Review of Harold and the Purple Crayon
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson is an imaginative classic. I love how the story flows so neatly from one thing to another. For instance, Harold’s sailboat never actually moves relative to the scene, Harold simply adds land. The art itself is uncluttered crayon-style outlines, except for Harold himself, who toddles about in a plain blue sleeping bag.
Plenty of plot. Harold has a new adventure looming with each page turn. (Johnson wrote six sequels if you need more). There are also several cute word-puns in the story, which make me feel engaged as an adult. The story raises a lot of questions. Do dragons eat apples? How many kinds of pie actually exist? Why does the moon follow people wherever they wander?
Harold is safe in his room the whole time, while also running around experiencing dangerous adventures. It’s the perfect juxtaposition of adventure and safety for a toddler hero. Harold’s adventure draws a wonderful suspension of disbelief, but no matter what happens, Harold is in control. He holds the magical purple crayon that defines his world.
I need a magical purple crayon.
In short, the story is absolutely fantastic. The art is simple, but suits the story perfectly.
5 stars!
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