A Broken Crayon

By Pantovisco
Published 20th March 2024

Excerpted from the book belly band

"Nothing is more precious than time together with your favorite people."
We adults live with unconsciously accepted values and stereotypes in our minds.
Staying true to these ideas could blind you to something really important.
Hopefully, this book will inspire you to spend better quality time with your child.

Comment from the author

The story in this picture book is based on my real experience.
It happened when I was drawing pictures with a child of my acquaintance.
The child was using a red crayon, so I asked her, "Can I borrow your red crayon when you are done with it?" Then suddenly, She snapped the crayon in half with a smile and gave one half to me, saying "Now, both of us can use the crayon."
I was surprised to see that happen, and the first thing that occurred to me was that the broken crayon might put me in trouble with her mother. Then, I came to realize one thing:
It is taken for granted that adults should follow social norms, such as "use things with care, don't break them," but this girl must have prioritized spending time coloring with someone over an inanimate object.
That was a new feeling for me as an adult.
As we age, we are able to live efficiently with increased experience and knowledge.
We, however, might have some important things left behind in the course of growing up.
I have put in the story this awareness that I accidentally gained from the girl.
This is a book I want you to read not only with your child, but also with people important to you, such as your family members, partners, and friends.
Author: Pantovisco