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The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons Hardcover – Picture Book, March 19, 2019

by Natascha Biebow (Author), Steven Salerno (Illustrator)

4.9 694 ratings

Editors' pick Best Nonfiction for Kids

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Celebrating the inventor of the Crayola crayon! This gloriously illustrated picture book biography tells the inspiring story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of one of the world's most beloved toys. A perfect fit among favorites like The Day the Crayons Quit and Balloons Over Broadway.

purple mountains’ majesty, mauvelous, jungle green, razzmatazz…

What child doesn't love to hold a crayon in their hands? But children didn't always have such magical boxes of crayons. Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn't really even draw in color.

Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children – in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world’s most enduring, best-loved childhood toys – empowering children to dream in COLOR!

Reading age

6 - 9 years, from customers
Print length

48 pages
Language

English
Grade level

1 - 4
Lexile measure

960L
Dimensions

8.5 x 0.38 x 11 inches
Publisher

Clarion Books
Publication date

March 19, 2019
ISBN-10

132886684X
ISBN-13

978-1328866844
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It’s easy to take today’s ubiquitous colored crayons for granted, but they were the result of one individual’s innovation. Biebow introduces Edwin Binney—a mustachioed man and head of a carbon black factory—who wished to make color-pigmented wax crayons that reflected the world outside. Salerno’s illustrations reflect the formality of the era, which he playfully disrupts with splashes of color: in one spread, a line of pigment-spattered workers end a day of crayon experimentation. Readers are likely to be fascinated by the process of “grinding, grinding, grinding up rocks and minerals into fine powders” and the rich colors that result. Back matter is attention-grabbing as well, with photographs of crayon production today. Ages 6–9. (Mar.)

From School Library Journal

Gr 1–4–For many children, crayons are ubiquitous, everyday items, but as this informational picture book attests, that wasn't always the case. The hero of this tale is Edwin Binney, American businessman and inventor. In the early 1900s, Binney (who'd already pioneered dustless chalk for teachers) listened to his customers and family when they clamored for a new product: inexpensive, easy-to-use crayons for children. After a lot of messy experimentation with various materials and colors—aspiring scientists and makers may feel a surge of recognition—Binney finally struck the "top-secret formula" that eventually became Crayola crayons. Indeed, the scenes in which Binney and his team wind up covered in splotches of experimental powdered pigment stand out among Salerno's winsome, earnestly old-fashioned illustrations (which are rendered in a Crayola-inspired palette, of course). Inset text boxes on several spreads provide scientific and historical context without disrupting the narrative, and back matter includes a bibliography, biographical facts about Binney, and a photographic guide to "How Crayola Crayons Are Made Today." VERDICT A colorful addition to the shelves of picture books about inventors and inventions and all things STEAM.—Rebecca Honeycutt, NoveList, Durham, NC

From Kirkus Reviews

Through persistent experimentation Edward Binney gave children a cheap and safe coloring medium.

In this chatty, engaging picture book, Biebow provides the historical context around the invention of Crayola crayons. The story covers the media predecessors (breakable, often poisonous artists’ crayons; clay) that were the basis for the Crayola and the trial-and-error process Binney undertook to create a safe, colorful product that children from diverse economic backgrounds could afford. Such visual cues as boldface type for the names of colors throughout the story aid readers in recognizing the colors that Binney developed and that they might encounter in their own crayon boxes. Biebow moves past the invention to recognize the impact this product has had on childhood worldwide. Salerno brings readers close to the story through his illustrations, right onto the lab table where Binney and his team (both impressively mustachioed men and women, all white) developed the crayon. What Jon Klassen achieves emotionally in his characters’ eyes, Salerno manages with eyebrows here. He uses crayon pencils for the bulk of the work; children's pictures in a couple of later spreads are done, appropriately enough, with Crayolas. A well-organized bibliography with both primary and secondary sources, including interviews with Binney’s great-granddaughter, is supplemented by text boxes throughout the book that offer additional informational snippets such as the composition of Crayola’s pigments.

A suitably colorful introduction to the life of a person whose name readers may not know but whose invention they all use. (factory snapshots, author’s note) (Picture book/biography. 6-9)

Review

"This entertaining history of how a universally recognizable object came to be tells of businessman and inventor Edwin Binney's 'knack for listening and making what people needed.' ...Biebow's first nonfiction picture book flows with conversational smoothness ... The attractive full-page--and, accordingly, brightly colorful--illustrations mix realism and whimsy" -- Booklist

“A colorful addition to the shelves of picture books about inventors and inventions and all things STEAM” --School Library Journal

"Readers are likely to be fascinated . . . Back matter is attention-grabbing... with photographs of crayon production today" -- Publishers Weekly

"What were the odds that I'd go goofy over the biography of the guy who invented the Crayola crayon? . . . This Natascha Biebow lady KNOWS how to pen a really good picture book biography . . . And the Backmatter, oh the Backmatter! Gorgeous full-color photographs of the process (which gave me flashbacks to old Mr. Rogers episodes), a one-page author bio, and the MOST impressive Bibliography I've seen in any picture book this year" - Betsy Bird, SLJ Fuse # 8

From the Author

I love to get kids fired up about true stories, using their imaginations and believing in themselves as future inventors and creators. Binney's story is a great springboard for exploring nature, color, art, inventions and getting creative at home, in the library and in the classroom. Check out the read-aloud, podcast, activities, educators' guide with curriculum links, and free picture book writing craft tips on my website. Let's create, imagine, experiment together with virtual visits. Share in the fascinating story of the invention of Crayola crayons!

