With a nod to Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown’s other collaboration, Creepy Pair of Underpants! (and possibly the first Creepy Tales title Creepy Carrots! which I might have missed) their rabbit hero Jasper is back in Creepy Crayon!
Jasper is failing his classes. Of course, he could have studied but his favorite TV show was on. And well, there is always something more important (or interesting) than math. But when he finds a purple crayon (that oddly enough seems pleased to be picked up off the ground), his worries are over with. As no matter what Jasper uses it on, comes out more perfect than perfect. Or are his troubles just starting? This is the classic horror story of inanimate object having a life of its own that is aimed at the aged five and up crowd.
Of course, you the adult know things will work out fine for Jasper (the Jumanji ending does make one wondering about the next unsuspecting victim, um, owner of the crayon). But the tension is high for the child reader. There are a few scenes that could be a smidgen “dark” (Jasper tosses the crayon out, melts it, etc., and it keeps coming back). And the old-school horror/monster look to the illustrations might be a little funky for a sensitive reader, but overall, it is just a silly fun, good time.
Due in late August/early September, you will be well in time for a Halloween gift. Or just for a spooky end of summer campfire read. The box set of all three books is due mid-September.