Each day leading up to the April 16 announcement of the Minnesota Book Awards, and in collaboration with community editors from the award-winning Saint Paul Almanac, we highlight one of the thirty-two finalists. Today we feature 2016 Children’s Literature finalist:
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Published by Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
Category Sponsor: Books for Africa
Red the crayon “…was red. But he wasn’t very good at it.” In this colorful picture book, we follow Red’s attempts at being red. His friends and family try to help him adhere to his red label, but ultimately he finds his true-blue calling.
His mother tries to help him by sending him out on a play-date with a yellow classmate (“go draw a nice orange!”), and the scissors try to help him by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can’t be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along… he’s blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.
Author Bio:
Michael Hall is the author/illustrator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo, which won the Minnesota Book Award in 2011, as well as the critically acclaimed It’s an Orange Aardvark!, Perfect Square and Cat Tale. He is also an award-winning graphic designer whose work has been widely recognized for its simple and engaging approach. He lives in Minneapolis.
Michael Hall is on Twitter
Reviews:
“When a red-labeled crayon discovers he’s actually blue, he finds joy, ebullience and acceptance… Hall’s compositions convey a strong sense of emotion. Red captures [his feelings] in an exuberant, far-reaching sky. Smartly designed and appealing, Red’s story offers much for discussion and affirmation.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Crayon Red may be labeled red, but he colors blue… Once he lets go of his label and proclaims, “I’m blue!” everything turns around. Smart design, bold colors, and sharp details keep the story both effective and amusing.” — Horn Book Magazine
“Red is a crayon, and children will see his problem right away: his label reads “red,” but he’s blue. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he’s a poor performer in school, where his drawings are expected to be red… Stories about accepting differences abound, but this one delivers its message in an unexpectedly affecting way.” — Publishers Weekly
“Funny and poignant, Hall’s latest picture book is all about staying true to oneself, no matter what others say. Witty and heartwarming [and] sure to become a favorite for children and adults alike.” — School Library Journal
Watch:
Book Trailer
SELCO librarian Rachel Gray reviews Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall.
The evening features a Preface Reception with complimentary passed wine and cash bar, author meet-and-greet, book sales and signing; the Awards Ceremony with live music, celebrity presenters, artisan cheese plates and breads, complimentary wine and lemonade, with emcee Stephanie Curtis of MPR; and the Epilogue After-Party with complimentary champagne, sumptuous desserts, and additional live music. Tickets now on sale, or click here for more information.
Today’s winner: Mia Posada. (We’ll be in touch via email, and arrange getting the book to you!)
Want your chance to win? Subscribe to our email to get news and program updates sent directly to your inbox, and be automatically entered to win.