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The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola
Last updated Monday, September 8, 2025
Author: Natascha Biebow
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 132886684X
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2025
Synopsis:
What child doesn't love to hold a crayon in their hands? But children didn't always have such magical boxes of crayons. Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn't really even draw in color.
Here's the true story of an inventor who so loved nature's vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children - in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world's most enduring, best-loved childhood toys, empowering children to dream in COLOR!
| Note to readers: |
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This book is a fun and vibrant read during which you can highlight and admire the colors on each page.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What coloring items do you have at home? Where do you keep them?
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Where is the most colorful room in your home or school? Describe it
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What are your favorite crayola colors?
Vocabulary
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Carbon: A special black element that is in all living things
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Charcoal: A black substance left when wood or bones are partially burned
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Wax: A special solid substance that's soft and can be shaped when warm
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Pigment: A special material that gives things their color (example: tiny colorful powder)
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Slate: A small, handheld blackboard
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Who was your favorite inventor in the story? Why?
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Why did Edwin care so much about making a new coloring tool?
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What inspired the company to make crayons?
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Create some names for colors spotted on clothes or around the classroom
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw the biggest most colorful rainbow on paper with as many colors possible
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Create a JUMBO size crayon with a face on it (volunteers can pre-cut the paper as needed or use Popsicle sticks)
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Create a paper roll crayon craft such as these posted at https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/crayon-paper-craft/899434047357/
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| Special activities: |
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Have the kids organize the crayolas/markers/supplies in the supplies box by color (can make it a game)
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Guessing game: Each kid gets a turn describing items in nature so the group can guess what color they are thinking about
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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