Discover what happens when Duncan's crayons go on strike! Read their hilarious, heartfelt letters explaining why they've quit, and how Duncan draws a new picture to bring them all back.
The Day The Crayons Quit Story Summary
The Day the Crayons Quit is a humorous and imaginative story about a boy named Duncan who discovers his entire box of crayons has gone on strike. Upon opening the box, he finds a stack of letters, each penned by a different crayon voicing its grievances.
The reasons for quitting are unique and funny:
Red is exhausted from coloring holidays;
Blue is tired of coloring vast oceans and skies;
Peach is mortified because its paper wrapper has been torn off, leaving it feeling exposed.
Each crayon has a distinct personality and a compelling complaint about how it's being used (or overused).
To save his art supplies, Duncan must read the letters and devise a solution. He does this by creating a fantastic new picture that skillfully incorporates every single crayon, satisfying each one's unique demand and proving that every color has an important, valued role to play.
The Day The Crayons Quit Funny Video
Watch the funny video about the day the crayons quit.
How To Draw The Crayons From The Day The Crayons Quit
Get your paper and crayons and draw the fun crayons in the story the day the crayons quit.
At the Zoo - A Humorous Visit by William Makepeace Thackeray
Meta Description:
Explore William Makepeace Thackeray's charming and funny poem "At the Zoo," perfect for kids. Discover playful observations of animals with engaging illustrations and a simple analysis.
Analysis for Kids: "At the Zoo"
Hey everyone! Get ready to imagine a trip to the zoo, but not just any zoo – a zoo seen through the eyes of a very clever and funny writer named William Makepeace Thackeray!
This poem is like a little adventure where we look at different animals and see what silly things they might be thinking or doing. Thackeray uses rhyme and rhythm to make it fun to read. He also uses a special trick called personification, which means giving human qualities to animals. For example, he talks about the "solemn" lion or the "melancholy" elephant, as if they have feelings just like us!
The poem is full of funny observations. He doesn't just describe what the animals look like, but also how they act and what their personalities might be. It's a great way to learn about poetry and animals at the same time!
At the Zoo: By William Makepeace Thackeray
First, here's a Lion bold and grand,
The noblest beast in all the land.
He yawns, he stretches, shows his might,
And dreams of hunting in the night.
A Tiger, striped in black and gold,
With eyes so fierce, a story told
Of jungles deep and silent tread,
He paces, restless, in his bed.
See the Elephant, big and gray,
He slowly sways throughout the day.
With trunk so long, a useful hose,
He showers himself from head to toes.
The Monkeys chatter, swing, and leap,
While little secrets they do keep.
They grab a nut, then quickly flee,
As playful as they can all be.
The Bear, he lumbers, slow and deep,
Perhaps he's thinking of his sleep.
Or honey sweet, from a far-off tree,
A gentle giant, you agree?
The Camel, with his haughty stare,
A desert friend, beyond compare.
With humps so grand, where water's stored,
A patient traveler, much adored.
The Zebra, dressed in stripes so neat,
A lovely pattern, oh so sweet!
He munches grass with gentle grace,
A living artwork in this place.
Conclusion
"At the Zoo" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a delightful journey that reminds us how much fun it can be to observe the world around us – especially the animal kingdom!
Through his witty verses, Thackeray not only introduces us to a variety of creatures but also invites us to imagine their inner lives and personalities. It’s a wonderful poem for all ages, encouraging us to look closer, think playfully, and appreciate the unique charm of every animal.
Podcast: The Real History and Refugee Logistics of BABY JESUS’ Flight to Egypt
Meta Description
Listen to this thought provoking podcast about Baby Jesus' flight to Egypt because it raises issues about the plight of refugees in a way we never thought about before.
Lesson Plan: Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt
Target Audience: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Subject: Bible Story, Religion, Ancient History
Time Allotment: 45 minutes
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
Identify the main characters in the story: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, King Herod, and the angel.
Retell the key events of the story in simple terms: Joseph's dream, the journey to Egypt, and the return home.
Understand the main theme: God protects His people and has a plan for them.
Explain why the Holy Family had to travel to Egypt.
Describe some of the challenges of travel in ancient times.
Materials:
The story, "Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt."
A simple map showing the region of Israel (Bethlehem, Nazareth) and Egypt.
Drawing paper for each student.
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
Optional: A doll wrapped in a blanket (to represent Baby Jesus), scarves or cloth for costumes.
Lesson Procedure:
1. Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)
Gather the children and ask engaging questions to connect with their own experiences:
"Have you ever been on a really long trip in a car or on a plane? Where did you go?"
"Imagine you had to go on a long trip, but you had to walk or ride on a donkey! What things would you need to pack?"
"Today, we are going to hear a true story about a very special baby who had to go on a long, long journey with his family to stay safe."
2. Story Time (15 minutes)
Read the story, "Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt," aloud to the class.
