The Day the Crayons Came Home

How do you follow a hit like The Day the Crayons Quit? Stick with what works, and add a twist: instead of letters, Duncan receives a stack of postcards from crayons that have been misplaced or maligned, or are ready for adventure. A directionally challenged neon red crayon tries to get home after being abandoned at a motel; a trip through the dryer has left a turquoise crayon stuck to a sock; and a chunky toddler crayon can’t abide Duncan’s baby brother (“Picasso said every child is an artist, but I dunno”). Once again, Daywalt and Jeffers create rich emotional lives and personalities for their colorful cast, and it’s hard to imagine a reader who won’t be delighted. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Paul Moreton, Bell, Lomax, Moreton Agency. (Aug.)