Finding Magic in Simple Moments: A Review of Harold and the Purple Crayon
As a mom, I often find myself caught in a whirlwind of bedtime battles and the chaotic dance of toddler tantrums. One such evening, after an especially long day, I plopped onto the couch with my two little ones, searching for a book that promised a delightful escape. That’s when I reached for Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. Little did I know, it would become an instant classic in our home.
This 1955 gem whisks readers away with Harold, an adventurous four-year-old armed with nothing but a purple crayon. The story begins with Harold yearning for a moonlit stroll, but without a moon in sight, he simply draws one! As a parent, I found so much of Harold’s imagination mirroring my children’s, who constantly transform the most mundane objects into awe-inspiring adventures.
Harold’s journey proceeds through beautifully simple scenarios, as he creates paths, landscapes, and even encounters a whimsical array of characters—all with the stroke of his crayon. My kids particularly loved the moment Harold draws his dinner when he feels hungry, and suddenly, a feast appears! This sparked giggles and endless questions about what they would draw if they could conjure up their dinner.
The real magic of Harold and the Purple Crayon lies in its illustrations. The simplicity of the drawings—just crayon lines against a blank background—allows children to fill the space with their own imaginations. My youngest whispered, “I want to do that too!” And there it was: a spark of creativity ignited.
As we read, I noticed that the rhythmic, almost lyrical style of Johnson’s writing made it an enjoyable read-aloud experience. My children were glued to the pages, their eyes wide in wonder as we navigated Harold’s adventures together. Together, we laughed at the charming scenarios that unfolded—who knew drawing a dragon could be so silly yet so scary? One favorite scene was when Harold drew a boat and sailed across the ocean; my daughter squealed, “Can I be a pirate next?”
Harold and the Purple Crayon is so much more than just a story; it’s an invitation for young readers to explore their creativity and engage in imaginative play. I found myself reminiscing about how simple yet profound childhood can be, and it reminded me to cherish these fleeting moments of wonder.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to parents of preschoolers and early elementary kiddos. Whether your child is an aspiring artist or just beginning to tap into their imaginative side, Harold and the Purple Crayon will resonate with their sense of adventure. It’s not a one-time read for us; it has earned a permanent spot on our nightstand, a book we’ll return to time and time again.
Ultimately, Harold and the Purple Crayon touches the child in all of us, reminding us that our imaginations hold the power to create worlds beyond our wildest dreams. As a mom, I couldn’t ask for more than to inspire my children to keep drawing their own adventures, one crayon stroke at a time.
Check out Harold and the Purple Crayon (Harold, #1) on Goodreads >>
