Crayolas have been around since 1903 and in recent years Crayola products have become a very
popular collectible. Although Crayola collectors are a diverse group, they particularly
appeal to teachers and educators. Such is the case of the author, an educator and principal of a middle school in South Carolina.
Take a look at the world of color through
the eyes of a Crayola collector for over twenty years, Dr. Bonnie Rushlow.
Rushlow explores the history of the Binney & Smith Company from the early days of producing carbon black for Goodyear
to figuring out how to use waste slate to produce the blackboard crayon -- chalk.
It's always fascinating to me how or why a company might start developing a new product -- and although
crayons are easy for us to take for granted now -- it was a challenge to develop them.
Rushlow not only looks into the (fascinating) history of the company, she also has compiled hundreds of pictures
of these colorful products. Different types of Crayola items and crayons are separated by chapters -- making it easy to find
just what you are looking for. The value guide chapter at the back of the book is laid out in an excellent format.
It's very easy to read, with not only the item name and value, but also the name of manufacturer, when it was produced,
and a complete description.
If you are a collector of advertising items, can instantly conjure the smell of a fresh box
of crayons, or just like well-researched product guides, this
book will be an excellent addition to your library.
Can you tell I love this book?
~Barbara Crews
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