Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
All kinds of families shine in funny celebration of dads.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM THE CRAYONS lays out the different reasons individual crayons love their dads. Most declarations are on the jokey or teasing side, like showing a dad "who always knows where he's going" reading a map upside down, or another showing a dad who "loves learning as much as teaching" and tells his daughter he has no idea how to throw a football, "but let's figure it out together." Mauve Crayon loves her dad because he knows the right answer to every question: "Better ask your mom." The book celebrates all different kinds of families, one with two dads, one with a stepdad, one with a granddad who uses a wheelchair, blended families of different colors or even different species, and families with single parents (just a mom or just a dad). Beige Crayon says he loves his mom on Father's Day: "As my only parent, thank you for being the world's best listener, dinner-maker, hugger, wizardly advisor, and school drop-off-er and picker-upper!"
Is It Any Good?
This funny celebration of dads celebrates all kinds of families. Happy Father's Day from the Crayons shows kids having fun with their dads and saying why they love them. Author Drew Daywalt and illustrator Oliver Jeffers take things often associated with dads—a map, telescope, calculator, remote control, football, and barbecue—and playfully tease out jokes that defy dad stereotypes. But it's all done with a light touch, as when Navy Blue Crayon says why he loves his stepdad: "Unlike most dads, my dad never loses the remote control, because he IS a remote control ... I love you, Dad!"
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different kinds of dads in Happy Father's Day from the Crayons. Who seems like he'd be the most fun? Do any remind you of your dad or a dad you know?
Why is it important to show gratitude to the people you love?
In some Crayon families, the dad is a household object rather than a crayon. If your dad were a thing instead of a person, what do you think he'd be?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Oliver Jeffers
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Communication , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : February 4, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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