Harold and the Purple Crayon

Every child should be encouraged and given the opportunity to use their imagination. Harold and the Purple Crayon written by Crockett Johnson is a book that does just that. This simple piece introduces a young boy, his purple crayon, and a boundless imagination. 

With his purple crayon, Harold embarks on many self-created adventures until he grows wearisome and decides to go home. Sadly, Harold cannot find his bedroom window. Luckily, amidst his inventiveness and alongside his purple crayon, Harold skillfully draws himself safe and sound in his bed.

In the end, Harold’s creativity brings the text to life and becomes the purpose for the narrative. Johnson uses simple child-like illustrations mainly of the purple color to create a world of wonder. In exposing children to this picture book they are able to see that sometimes a little imagination can go a long way. 

Reader Response Questions

1. If you could draw something that came to life what would you draw?

2. Do you think the title fits this book? Why or why not?

3. What is the most important word in this book? Explain.

Motivational Activities

1. Give each child a purple crayon and a blank sheet of paper and allow them to create their own masterpiece. These can then be displayed in the classroom.

 2. Go on a color walk. Pair the children with a buddy, give each group a clipboard and assign them a particular color. Each group will then observe and log any items they saw with that particular color. 

3. Give each child pieces of purple yarn and a white sheet of paper. Using glue the students can create pictures with the yarn.  

"Crokett Johnson"

October 20, 1906 - July 11, 1975

Leisk wrote under the name "Crockett Johnson" because, he said, "Crockett is my childhood nickname. My real name is David Johnson Leisk. Leisk was too hard to pronounce -- so -- I am now Crockett Johnson!" (Hopkins 124). According to the Third Book of Junior Authors (1972), he was "six feet tall, tan, husky, and blue-eyed" (153). Like Barnaby and Harold (his two most famous characters), Johnson was bald. Referring to his hairless head, he once remarked, "I draw people without hair because it's so much easier! Besides, to me, people with hair look funny" (Hopkins 121).

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