03.16.07

As a kid, I loved to color.  I had a special marker set and folder with my "portfolio" of pictures. Needless to say, I have been anxiously awaiting the time when my older son would be ready to start coloring too. I tested his readiness several times…1) At 12 months he threw the crayon on the floor, 2) At 18 months he teethed on the crayon, and 3) At 20 months he put the crayon in the back of his dump truck.  What did I learn from all of his actions? I learned that he still wasn't ready to color, that he would most certainly try to stick the object in his mouth or nose, and that it would be a real mess. My mission…search Crayola's website for the perfect "starter" marker. What I discovered was pure genius. First, I must give a sincere THANK YOU to all those parents and grandparents who demanded a solution for the scribbles and a smiley face permanently embossed on their kitchen tables and walls…the Crayola Color Wonder markers and paper.

Let me tell you about this FANTASTIC product. The Crayola Color Wonder markers are made of a unique ink, developed by Crayola scientists, that only appears on the special Color Wonder paper. The ink is clear and will not stain fingers, counter tops, the family pet, etc. Once contact is made on the paper, the same brilliant Crayola colors magically appear! The Crayola Color Wonder set I bought came with an adorable spiral bound coloring book and set of 8 markers. The coloring book is filled with wonderful images, from a duck to a frog to a cow. Often times my son will reach for his "Noh buk" without any interest in the markers, just to recite the names of all his animal friends.

So what happened the first time my son used the Color Wonder markers and paper? He loved it! I actually cried watching him hold a marker between his fingers, since I realized what a big step this was for him. Though he was a little confused at first, he quickly understood the "point goes on the paper" and began drawing lines. This is now a daily ritual for us…and one that I adore. We sit at the counter with our Color Wonder markers, "noh buk", and stickers, while we have a morning snack. 

Crayola's website is filled with wonderful ideas to inspire parents and children to be more creative and have fun!  Our "next step" will be the Color Wonder Finger Paints. Visit Crayola to find the "next step" for your little one!