From the Inside Flap

What child doesn't love to hold a crayon in their hands? But children didn't always have such magical boxes of crayons. Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, most children couldn't afford colored crayons. Here's the true story of an inventor who so loved nature's vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team created one of the world's most enduring, best-loved childhood toys - Crayola crayons - empowering children around the world to imagine and draw ANYTHING!

About the Author

Natascha Biebow's favorite crayon color is periwinkle blue because it makes her heart sing. She loves to draw and make stuff, just like Edwin Binney. She lives in London, where she writes, edits, coaches and mentors children's book authors and illustrators at Blue Elephant Storyshaping, and is the long-time Regional Advisor of SCBWI British Isles. In 2018, she was awarded an MBE for her services to children's author and illustrators, and recognized as the Stephen Mooser SCBWI Member of the Year. The Crayon Man is her first non-fiction picture book. Find her at nataschabiebow.com.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; Illustrated edition (March 19, 2019)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 48 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 132886684X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1328866844
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 9 years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 960L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 4
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.38 x 11 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #31,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Children's Inventors Books (Books)
- #23 in Children's Science Biographies (Books)
- #36 in Children's Money & Saving Reference (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.9 694 ratings

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About the authors

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Steven Salerno
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NYC based illustrator/author STEVEN SALERNO has written & illustrated 5 popular picture books for kids, his most recent title, "Tim's Goodbye" (2018 Farrar Straus Giroux). To date Steven has also illustrated 28 popular fiction and nonfiction picture books written by other authors including: "PRIDE The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag" (2018 Penguin-Random House) written by Rob Sanders & illustrated by Steven Salerno, "Wild Horse Annie -Friend of Mustangs" (2019 Farrar Straus Giroux) written by Tracey Fern & illustrated by Steven Salerno, "The Crayon Man" (2019 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) written by Natascha Biebow & illustrated by Steven Salerno, "Gizmos, Gadgets and Guitars" -true story of electric guitar designer Leo Fender (2021 Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt & Co.), and "The Secret Code Inside You" (2021 Little Bee Books) written by Rajani LaRocca MD & illustrated by Steven Salerno.
Steven's picture books have received industry starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Children's Literature, The New York Times Review of Books, have been displayed by the Society of Illustrators (NYC) in their annual children's picture book art exhibition. 7 of Steven's picture books are Junior Library Guild selections.
A graduate of Parsons School of Design in NYC (where Steven studied under famed picture book author/artist Maurice Sendak) Steven Salerno also creates illustrations for advertising, magazines, product packaging, retail graphics, and publishing. Originally from Vermont, Steven lives and works in New York City. Visit stevensalerno.com
See more on the author's page
Natascha Biebow
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Natascha Biebow’s favorite crayon color is periwinkle blue because it makes her heart sing. She loves to draw and make stuff, just like the inventor of the Crayola crayons, Edwin Binney. She lives in London, where she writes, edits, coaches and mentors children’s book authors and illustrators at Blue Elephant Storyshaping, and is the long-time Regional Advisor of SCBWI British Isles. She has been awarded an MBE for her services to children's writers and illustrators. THE CRAYON MAN is her first non-fiction picture book.
PRAISE FOR THE CRAYON MAN:
Winner of the Irma Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Best STEM Book 2020
Selected for International Literature Association Reading List (ILA)
Best 2019 Picture Book Biography selection - Betsy Bird, Fuse # 8
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Winner of Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award
Winner Grand Canyon Reader Award for Non-Fiction, AZ
Honor Book, Beehive Award for Children's Informational Books, Utah
Shortlisted Great Texas Mosquito List, Brazosport, TX
Shortlisted for North Carolina Children's Book Award, NC
Shortlisted for Charter Oak Children's Book Award, CT
Shortlisted for CFSID Horned Toad Tale Award, Houston, TX
Shortlisted for the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, MD
Shortlisted Birdville ISD Battle of the Books, TX
Let’s create, imagine, experiment!
I love to get kids fired up about true stories, using their imaginations and believing in themselves as future inventors and creators. Binney's story is a great springboard for exploring nature, color and getting creative.
Free resources including read-aloud, podcast, activities, educators' guide with curriculum links, craft tips and more on my website. Virtual author visits and online non-fiction workshops are a great way for me to share the fascinating story of the invention of Crayola crayons, ideas for research and author journey with children grades 2-6. Interested in a virtual author visit or workshop on researching and writing true stories? Please reach out to me at:
www.nataschabiebow.com
See more on the author's page

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5

694 global ratings

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Phred

Of Course, this is the way the story of Crayola should be told

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2022

Verified Purchase

I sincerely hope that the Crayola Crayon remains a near universal childhood experience. I well remember that we all started with the flat pack of 8<?> colors. Then slowly the larger packs began separating the cool and kids . Clearly the first step in making us all class conscious was the advent of the larger pack . Just having many crayons in the box was cool but so last year once the giant box came out with an included crayon sharpener. Lots of crayons in a box eventually became over kill, besides it was always the same basics that got turned into stubs. A sixty-four crayon box was cool, but everyone needed another: blue or red or white(clouds what else?), and the sun alone could eat up tons of yellow.