Reading Strategy: Use an expressive and engaging tone. Pause at key moments to ask questions and check for understanding.
When the angel appears, you could whisper, as if sharing a secret.
When describing the desert, ask, "What do you think it feels like in a hot, sandy desert?"
Use the map to point out Bethlehem where they started and Egypt where they were going. Trace the long path with your finger to help them visualize the distance.
3. Group Discussion (10 minutes)
After the story, facilitate a discussion using questions from the article's FAQ and your own.
"Who came to Joseph in a dream to warn him?" (An angel)
"Why did the bad King Herod want to find Baby Jesus?" (He was afraid Jesus would become a king and take his place.)
"What country did Jesus' family escape to?" (Egypt)
"Was their trip easy or hard? Why?" (Hard! They had to walk through the desert, it was hot, etc.)
"What is the most important lesson from this story?" (That God always watches over us and keeps us safe.)
4. Creative Activity: The Journey (10 minutes)
Give each child a piece of paper and drawing supplies.
Refer to the "Call to Action" in the story: "Let's draw a picture of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on their journey to Egypt."
Encourage them to include details from the story: the donkey, the desert, the stars at night, or Mary holding Jesus snugly.
While they draw, you can play soft, calming music and walk around to ask children about their drawings.
5. Conclusion & Wrap-up (5 minutes)
Gather the children together again. Allow a few volunteers to share their pictures and describe what they drew.
Summarize the lesson's main point: "Just like God had a special plan to keep Baby Jesus safe, He has a plan for each of you and will always watch over you."
End with a simple prayer, such as: "Dear God, thank you for protecting Baby Jesus. Thank you for protecting us and loving us every day. Amen."
Assessment:
Observe student engagement and responses during the discussion.
Review student drawings to see if they reflect the key elements of the story (the family, the journey).
Ask a student to retell their favorite part of the adventure.
Welcome to the adventure! This is the story of a very special family's long journey. Click on the numbered steps on the map to follow their path and discover what happened at each stage.
Bethlehem
Nazareth
Meet the important people and messengers from the story! Click on each picture to learn more about them.
👶
Baby Jesus
A very special baby, the Son of God, who was born to save the world. His family had to protect Him from a mean king.
👩
Mary
Jesus' mother. She was kind, loving, and trusted God to take care of her family on their long and difficult journey.
👨
Joseph
Jesus' earthly father, a carpenter. He was brave and obedient to God, immediately acting on the angel's warning to keep his family safe.
👑
King Herod
The powerful and mean king who was afraid of Baby Jesus. He wanted to hurt Jesus because he feared losing his throne.
😇
The Angel
A messenger from God who appeared to Joseph in dreams, warning him of danger and later telling him when it was safe to return home.
Do you have questions about the journey or the people in the story? Click on a question below to reveal the answer!
King Herod was a very powerful ruler, and he was afraid that Baby Jesus, who was called the "King of the Jews," would grow up and take his throne. He wanted to be the only king!
The Bible doesn't say exactly how long, but it was long enough for Herod to die. Many scholars believe it was for a few years.
Yes! There were many Jewish people living in Egypt at that time. It wasn't uncommon for people to travel and live in different lands for work or safety. This made it easier for Joseph and Mary to find a place to fit in.
Yes, very hard! There were no paved roads, no cars, and often dangers like robbers or wild animals. Journeys were long and challenging, and people relied on donkeys, camels, or their own two feet.
Discover the amazing true story of how Baby Jesus and His family fled to Egypt to escape a wicked king. Learn about their journey, the customs of the day, and God's watchful care.
Introduction: Baby Jesus' Great Escape! A Journey to Egypt
Today, I have another special story to tell you about how God warned Joseph in a dream to escape from the evil monster king Herod.
Baby Jesus' Escape to Egypt Bible Verses: Matthew 2: 13 - 17.
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
A Very Important Dream
Do you know what dreams are? Sometimes when we sleep, we have pictures and stories in our heads. Well, Baby Jesus’s earthly father, Joseph, had a very important dream one night.
An angel, a messenger from God, came to him in his sleep. The angel said, "Joseph! Wake up! Take the baby Jesus and His mother, Mary, and run away to a far-off land called Egypt. A bad king named Herod wants to hurt baby Jesus."
Can you imagine how Joseph felt? He loved his family so much! He knew he had to protect them.
Getting Ready to Go to Egypt
Now, in those days, families lived very close together. Fathers worked hard, often as carpenters like Joseph, or as farmers, tending their sheep or growing food. Mothers took care of the home, weaving cloth for clothes, baking bread, and taking care of the children. When an important message came, especially one about danger, families listened.
Joseph knew they couldn’t waste a moment. He had to prepare for a long journey. What do you think they would need? Food? Water? Blankets to keep warm at night? Yes, all of those things! Travel in those days wasn't like getting in a car or a bus. Oh no! Most people walked, and sometimes they had a donkey to help carry their things or a weary traveler.
