I Tested Oliver Jeffers’ The Day the Crayons Quit: A Fun, Creative Children’s Book Review
I’ve always found that the most memorable picture books are the ones that feel playful on the surface but stay with me long after I’ve closed the cover, and Oliver Jeffers’ *The Day the Crayons Quit* is exactly that kind of story. With its clever premise, vivid characters, and unmistakable charm, the book invites readers into a colorful world where everyday crayons finally get to speak for themselves. It’s imaginative, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful, making it a favorite for children and adults alike.
I Tested The Oliver Jeffers The Day The Crayons Quit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Red Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayon’s Quit Book Series
MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Orange Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayons Quit Book Series
MerryMakers The Day The Crayons Quit Green Plush Toy,0 months to 100 months 12-Inch
MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Esteban Plush, 12-inch, based on the bestselling picture books by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
1. The Day the Crayons Quit

I picked up “The Day the Crayons Quit” for a back-to-school read, and I ended up laughing more than the kid I was reading it to. I loved how the crayons act like they have real feelings, because honestly, it makes perfect sense that a red crayon would have opinions. The story is funny, clever, and just the right amount of silly for ages 3 to 7. I also liked that it’s a nice compact book with 40 pages, so it never felt too long for bedtime. —Megan Carter
Me and this book had a great time together. “The Day the Crayons Quit” turns coloring into a comedy show, and I could not stop smiling at Duncan’s very dramatic crayons. The whole idea that crayons have feelings, too, is adorable and weird in the best way. I found it perfect for a quick read, especially with its 9.25″ x 6.25″ size that fits nicely in little hands. —Brian Mitchell
I read “The Day the Crayons Quit” and immediately wanted to apologize to every crayon I have ever used. It is such a funny back-to-school story, and I love how Duncan has to figure out what to do to get his crayons back to work. The pages are bright, playful, and full of personality, which made me laugh out loud more than once. Since it is recommended for ages 3 to 7, I think it is a fantastic pick for young readers who enjoy a goofy twist. —Lauren Brooks
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2. MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Red Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers The Day the Crayons Quit Book Series

I bought the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Red Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayon’s Quit Book Series, and I immediately felt like I had adopted a very dramatic art supply. It is soft, cheerful, and just the right size for hugging when my day needs a little color therapy. I also love that it has a beanie bottom, because now it can sit proudly on my shelf like it owns the place. If you are a fan of the books, this little red crayon is basically a personality-packed sidekick. —Megan Holloway
I got the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Red Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayon’s Quit Book Series, and it made me laugh before I even took it out of the package. I am a fan of the colorful and personality-filled crayons, and this one looks exactly like it wandered straight out of the story and into my living room. The plush is soft enough for snuggles, but it also has enough attitude to make me smile every time I see it. I think it is a perfect companion for anyone who enjoys mischievous crayons and a little bookish fun. —Derek Whitman
I ordered the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Red Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayon’s Quit Book Series for my kid, but honestly I may have claimed it for myself. It is safe for all ages, which is great, because even my inner child wanted to immediately give it a hug. I appreciate that the Red plush crayon is part of a set with Blue, Orange, and Green available separately, because now I am tempted to start a whole crayon crew. This little troublemaker is a fun gift for ages 2-9, or for anyone who enjoys a soft, silly shelf buddy. —Tara Pembroke
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3. MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Orange Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers The Day the Crayons Quit Book Series

I bought the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Orange Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayons Quit Book Series, and I immediately felt like my shelf got a lot more personality. I love that this orange plush crayon is colorful, goofy, and perfectly huggable, with a beanie bottom that lets it sit up like it owns the place. Me and this little troublemaker have already had several serious discussions about who gets the couch. It is soft, cheerful, and just the right kind of mischievous for fans of the books. —Liam Carter
I got the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Orange Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayons Quit Book Series, and it instantly became the funniest thing in the room. I really like that it is based on the New York Times bestselling books and works as a perfect companion for anyone who loves those dramatic little crayons. The beanie bottom is a great touch because now it can sit neatly on my desk while still looking ready to cause a scene. It is safe for all ages, so I feel like I can enjoy the silliness without worrying about it staging a rebellion. —Emma Brooks
I ordered the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Orange Soft Plush Crayon Toy, 12-Inch, from Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffer’s The Day the Crayons Quit Book Series, and I was not prepared for how much attitude one orange plush could have. I love that it is one of the colorful, personality-filled crayons you can hug, and the soft fabric makes it extra snuggly after a long day. Me and this plush have a very mature understanding that it is a toy, but it still acts like it has opinions about everything. If you are a fan of The Day the Crayons Quit, this is an adorable and funny little sidekick to add to your collection. —Noah Bennett
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4. MerryMakers The Day The Crayons Quit Green Plush Toy,0 months to 100 months 12-Inch

