When I was just a little girl I had a strong connection with a certain little boy named Harold. He was an inspiration to me. I remember riding my bike up to the library in town and take out Harold and the Purple Crayon books by Crockett Johnson. (This, of course, being back in the day when you could let your kids ride up town unattended by an adult.) I also watched him on TV.
I loved Harold because all that boy needed was a crayon and a little imagination. He was wide eyed and saw things around him in a special way (I also think he was ADD like me). He could take a blank surface and turn it into a landscape. He could go anywhere his little heart desired. And did. He had all kinds of adventures and those who dared went with him. I know I did. Harold could imagine anything. And because he could, I knew I could too!
I often think of Harold when I put my own "crayon" in my hand. Ask myself where my character is going, what do they imagine, what can't they see yet, how are they going to solve this problem, how do I get them out of that corner I wrote them into (I write them out of it!), etc.
Harold’s world was limited only by his imagination . . . and a crayon. A purple one. What color is your crayon? Here's mine.
You Are a Green Crayon |
 Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors. While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around. Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible – and you try to make others feel at ease. You’re very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows!Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you. |
Watch Harold and the Purple Crayon
Crockett Johnson Bio
Crockett Johnson’s Books: The Harold Series
Geoff Klock on Harold and his purple crayon
I wonder if most writers are green crayons:) I'm one, too. And I must admit I had a huge crush on Harold as a kid! But mostly I hung out in the historical bio section of the library - those little books of first ladies and the like for kids. Some of my happiest childhood memories were made there. Fun post, Carla! You always think of the best things:)
ReplyDeleteWhenever a purple crayon floats around, I think of Harold and want to draw. I love that book. I am a red crayon-bold!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nostalgic post! My son's getting to the age where I'm really starting to check out more and more picture books and they bring back SO many memories!!
ReplyDeletethe ones I remember the best are: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The Clifford and Curious George books. Bernstein Bears and anything by Graeme Base.
When I was older I read The Phantom Tollbooth, which took me to a whole wonderful new world of imagination!
I'm off to take that test.
Me, too, Laura! I loved visiting the library, would stay there for hours and ride home with a pile of books in the front basket (with a big flower) of my bannana-seat bike with a sissy-bar.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about historical figures, too, and as you know, still do. I also loved reading books about strange and interesting things.
I'm glad you all are getting a kick out of this post and that it's bringing back fond memories.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, banana seat bikes and flower baskets:) So glad we're the same age and have the same great memories!
ReplyDeleteVery neat! We've had some recent experience with Harold and his crayon, and I enjoyed your post. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the red crayon. It's bold, bright, and passionate. I'm not sure if that's what I actually portray.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book growing up was A BARGAIN FOR FRANCES. Just recently I put together a small scrapbook and dedicated a page to this childhood book. It turned out really cute and my kids will know in years to come how much I loved the book.
Carla, the quiz said I'm a yellow crayon, but I'd pick blue because that's my favorite color.
ReplyDeleteMy childhood inspiration was Beth in Little Women. I wanted so much to be sweet and gentle like her, although in reality I'm far more like fiery Jo tempered by Meg's cautious side.
Love the way you chose to write in purple today to make your theme stand out! Harold was an imaginative fellow! For some reason I gravitated toward the animal kingdom - Babar the elephant and Curious George the adorably cute little monkey. George was extremely imaginative and notorious for getting himself into trouble!
ReplyDeleteMy crayon turned out to be green as well! God bless you, Carla!
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ReplyDeleteThat was my Mom!
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