Harold and the Purple Crayon

July 28, 2011

If you’ve read books to children, then you’ve probably been exposed to Harold and the Purple Crayon. 

The first title in a delightful series of books written by Crockett Johnson, it shows Harold using his purple crayon to go for a walk in the moonlight. He draws his walking path, a forest and ocean to explore, and a balloon before growing tired and finding his way back home to his bed. Harold’s co-star, the purple crayon, never seems to get shorter and is always available to help Harold create his next adventure. The moon also plays a role in most of Harold’s stories.

Harold’s adventures continue in six more books written by Johnson:

• Harold’s Fairy Tale
• Harold’s Trip to the Sky
• Harold at the North Pole
• Harold’s Circus
• A Picture for Harold’s Room
• Harold’s ABC  

You can also enjoy the video version of Harold and the Purple Crayon. All of these titles can be found at MCPL.   

Harold and the Purple Crayon can also be seen on HBO. This Emmy award winning series is narrated by Sharon Stone, and is based on this classic book. Books based on this series are also available at MCPL and include:

By Liza Baker –

• Under the Sea
• Animals, Animals, Animals
• Harold Finds a Friend
• Race Car
• Dinosaur Days

By Valerie Garfield -

• The Giant Garden
• The Birthday Present

Let this lovable character take you and your child on his many imaginative journeys. You will soon be recommending this series to everyone with small children. It’s especially fun for someone who loves the color purple. Enjoy!

PS: For those of you who see a resemblance to another children’s character - the little boy from The Carrot Seed - Johnson illustrated this book for its author, Ruth Krauss, who just happened to be his wife. 

Laurel B.
Lone Jack Branch