Parents' Guide to

Harold and the Purple Crayon

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Imagination reigns in timeless classic about drawing boy.

Book Crockett Johnson Picture Book 1955
Harold and the Purple Crayon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 2+

Based on 2 parent reviews

AkiraKing1408
AkiraKing1408 Adult
February 27, 2019
age 2+

i watched/ read this with my mom when I was a child.

i watched/ read this with my mom when I was a child. This made us really happy, still does.
SheSpeeds
SheSpeeds Parent of 6-year-old
April 23, 2013
age 2+

Classic favorite of mine.

I love imagination it offers with it's simple images and creative adventures. I recall as a child getting a roll of paper and making my own "Harold" adventures. My kids like to list of nine of their favorite kinds of pie to contribute to the story line.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Harold is a little boy who always has his purple crayon with him. He decides to go for a walk in the moonlight, but there's no moon, so he draws a crescent one, and draws a straight path to walk on so he won't get lost. The moon goes with him as he walks. He draws an apple tree, and a dragon to guard it, and so on, creating settings, situations (a picnic full of pies), and transportation (a boat, a hot air balloon) as the need or whim arises. He draws windows, hoping to find his own window. Then he finally remembers his own window \"is always right around the moon.\" So he draws a window around the moon above him, then draws his bed, hops in, draws up the covers, drops the crayon and drops off to sleep.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is a timeless story that has been a hit with young readers since it was first published in 1955. It's simple enough to delight a toddler and clever enough for parents to enjoy as a whimsical celebration of endless, spontaneous creativity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Harold and the Purple Crayon has been loved by kids for generations. What makes it so appealing?

  • Can you imagine drawing yourself out of a dangerous situation? What would you draw if a dragon were chasing you?

  • If you've seen the app version of Harold and the Purple Crayon, how do you think it compares with the book? Which do you like better?

Book Details

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