The Day the Crayons Quit

Red Crayon’s Letter

"Dear Duncan," began Red Crayon. "We need to talk. You have no idea how hard I work! I color fire trucks, apples, strawberries, hearts on Valentine’s Day, and, of course, Santa Claus at Christmas. I color red every single holiday you can think of! I’m exhausted. Do you know that even on non-holidays, I’m still used a lot? All those strawberries, roses, stop signs—endlessly red! I’m overworked and tired! Please, give me a break. Let someone else take on some of this workload for once. Think about it, Duncan. Sincerely, Your Overworked Friend, Red Crayon."

Duncan put down the letter thoughtfully. He hadn’t realized just how much he used Red Crayon. Maybe he could cut down on the reds and let the other colors take the lead.

Purple Crayon’s Letter

"Dear Duncan," the next letter read, "I am writing to make sure you color inside the lines. Why do you always scribble when you use me? I’m a royal color, you know! Purple should be treated with care and dignity. I’m tired of looking like a messy blob! I was meant for regal robes, majestic grapes, and everything royal. Not scribbles! Please, respect my color. I want to be used for beautiful things, not random doodles. Thanks for listening. Sincerely, Purple Crayon."

Duncan could almost hear Purple Crayon’s snooty tone as he read. He chuckled and made a mental note to use Purple Crayon more carefully next time.

Beige Crayon’s Letter

Next, Beige Crayon had a bone to pick. "Duncan," Beige wrote, "It’s me… Beige Crayon. I’m tired of being just the color of wheat and porridge. I’m ignored while Brown gets used for bears, ponies, puppies, and so many fun things! I want to color cool stuff too! I’m tired of sitting in the crayon box, only used when you need ‘boring’ shades. Just once, could I be used for something other than a piece of toast or a strand of hair? Show me some creativity, Duncan! Sincerely, Bored Beige."

Duncan smiled, realizing that Beige had a point. It was always the overlooked crayons that needed the most appreciation. Maybe he could find something more exciting for Beige to color.

Gray Crayon’s Letter

Gray’s letter was next in line. "Dear Duncan, I am tired. Do you know how big things like elephants, rhinos, and humpback whales are? All of those animals are gray, and I have to color every single one! I don’t mind being used, but these large animals take forever to color. I’m exhausted and worn down to a stub! Can you use me a little less on such huge things? Maybe find smaller gray things? Your tired friend, Gray Crayon."

Duncan hadn’t realized that his big animal drawings were wearing Gray down. Maybe he could try coloring smaller gray things instead.

White Crayon’s Letter

Duncan unfolded the next letter, which seemed almost invisible. It was from White Crayon. "Hi, Duncan. I feel like I’m not even here! You only color on white paper, so I’m basically useless. The other crayons at least get noticed, but I blend right into the paper. Sure, you occasionally use me for snow or to highlight something, but I want to feel needed too. I want to stand out! Maybe you could use me on darker paper so I can finally shine. Sincerely, White Crayon."

Duncan felt a pang of sympathy for White. Using dark paper could be an exciting change; he would definitely give White a chance to stand out.

Black Crayon’s Letter

The next letter was from Black Crayon. "Dear Duncan, I love being used, but I’m so much more than just an outline! You seem to think of me as just the crayon for borders and outlines, but I want to be used for filling things in too! Imagine coloring a full, spooky night sky, a jet-black cat, or a deep, mysterious forest. I have potential, Duncan! I want to be more than a shadow. Give me a real challenge! Sincerely, Black Crayon."

Duncan nodded in agreement. Black deserved a chance to shine beyond outlines. A dark night sky sounded like a great use of Black’s depth and drama.

Green Crayon’s Letter

Green Crayon was next. "Dear Duncan, I just want to say I’m happy with my workload! I love coloring trees, grass, frogs, and anything that makes things look lush and alive. I’m actually writing to speak up for my friends Yellow and Orange. They haven’t been talking to each other lately because they both feel they should be the color of the sun. It’s a silly argument, and I hope you can help them work it out. Your Friend, Green Crayon."

Green Crayon’s letter made Duncan chuckle. He hadn’t realized his crayons had friendships and rivalries, but Green’s happy attitude was a relief among the other grievances.

Yellow and Orange Crayons’ Letters

Duncan unfolded two letters, both about the sun. The first was from Yellow Crayon: "Dear Duncan, I am the true color of the sun. Everyone knows it! Without me, how would you color a sunny day? Please settle this once and for all, Duncan. Sincerely, Yellow Crayon."

Then he read Orange’s letter: "Dear Duncan, Yellow is wrong. I am the color of the sun. Think of all those beautiful sunsets! It’s obvious that I should be the one coloring the sun. Help us resolve this, please. Sincerely, Orange Crayon."

Duncan scratched his head. How was he supposed to choose between two colors for the sun? It was a tough call, but maybe he could find a creative solution.

Pink Crayon’s Letter

Pink Crayon’s letter was short and sweet. "Hi Duncan! You hardly ever use me! Sure, you sometimes use me for hearts or flowers, but I can be so much more. Why not try me for a monster, a dinosaur, or even a cool new car? I want to prove I’m just as fun as the other colors! Yours Truly, Pink Crayon."

Duncan hadn’t thought about using Pink for anything outside the usual. It was time to let Pink have more freedom.

Peach Crayon’s Letter

The last letter Duncan read was from Peach Crayon. It was missing its wrapper and read: "Duncan, what happened?! You peeled off my wrapper, and now I’m naked! I’m too embarrassed to come out of the crayon box! Could you maybe put me back together somehow? I don’t want to be used until I’m fully clothed. Sincerely, Peach Crayon."

Duncan laughed out loud. Peach had a point; it was time to fix Peach’s wrapper situation.

Duncan’s Solution

Duncan sat back, pondering all the letters. His crayons had shared so much about their struggles and desires. He knew he had to do something to keep them happy and creatively engaged. Duncan decided to use his crayons in ways he’d never tried before: making sure Red got breaks, using Purple neatly, finding exciting things for Beige, and giving White some time to shine on dark paper. He also realized that he could let Yellow and Orange take turns with the sun, depending on the time of day he was coloring.

The Next Day

When Duncan’s teacher saw his next drawing, she was amazed! His picture was vibrant and imaginative, filled with colors in ways she’d never seen before. He’d drawn a sky transitioning from bright yellow to a dusky orange sunset, a majestic purple castle, and even a pink dinosaur smiling in the corner. Duncan’s creative use of colors impressed everyone, especially his crayons. Each crayon felt valued and had a new purpose, happy to contribute to the world of colors and creativity.