Harold and the Purple Crayon: A re-review of the book that made me love reading in the first place
I can’t believe I’m late for posting to my own challenge. I’d say that’s pretty indicative of how crazy my life has been lately, well okay, always. Anyhoo, better late than never; it’s time for my review of Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson.
Harold and the Purple Crayon has had a tremendous impact on my life. I mean, it says it right there in my bio:
And you can clearly see that I made our friend Harold the mascot for the Books that made me love reading challenge. Oh, and I’ve listed its author, Crockett Johnson, as one of my greatest influences on my GoodReads author profile. So I thought I’d honor his story and give Harold the premo review spot in this challenge—the month of January (even if it’s already February).
Let’s start with the description from GoodReads as so many bloggers like to do:
That is exciting! I mean, c’mon a precocious, round-headed child takes flights of fancies in his PJs with his favorite—not necessarily gender appropriate—colored crayon. It has all the makings of a classic!
As I visited this old friend for the first time in years upon years, I was awed by just the extent to which it has impacted my life. It taught me the importance of making your own way in the world but always ensuring you can find your way back to the place where you feel safe and happy. It taught me that imagination can truly take you anywhere and there is always a solution to any problem if you slap on your creative thinking cap…
It also taught me that pie is delicious, and it’s okay to eat 9 kinds of pie at once as long as you save some for “a very hungry moose and a deserving porcupine to finish up.”
If/ when I have children of my own, I won’t mind reading Harold and the Purple Crayon to them over and over again for many nights on end. Thank you, old friend, for all your lessons and the countless hours of enjoyment.
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This is my favorite part of your review “It taught me the importance of making your own way in the world but always ensuring you can find your way back to the place where you feel safe and happy.” It struck a cord with me. I can’t help but relate. I can’t believe this is the first time I am hearing of this book. I will definitely have to have a go at it sometime this year….
Oh yes, you must! It’s a quick and simple read, being that it’s a children’s picture book, but I really loved it (obviously look at the challenge badge).
I am also surprised I hadn’t heard of the book before. It sounds absolutely wonderful and clearly has a poignant message while also being age-appropriate. If I had children I would hope to read it a thousand times over with them.
You should read it anyway. It’s fun and takes like 4 minutes