The Day the Crayons Quit
by Drew Daywalt
Penguin 2013
Great fit for 3rd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- creativity
- self-expression
- empathy
- communication
- problem-solving
- perspective-taking
- individuality
- humor
About this book
Duncan opens his crayon box to find letters from every color—and they’re all on strike! Each crayon explains its hilarious grievances, from being overused to being ignored, leaving Duncan to find a creative solution. With playful humor and lively art, this read‑aloud favorite celebrates imagination and seeing problems from different points of view. Perfect for kindergarten through early elementary readers who enjoy funny stories that spark creativity.
Setting: a young boy’s home and crayon box
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Day the Crayons Quit right for my child?
Yes — The Day the Crayons Quit is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include creativity, self-expression, empathy.
How long does it take to read The Day the Crayons Quit?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, The Day the Crayons Quit takes around 6m to finish. The book has 870 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Day the Crayons Quit have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Day the Crayons Quit has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Day the Crayons Quit?
The Day the Crayons Quit has an AR reading level of 3, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.