Description: 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. (Ages 4 to 8)
Review: PURPLE POWER : I wasn't too sure if my Kindergarten students would enjoy this story, but they were very excited about it. They were totally engaged in every page. It's a great book for teaching sequencing. I followed up the story by having each child draw in purple crayon only, their adventure. Instead of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" they put their name in the title. It gave them an opportunity to use their imagination, just as Harold had done. This 50th Anniversary story has stood the test of time.
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