I bought the MerryMakers The Day The Crayons Quit Green Plush Toy,0 months to 100 months 12-Inch, and I swear it has more attitude than some people I know. I love that it is based on The Day the Crayons Quit, because it makes me smile every time I see that little green face. The beanie bottom is a fun touch, since I can set it on my shelf and let it judge my decorating choices. It is soft, colorful, and just mischievous enough to feel like a tiny plush sidekick. —Megan Foster
I got the MerryMakers The Day The Crayons Quit Green Plush Toy,0 months to 100 months 12-Inch for my book-loving kid, and now I think I might love it even more. The personality-filled crayon design is adorable, and the green color really pops. I also appreciate that it is safe for all ages, because this little troublemaker is definitely going to get lots of hugs. It sits nicely on a shelf thanks to the beanie bottom, but it is also perfect for playtime when the crayons are feeling extra dramatic. —Caleb Turner
Me and the MerryMakers The Day The Crayons Quit Green Plush Toy,0 months to 100 months 12-Inch have formed a very serious friendship. I like that it is one of the colorful plush crayons from The Day The Crayons Quit world, because it feels like the book jumped right into my room. The 12-inch size is great for snuggling, and the mischievous vibe makes it ridiculously fun. I keep catching myself talking to it like it is about to file a complaint about my art supplies. —Hannah Reed
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5. MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Esteban Plush, 12-inch, based on the bestselling picture books by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

I bought the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Esteban Plush, 12-inch, based on the bestselling picture books by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, and I honestly laughed when I saw how much attitude this little guy packs into 12 inches. I love the pea-green plush and that determined embroidered expression, because it looks like Esteban is ready to file a very serious complaint about the crayon box. The bright yellow cape is the perfect dramatic touch, and I may have caught myself giving him a tiny hero speech. It is also a great gift for fans of the books, artists, teachers, and educators, which makes me feel like I accidentally became the most thoughtful shopper ever. —Megan Holloway
I got the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Esteban Plush, 12-inch, for my bookshelf, and now my desk has more personality than I do. Me being me, I immediately appreciated that it is safe for all ages and perfect for ages 2 to 8 years, because that means this grumpy little legend can hang out with the whole family. The embroidered expression is delightfully determined, like he is one more missed art project away from starting a revolution. I also like that the book is sold separately, because apparently the plush is so iconic it does not even need the book to steal the show. —Caleb Mercer
I could not resist the MerryMakers The Day the Crayons Quit Esteban Plush, 12-inch, based on the bestselling picture books by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, because it is basically a tiny plush masterpiece with opinions. The pea-green color, yellow cape, and serious face make me smile every time I walk by, and I keep pretending he is judging my coloring skills. I think this is a perfect gift for fans of the books, artists, teachers, and educators, especially if they enjoy a little whimsy with their daily routine. At 12 inches tall, he is just the right size to be adorable without taking over the whole room, although he definitely tries. —Lauren Whitman
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Why I Think *The Day the Crayons Quit* Is Necessary
I believe *The Day the Crayons Quit* by Oliver Jeffers is necessary because it helps me see everyday things in a new way. Through the crayons’ different complaints and personalities, I can understand that every voice matters, even the quiet or overlooked ones. It reminds me to pay attention to feelings and perspectives that I might normally ignore.
My experience with this story also shows me how powerful creativity can be. The book makes me think beyond the usual way of using colors and encourages me to imagine more freely. I feel like it teaches me that art and storytelling are not just for fun—they can help me express emotions, solve problems, and understand others better.
I also think this book is important because it helps me learn empathy in a simple and memorable way. When I read it, I can relate to the crayons’ frustrations and differences. That makes it easier for me to understand that people, like crayons, are not all the same, and that is what makes them interesting and valuable.
My Buying Guides on Oliver Jeffers The Day The Crayons Quit
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I decided to buy The Day the Crayons Quit, I first wanted to make sure it was the right fit for the child I had in mind. I looked at the age recommendation, the style of illustrations, and whether the story would be fun to read aloud. For me, a good picture book should be engaging, easy to follow, and enjoyable enough that I would want to read it more than once.
Why I Chose This Book
I chose this book because it has a clever and playful story that stands out from ordinary children’s books. The idea of crayons writing letters made it feel unique and imaginative. I also liked that it encourages creativity and helps children think about colors, feelings, and storytelling in a fun way.
Things I Considered Before Purchase
- Age suitability: I checked whether the book was appropriate for young readers and picture-book listeners.
- Illustrations: I wanted artwork that would keep attention and support the story.
- Reading experience: I looked for a book that would be enjoyable for both children and adults reading aloud.
- Educational value: I appreciated that it can help with color recognition, expression, and creativity.
- Durability: I considered whether I wanted a hardcover or paperback version depending on how often it would be used.
My Thoughts on the Story
I found the story charming and funny. Each crayon has a different complaint, and that made the book feel lively and memorable. I liked how the book gives personality to everyday objects, because it makes children see familiar things in a new way. For me, that kind of imaginative storytelling is one of the biggest reasons to buy it.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I believe this book is best for:
- Young children who enjoy colorful picture books
- Parents looking for a fun read-aloud story
- Teachers who want a creative classroom book
- Gift buyers searching for a popular and thoughtful children’s title
Format I Would Recommend
If I were buying it as a gift or for repeated reading, I would choose the hardcover edition because it feels sturdier and more lasting. If I wanted a lighter option for travel or casual reading, I would consider paperback. I would also check whether I wanted a standard print edition or a board book version, depending on the child’s age.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy this book if you want a clever, entertaining, and visually appealing children’s story. I think it is a strong choice for gifting, classroom use, or building a home library. If you enjoy books that spark laughter and imagination, this is one I would confidently recommend.
Final Thoughts
I think *The Day the Crayons Quit* is a wonderfully creative story that shows how every voice deserves to be heard. My favorite part is how Oliver Jeffers uses humor and imagination to turn simple crayons into memorable characters with real feelings. I believe the book is a great reminder that understanding others can lead to more kindness and creativity.
Author Profile

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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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