The Brand-New, Never-Used, Perfect Crayons
by Leanne Hatch; illus. by the author
Primary    Ferguson/Holiday    40 pp.
8/23    9780823452309    $18.99
e-book ed.  9780823455492    $11.99

Violet spots a pack of eighty-four “brand-new, never-used, perfect crayons” in a store and is ecstatic when (after some wheeling and dealing) they become hers. She imagines all of the wonderful, colorful things she can draw, but soon realizes that she can’t bring herself to use the crayons. Little sister Marigold questions why; Violet responds, “They are too pretty. I don’t want to ruin them…I think I’ll save them for another day.” But that day doesn’t come, and Violet’s mood declines—especially once Marigold decides to help herself to their use. Thankfully, the sisters are able to come to an understanding, “and together, they wore down the perfectly pointed tips of eighty-four brand-new, never-used, perfect crayons.” The illustrations are drawn digitally, with the palette sometimes reflecting Violet’s emotions (e.g., when she first encounters the crayons, gray backgrounds give way to more varied colors). Textured, crayon-like strokes create a colorful, relatable world. The text uses accessible language and conveys its message about embracing the imperfect without being overly didactic. This story makes a useful social-emotional learning resource and will resonate with anyone hesitant to change or with tendencies toward perfectionism.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.