Natascha Biebow with illustrator Steven Salerno have produced in The Crayon Man what has to be the only way to tell the story of Edwin Binney and cousin C. Harold Smith and the invention of the Crayola Crayon. Of course, it is lavishly illustrated in the Crayola colors and of course sometimes the colors go outside the lines.

I well remember being kept after school because I tended to scribble when I was filling in large areas in a drawing. Never quite figure out why that mattered and am not sure I ever got it right. No sense asking mom about it , she agreed with my first grade teach. Mrs. Adams if you are out there, I still managed to get graduate degrees and a decent career. Just not as an artist.

The book is short, as becomes a children’s book but get this: It is also researched, bibliography and all! It is one an adult may have to read with their children. There is some vocabulary and some ideas that may require some explaining. This is a good thing. The experience of crayons is something the adults and the child share. Having a book that can appeal to both and maybe promote the sharing crayon stories are part of the charm of The Crayon man.

3 people found this helpful

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Nathaniel Higdon

Cool and Colorful

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2022

Verified Purchase

Bought to investigate if it would make a good gift. The story is short enough to keep the child’s attention and detailed enough for an adult to enjoy. I liked how the color words were bolded to emphasize the colors and this would be a great book to teach colors. The pictures are also really well done, colorful, and pleasant. I think this will make a great gift.

One person found this helpful

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Christy E

Great for kids 4yo and up!

Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023

Verified Purchase

This just arrived today as part of a gift for my son's 1st Grade teacher, and I love it so much I placed a second order for our house!

I might summarize a sentence here or there for my 4yo if I see his attention drifting, but I think it's still good for pre-K. It'll be great for lower grades, and I could see reading this to even a middle school class as an example of how a researched nonfiction book can still be entertaining.

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Susan L. Moscareillo

Fun and Wonderful Read

Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2023

Verified Purchase

This lovely book is full of energy and beautiful pictures and information! I don’t know if this book is more fun for the adults reading it to the child or the child who is listening to the story.

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Cyndee Whitney

A great "how are things made" book

Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2023

Verified Purchase

The book tells the story of Binney and Smith who decided to make a safe, colorful, drawing crayon for children. The process takes the reader from their very first idea to successful box of colorful crayons complete with all the challenges and setbacks. A great book to follow an idea process from inception to great end result. I bring chalk, crayons, and paper when I read it with children so they can see and feel the difference in the products.

One person found this helpful

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Courtney Banks

Great story for kids and adults alike!

Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2019

Verified Purchase

My daughter and I are huge fans of Crayola products so I had to get her this book as soon as I saw it, and it is awesome! I love how the author tells a wonderful story easy enough for a child to follow, while still providing interesting facts and information along the way to make it engrossing for an adult too. Highly recommend especially for budding scientists and engineers who want to know how things are made!

2 people found this helpful

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Kelli

4th grader review

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024

It was really good and it was really great that he did it because I use them everyday for school

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Vickie K.

Captivating Young Minds with Nonfiction

Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021

Verified Purchase

I purchased this book to teach a group of 2nd graders about inventors. One of my soon to graduate college kindergarteners asked if I would work with her group of students through a Zoom lesson on an inventor of my choice. I already knew the main inventors would already be taught; so, I took a different approach and went with an inventor I knew she would not have introduced. This book is darling!!! It will entertain all audiences, and since all school age children know about one of their loved art tools, the crayon, they will thoroughly enjoy the creation of them. I paired this up with, “The Day the Crayons Quit” and a new box of Crayola brand crayons for each of her students, and, BAM, the lesson was a hit!

4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

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Amazon Customer

Easily understood by children

Reviewed in Canada on September 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

this was a gift for my granddaughter, she seemed to really enjoy the true reason that colorful crayons were invented.

MT

Amazing

Reviewed in Spain on March 21, 2024

Verified Purchase

Wonderfully illustrated and amazing story about how one of the most ubiquitous tools in a child’s life - colour crayons - came to be. Really great realisation for kids that things that are all around them did not just always exist, it took a very creative person to invent it. Loved this book to bits.

Edoardo

Libro in inglese che racconta la storia dell’azienda Crayola

Reviewed in Italy on February 23, 2024

Verified Purchase

Questo libro ricco di bellissime illustrazioni, racconta in modo semplice e divertente le intuizioni di un uomo che ha fondato la più famosa azienda di colori al mondo: Crayola.

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Like to read

A wonderfully written story about an interesting topic

Reviewed in Germany on March 2, 2021

Verified Purchase

We all use Crayons, but I didn't know about the story behind them. This was fun for the kids, especially the bit at the end with the 'behind the scenes' peek inside the factory today. really well written too!

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