The Long Road Ahead: A Journey Through the Desert
Imagine leaving your home in the middle of the night! Joseph gently woke Mary, and together they got baby Jesus ready. Mary probably wrapped Him snugly in a warm cloth, just like moms do today to keep their babies cozy.
Their journey would take them from Bethlehem, a small town in ancient Israel, all the way to Egypt. Look at a map, and you'll see it was a long, long way! They would have to travel through deserts. Have you ever seen pictures of a desert? It's often sandy, with big dunes, and sometimes very hot during the day, but oh so cold at night!
There aren't many places to stop for water, so they had to carry enough with them. The air would be dry, and the sun could be very strong. It was a tough journey for anyone, let alone a family with a tiny baby.
They would have journeyed past places where shepherds watched their sheep, just like they did the night Jesus was born. They might have seen other travelers, merchants carrying goods to sell in faraway cities, or families moving from one place to another. Life was a journey for many in those ancient times.
Customs Along the Way to Egypt
As they traveled, they would rely on the kindness of strangers. Do you know about hospitality? It was a very important custom then. If you saw someone traveling, especially a family, you would offer them food and water, maybe even a place to rest for the night. It was how people helped each other in a world where there were no hotels on every corner!
They would have spoken Aramaic, the language many people in Israel spoke. And when they got to Egypt, they would hear Egyptian! People of different lands often meet, and sometimes they learn each other’s words.
Safe in Egypt
After many days of walking and riding, with the donkey carrying their precious cargo, they finally arrived in Egypt.
Here, they were safe. Joseph found work, maybe still as a carpenter, using his strong hands to build and fix things. Mary cared for Jesus, watching Him grow from a tiny baby into a toddler, just like you! They lived in Egypt for a while, waiting for another message from God.
A Sad Time Back Home
But what about that bad King Herod? While Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were safe in Egypt, King Herod was very angry because he couldn't find Jesus. He did a very, very sad thing. He sent his soldiers to Bethlehem and the areas around it and told them to hurt all the little baby boys who were two years old and younger. Why did he do this? He was scared that this new baby king, Jesus, would take his place. Can you believe how mean he was?
This made many mothers and fathers in Bethlehem cry very much. It was a terrible time. It reminds us that even in Bible times, there were sometimes sad and hard things that happened. But God always watched over His special people.
Time to Go Home
After some time, when King Herod had died, another angel appeared to Joseph in a dream in Egypt. The angel said, "Joseph, you can go home now. The bad king is gone, and it is safe for baby Jesus."
So, Joseph, Mary, and now a slightly older Jesus packed up their things again. They made another long journey, not back to Bethlehem, but to a town called Nazareth in Galilee. This was their new home, and Jesus grew up there, learning and playing, just like you are doing now.
God's Wonderful Plan
This story shows us how God always takes care of His children. Even when things are scary or hard, He has a plan, and He protects those He loves. Joseph and Mary trusted God, and because of their obedience, Baby Jesus was kept safe to grow up and one day save the world! Isn't that amazing?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did King Herod want to hurt baby Jesus?
A: King Herod was a very powerful ruler. He was afraid that Baby Jesus, who was called the "King of the Jews," would grow up and take his throne. He wanted to be the only king!
Q: How long did they stay in Egypt?
A: The Bible doesn't say exactly how long, but it was long enough for Herod to die. Many scholars believe it was for a few years - maybe 3 years and 5 months.
Q: Did other people live in Egypt from Israel?
A: Yes! There were many Jewish people living in Egypt at that time. It wasn't uncommon for people to travel and live in different lands for work or safety. This made it easier for Joseph and Mary to find a place to fit in.
Q: Was it hard for families to travel in those days?
A: Yes, very hard! There were no paved roads, no cars, and often dangers like robbers or wild animals. Journeys were long and challenging, and people relied on donkeys, camels, or their own two feet.
So, my friends, the story of Baby Jesus’s flight to Egypt is a wonderful adventure! It teaches us about courage, faith, and God’s loving protection. Just like Joseph and Mary trusted God, we can trust Him too, knowing that He watches over us always. What a great story about a special family and a very special baby!
Call to Action
What part of the story did you like the most? Talk to your family about it! You can also draw a picture of Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on their journey.
Brown, R. E. (1993). The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in Matthew and Luke. Doubleday.
Keener, C. S. (1999).A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Schipper, F. (2009). Egypt and the Bible. In M. Zohary (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (Vol. 1, pp. 452-456). Oxford University Press. (This reference would support the presence of Jewish communities in Egypt).
Wright, N. T. (1992).Christian Origins and the Question of God, Vol. 1: The New Testament and the People of God. Fortress Press. (This reference could support understanding the social and historical context of ancient Israel).
