Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon is a 1955 children's book by Crockett Johnson intended for ages 3 and 4 grades PreK -1. This is Johnson's most popular book. It led to a series of other books, and inspired man adaptations.

This book is about how far can you take your imagination. A little boy by the name Harold takes a walk one moonlight night. Using is purple crayon to create everything he encounters along the way. He draws a forest with only one tree, a dragon who guards the apples on the tree, an ocean, a picnic, a hill a hot-air balloon and a big city. When it was time for Harold to go home he draws his own window and his own bedroom and his own bed and goes to sleep.This book also illustrates the meaning of resourcefulness.

This book is a popular tale of fantasy showing the wonders of the human imagination in the travels of a young boy and his purple crayon. This book shows the reader how they can use their own creative talents in the world around them. This could also could inspire children's self-esteem. This book is also a good example of story sequencing. 

This book is very enjoyable for children because of the illustration. This book give children a chance to know what it means to be real, and how one gives object the power of reality. The author states that purple is the color of adventure. This is also a boo that shows very deep meaning of reality and fantasy.  Also this book is simple enough to delight a toddler and clever enough for parents to enjoy as spontaneous creativity. 

Discussion Questions:

• Why did Harold take his big purple crayon?
• Why is Harold so tired?
• How many trees are in the forest that Harold draws and why does he draw this many?
• What does Harold draws for himself that he believes he needs?
• What does Harold draw to help him in the ocean

Motivational Activity:

Have the students make sequence picture cards that goes along with the illustrate in the story. Make sure the children are listening very carefully because they would have to match the words to the picture in a line in sequential order. This will allow students to gain comprehension, improve listening skills, and interact with the story. This activity is very informational because it allows for children to use illustrations to figure out words they have difficult reading.  

If you liked this book, check out some others written by Crockett Johnson

• The Blue Ribbon Puppies
• Bernadine Cook, The Little Fish That Got Away
• Harold series of books 
•  Barnaby
• Will Spring Be Early? or Will Spring Be Late?

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