Module 2: Harold and the Purple Crayon

Bibliography

Johnson, C. (1955). Harold and the purple crayon. New York, NY: Harper & Row

Book Summary:

Harold decides one night that he is going to go on a walk in the moonlight, and embarks on the biggest adventure of his life. By using his imagination, Harold and his trusty, oversized purple crayon, create a world made into reality by drawing. What started with a path to walk in the moonlight quickly becomes a road with apple trees, dragons, buildings with many windows and much more. As Harold grows more lost in his drawings, he realizes he wants nothing more that to find his way back to his very own bed. With some help from some drawn friends along the way, Harold eventually finds his way home.

My Thoughts:

This book was definitely in my house growing up as it was my mother’s favorite book from childhood. Even though it was available, I never really read it much, and couldn’t remember the story so I decided to read it for a review. What I learned from the book is that a child’s imagination is incredibly creative and knows no limits. Harold is an admirable character, and makes an adventure for himself simply by drawing one. It also tugged on my heartstrings because no matter how far away Harold went, all he wanted to do was be safe and at home in his own bed.

Professional Reviews:

*A clever little volume and pint sized- like Harold- contains the story of how he drew himself all over the place one evening with his purple crayon. Deciding to go for a walk in the moonlight, Harold draws a moon, then a path, and starts off. Then by mistake there's an ocean, a city, and more, until Harold wants his own window again and finally hits on drawing it around the moon. Johnson's picture are purple. You'll laugh at this. Good stitches.

(1955, August 10). [Review of the book Harold and the purple crayon by Crockett Johnson]. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/crockett-johnson/harold-and-the-purple-crayon/

* One of the most famous picturebooks ever, Harold and the Purple Crayon is a paean to a child’s imagination. Pre-computer Harold exercises his with the help only of a purple crayon. His adventures are many, told on a creamy-colored page with brown print, very soft; Harold’s sleeper pajamas are outlined, the same color of the page. His head and hands have a slightly darker color for skin and his large eyes, jaunty nose, and expressive smile are characteristic of Johnson’s depictions of children. The purple line turns into trees, a boat, a moose, a balloon , a mountain and more. In simple language with a fine rhythm, Harold’s story is home-away-home, the basic plot; notably Harold finds his own way home, solving lots of problems along the way. Johnson went on to write many more Harold books; the boy always travels with (or because of?) his purple crayon. Johnson is a fascinating artist to study; his leftist political convictions brought him up against Joseph McCarthy. His wife, writer Ruth Krauss, was a frequent collaborator of her husband and collaborated with other top artists as well, such as Maurice Sendak. 

Johnson’s book is worth collecting; get it in hardback.

Allison, A. (2004). [Review of the book Harold and the purple crayon by Crockett Johnson]. Retrieved from http://childlit.sdsu.edu/reviews/r-Johnson.htm

Suggested Activities:

 Children could draw their own adventure with purple crayons in pre-made notepads, or participate in activities using only purple crayons. Story time funds could also be used to purchase large purple crayons for the children to take home with them.  

Image Source:
http://www.bookworld.com.au/book/harold-and-the-purple-crayon/10493/