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