Poppy’s Perfect Crayons

PreS-Gr 1–It is art time, and Poppy has a problem: her crayons have never been used. She worries that the currently perfect crayons will never be the same if she starts using them. Milly is more than happy to share her not-so-gently-used crayons, as are the other kids in the class. With the help of generous friends, Poppy creates a nearly perfect masterpiece, but is still missing one crucial element. When Poppy realizes that the lilac crayon she needs is only available in her box of crayons, she has to make a decision: an incomplete project or sacrifice perfection. Young readers will certainly relate to Poppy’s situation, even though her friends’ responses are a bit idealized for the contemporary classroom. Illustrations featuring animal characters in a preschool or primary classroom are colorful and have a very youthful look to them. Similarly, the text is straightforward and simple, with consistent layouts used throughout. The simplicity of both text and illustration are appropriate for the intended age group—however, they leave the story feeling emotionally flat. For a more complex discussion about perfectionism that will also appeal to younger audiences, consider Leanne Hatch’s Brand-New Never-Used Perfect Crayons.