Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall is a book about being different.

The book is about crayons and not people, and one crayon – Red –  who is a different colour to all the other crayons.

This is a great book for talking about diversity ie it is okay to be different and that being different is still special.

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 3 to 8 years.

Buy this book

Buy a copy of Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall from Amazon.

Video Transcription

A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener

Hey there! Let’s dive into a great book called Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall. This book has been widely used in the world of sex education to teach kids about embracing differences and understanding gender. Unlike other books that talk about boys in girls’ bodies or vice versa, Red takes a unique approach. It tells the story of a crayon named Red who is actually blue on the inside. Pretty cool, right?

Sometimes, as parents, it’s easier to introduce new and different topics using stories that aren’t directly about real children or situations. It helps create a bit of distance and makes it more relatable for kids. Research also shows that using alternative formats, like animals or characters, is an effective way to convey messages to children. So, Red is just another fantastic option in that regard.

Now, I don’t know the full history behind this book, but it’s a wonderful tale that celebrates diversity. It starts off with Red, who appears red on the outside but doesn’t feel very good at being red. Imagine a girl who looks like a girl, with long hair and all, but deep down feels like a boy. The book beautifully explores Red’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges they face along the way.

Without giving away all the details, let me tell you, it’s a heartwarming story that both kids and parents will enjoy. Red tries to fit in and be more red, but it just doesn’t work. However, with the help of a new friend, Red realizes it’s okay to be blue. They embrace their true self and start doing all sorts of amazing blue things. And guess what? Everyone starts recognizing how great Red is at being blue, even though they’re wrapped in a red crayon.

So, how can you use this book as a parent? Well, you can read it to your kids and have a conversation about embracing differences. Explain that it’s okay not to fit into society’s expectations all the time. Just like Red, who is blue on the inside, sometimes things don’t work out the way they seem. You can even use the book to discuss gender. For example, you can talk about how someone named Tommy might look and act like a boy, but actually has a vulva and identifies as a girl. That’s what we call transgender, and it’s totally okay.

We’re living in a time where we’re becoming more aware of gender diversity. It’s not just about being a boy, a girl, or unknown. Gender is a complex and beautiful spectrum, and it’s important for our kids to grow up accepting and inclusive. Just like flowers come in different colors, our skin, hair, and eyes are all unique. Gender is just another aspect that makes us who we are.

I hope I haven’t rambled too much, but I truly believe that Red: A Crayon’s Story is a must-have book for every parent. It tackles emotional challenges and teaches valuable lessons about acceptance and diversity. So go ahead and add it to your bookshelf! I’m sure you and your kids will love it.

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