Remember that scene in The Graduate, in which Mr. McGuire pulls Benjamin (played by a young Dustin Hoffman) aside to give him some life advice?

Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word

Benjamin: Yes, sir.

Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?

Benjamin: Yes, I am.

Mr. McGuire: Plastics.

Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean?

Mr. McGuire: There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?

My father-in-law, having read about a global colored-pencil shortage, has taken on the same demeanor. But when he pulls me aside, it isn’t “plastics.” Instead, it’s…

“Coloring books.”

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