Crayons are a classic staple of childhood and often make appearances in TV shows and movies aimed at kids. While many shows may feature crayons in minor roles, there are a few where crayons play a more central part to the plot or theme. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable shows that prominently feature crayons.
Blue’s Clues
One of the most iconic shows featuring crayons is Blue’s Clues. This classic Nickelodeon show from the 1990s follows host Steve and his animated puppy Blue as they solve mysteries and clues around the house. Crayons are routinely used by Steve in many episodes to draw clues, play games, and bring imaginative stories to life. Specific crayon characters like Magenta and Green Puppy are featured prominently in the show. The opening sequence even shows an animated green crayon writing out the show’s logo and title.
Dora the Explorer
In the beloved educational cartoon Dora the Explorer, the character Boots the Monkey is almost always seen with his beloved red crayon, which he uses to draw objects or places that Dora asks him to. Crayons are seen being used creatively throughout the show and are a key part of many plot lines and songs. Boots cherishes his crayon as his favorite possession, representing how crayons can spark creativity and imagination in kids.
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
This 1999 movie features the popular Sesame Street character Elmo. The main conflict revolves around Elmo’s quest into Grouchland to retrieve his beloved blue blanket. However, along the way, Elmo uses a crayon to draw a picture of his blanket to prove the blanket is his when questioned by the villainous Huxley. This emphasizes the uniqueness and sentimental value crayons can have for kids.
The Electric Company
This PBS educational series featured stories and skits to help kids with literacy skills. In many segments, crayons were used creatively to spark storytelling and imaginative play. Characters would often break into song about the colors or uses of crayons. One regular crayon character named “Little C” was even part of the show’s main cast. The show emphasized crayons as an essential tool to unlock kids’ creative expression.
Mister Rogers Neighborhood
The classic children’s show Mister Rogers Neighborhood featured host Fred Rogers guiding kids through Important life lessons and themes. In the cherished 1981 episode “Mister Rogers Goes to School,” Mister Rogers sings a song called “Picture Song” about using crayons to draw pictures. He is seen coloring with crayons throughout the episode. This highlighted how crayons can be used for artistic learning and expression.
Other Notable Mentions
Beyond these shows, crayons have made memorable appearances in many other children’s programs over the years. Here are some other noteworthy shows and movies featuring crayons:
- Barney & Friends – Barney and BJ are often seen drawing with crayons.
- Sesame Street – Big Bird, Elmo, and others use crayons in multiple episodes.
- Arthur – The characters frequently color with crayons both at home and in school.
- Caillou – Caillou loves to draw with crayons and share his colorful creations.
- Toy Story – Andy often is depicted coloring with crayons, especially in the first film.
- Inside Out – One poignant scene shows Joy discovering gloomy Sadness added her own unique colorful details to Riley’s drawing.
Why Crayons Appeal to Kids’ Shows
Given how frequently crayons pop up across kids’ television, there are clearly some specific reasons they tend to be featured. Here are some of the main appeals of crayons that make them a common sight in children’s programming:
- Creativity – Crayons allow kids to freely express themselves creatively in color and art.
- Imagination – Coloring often involves imaginary stories and worlds brought to life.
- Learning – Using crayons helps develop motor skills and color/shape recognition.
- Emotion – Choosing colors and drawing can be an outlet for emotions and moods.
- Comfort – Familiarity with crayons makes them a source of comfort and security for kids.
These developmental and emotional benefits explain why crayons are embedded into so many shows aiming to help kids grow and learn through entertainment.
Memorable Crayon Moments from Kids’ TV
Over decades of children’s television, crayons have played key roles in some especially iconic and memorable moments. Here are some of the most classic crayon scenes that have stuck with generations of kids:
- Magenta reveals herself as a drawing that came to life, Blue’s Clues
- Boots proudly shows his beloved red crayon to Dora, Dora the Explorer
- Elmo draws a picture of his cherished blue blanket, Elmo in Grouchland
- Barney and friends sing the “Rainbow Song” while coloring with crayons
- Caillou colors a “masterpiece” for his mom’s fridge
- Riley and Joy discover Sadness added touching details to Riley’s drawing, Inside Out
These moments and many more Capture the special role crayons have played in cherished films and shows from our childhoods. They show why crayons remain an iconic staple of kids’ programming to this day.
Notable Crayon Characters on Kids’ TV
Not only do regular crayons make frequent appearances, but some children’s shows have even featured specific anthropomorphized crayon characters as part of their main cast. Here are some of the most memorable crayon characters from kids’ shows over the years:
| Character | Show | Personality |
|---|---|---|
| Magenta Crayon | Blue’s Clues | Intelligent, wise, creative |
| Little C | The Electric Company | Adventurous, fun, imaginative |
| Green Puppy | Blue’s Clues | Playful, energetic, loyal |
| Yellow Face | The Crayon Box | Funny, silly, insecure |
| Tickle Me Pink | The Crayon Box | Feminine, sweet, nurturing |
These crayon characters added unique personalities and memorable stories to their respective shows, often acting as friends, mentors, and guides for kid viewers.
Crayon Episode Plots in Kids’ TV
In addition to featuring prominent crayon characters, some children’s shows have even based entire episodes around crayon-related plots and themes. Here are some examples of memorable crayon episodes from kids’ shows:
- Blue’s Clues – “Colors Everywhere!” has Blue and Steve using crayons to find examples of colors around the house.
- Dora the Explorer – “A Color Adventure” follows Boots as his crayon helps Dora find the right colors to fix a rainbow.
- Caillou – In “Caillou the Artist,” Caillou is upset when a box of crayons breaks but then turns it into art by gluing the crayons into a colorful collage.
- Little Bill – “The Crayon Box” teaches Little Bill to share his crayons with others after he doesn’t let his friend Alice use them.
- Cyberchase – “Ecohaven CSE” involves the characters using crayons to create their ideal sustainable city.
Focusing whole episodes around crayon themes allows kids’ shows to dive deeper into developing creativity, problem-solving, emotional skills, and imagination in their young audiences.
The Enduring Popularity of Crayons in Kids’ Media
From classic shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and Sesame Street to modern hits like Blue’s Clues & You and Dora the Explorer, crayons remain a common fixture in children’s television and movies. There are good reasons for this – crayons allow shows to model creativity, self-expression, and visual learning for developing young minds. The bright colors, versatility, and familiarity of crayons appeal strongly to kids’ imaginations and emotions. That’s why crayons continue to color kids’ media landscapes decade after decade. Their legacy remains etched indelibly like a scribbled rainbow across generations of childhood memories.
