Module 1/SLIS 5420/June 7-13
Bibliography
Johnson, C. (1955). Harold and the Purple Crayon.
United States: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0-06-022935-7
Summary
Harold, armed with a purple crayon and a big imagination, goes on an adventure in the moonlight. After seemingly scribbling on blank pages, Harold gets an idea - wouldn't it be great to take a walk under the moon? And, so he grabs his trusty, and quite magical crayon, and draws the moon just above his head. As Harold imagines new and exciting adventures, he also realizes that his adventures are made into reality simply by putting crayon to paper (or wall?). Harold Discovers cities, captains voyages across the sea and even curls up for a good night's sleep.
My Impressions
This was one of my favorite books as a child. What a great way to spark a child's imagination! Harold creates his own reality by simply drawing his adventures. The details in the book really shine - a little trip or slip makes Harold squiggle a little water. Looking for his own bedroom window, Harold creates and entire city! I think this book resonated with me because I always wanted to create my own adventures. This book allows kids to imagine what it would be like to be Harold with a magic crayon - but also to do just what Harold is doing - tap into their creative side and start putting crayon to paper and imagine what adventures lie ahead.
Reviews
"The current vogue in children's art books begs the cultural question: Do we look at art to learn things, or to feel things? I'd vote for feeling, and that's why the art book I most recommend is HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson (HarperCollins, paper, $4.95; ages 2 and up), which came out in 1955. To be sure, it isn't officially a children's art book, at least not by current standards; it makes no reference to Monet or water lilies, and it doesn't include a glossary where you can look up art terms like ''gouache'' or ''chiaroscuro.'' No, nothing as fancy or pedagogical as that. There's just little Harold in his pajamas, heading out on an ordinary night to draw a line that runs on forever, a line that forms a moon to light his steps and a path to walk on and nine kinds of pies to eat -- as if one well-worn, stubby crayon could allow you to dream up a whole universe. Which of course it can. There's no better art history lesson than that. " - Deborah Solomon, New York Times Book Review, May 17, 1998.
" 'One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight.' So begins this gentle story that shows just how far your imagination can take you. Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. But this is no hare-brained, impulsive flight of fantasy. Cherubic, round-headed Harold conducts his adventure with the utmost prudence, letting his imagination run free, but keeping his wits about him all the while. He takes the necessary purple-crayon precautions: drawing landmarks to ensure he won't get lost; sketching a boat when he finds himself in deep water; and creating a purple pie picnic when he feels the first pangs of hunger.
Crockett Johnson's understated tribute to the imagination was first published in 1955, and has been inspiring readers of all ages ever since. Harold's quiet but magical journey reminds us of the marvels the mind can create, and also gives us the wondrous sense that anything is possible." - Amazon.com Book Review.
Suggested Library Use
This is a great book to incorporate into and arts program. A story time with an arts theme or one that focuses on imagination through art and feelings is a great program for children between 4 and 8 years old. Children could listen to a reading of the book and then use a purple crayon to create their own story. Then, by incorporating other types of arts and crafts, children could paint, draw, write and learn how all kinds of art expands the imagination.
This is also a great book to spark a discussion about how imagination and creativity can fuel real-life adventures.
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