Bella and I wish a very Happy Book Birthday to Gurple and Preen written by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi! Below is my review I originally shared on It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? on 6/8/20. Special thanks to Debbie Ridpath Ohi for sharing a F & G with my #bookexcursion group.
Robots Gurple and Preen crash-land on a planet which results in a damaged ship with crayons scattered everywhere. Without the right resources, a distressed Gurple thinks the ship is unrepairable while an enterprising Preen has a different outlook. When Gurple breaks a crayon which results in a tablecloth, Preen uses it as a tool to wrap the scattered crayons into groups. Each time Gurple is discouraged by what emerges out of a broken crayon, Preen shows its utility which ultimately fixes the ship. An astonished Gurple’s eyes and mind are open to a different way of thinking.
Gurple and Preen answers the question-What can you do with a broken crayon? You can not only create imaginative artwork but you also can also tell a captivating story. What I love about the story is it teaches kids valuable skills such as resourcefulness, creativity, and problem solving.
Beagles & Books 