Harold and the Purple Crayon (1955 original; edició 2015)

This book creeped me out as a kid, and still does as an adult. ( )

This story shows how important having a vivid imagination is for a happy life. This book is about Harold who has a purple crayon and he goes on a journey with his imagination. The illustrations are simple and the book is enduring and cute. Everything is black and white ink drawings with that one purple crayon. ( )

I absolutely loved this book when I was a kid. Our copy was at the lake, so I have memories of cozying up with my parents on the couch after a long day of playing to hear about Harold's adventures.

Harold's a little boy with a purple crayon who uses said crayon to go for a walk in the moonlight...by drawing the moon, drawing the path, and then drawing his way off the beaten path and into exciting new things. With his crayon to express his imagination, he creates places, animals, transportation, cities...and, finally, a cozy bedroom, where his crayon falls to the floor as he falls asleep. Along the way, there are clever turns of phrase--"Harold made land", "Harold made his bed", "drew up the covers"--and playful reference to the plain white background, such as Harold falling into plain, white nothing.

A great example of what a simple picture book can be: imaginatively and visually playful. Can't wait to read this one to Alina!

(I'm totally cheating by putting this on my "great world building" shelf, but hey, Harold literally builds/draws his own world!) ( )

I really liked how imaginative Harold is and the fun adventure he went on. ( )

Read with my boy. A fantastic little fantasy, well crafted and drawn. ( )