorite crayon, but blue was also very cherished! I'm not surprised or disappointed that it was predictable, but I understand why you took off a star for that. Thanks for your review!

[Medhansh Bhardwaj]

Thanks for the review. I love reading children's books. But honestly, I think I will have to skip this one.

[Chiwelite O]

I wonder what the unexpected turn of events that brought back hope is? My children could find this book engaging. Thank you!

[Ellylion]

I love when a children's book offers an important message And kids would love a beautifully illustrated book. Thanks for a great review!

[Dimi1]

This sounds like a lovely children's book. The story of the forgotten crayon passes a deeper message.

Thank you indeed for stopping by!

I love when a children's book offers an important message And kids would love a beautifully illustrated book. Thanks for a great review!

Thank you for putting in a good word!

I wonder what the unexpected turn of events that brought back hope is? My children could find this book engaging. Thank you!

Yep that's a good cliffhanger that could engage children. Thanks!

Thanks for the review. I love reading children's books. But honestly, I think I will have to skip this one.

Thank you for stopping by!

I love blue. Cerulean was actually my favorite crayon, but blue was also very cherished! I'm not surprised or disappointed that it was predictable, but I understand why you took off a star for that. Thanks for your review!

Thank you for your point. Most of children's books are predictable but I think that what probably intrigues and stay with them them is if something unexpected happens. Thanks again for your comment!

I like that the book is richly illustrated. I am sure that this book will be a great choice for children.

Yep, illustrations are fine. Thank you!

What a lovely book! Thank you for this delightful review!

Thank you indeed!

This seems like a nice book for children, useful for parents who like to read to their little children and teachers. Thank you for your great review!

Thank you for your comments!

I am an adult, and I love illustrations in any book. Recently I read a non-fiction book with doodles and illustrations in it and I enjoyed it more that way. The idea behind the book is what we observe in any kid's day-to-day life. Thank you for this great review!

Yep it's a casual book with small ups and downs. That's why it's a decent children's book. Thank you!