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Harold and the Purple Crayon

by Crockett Johnson Publisher: HARPERCOLLINS

Critically Recognized
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A world drawn one line at a time

$13.79 USD
$22.99 USD $13.79 USD
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Paperback New English

Format

Print BookAvailable Hardcover $18.74 USD$31.24 USD
Print BookCurrently viewing Paperback $13.79 USD$22.99 USD
Print BookAvailable Other $12.56 USD$20.94 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Editorial selection

    The Atlantic’s 65 Essential Children's Books Selection (2025)

    Selected as one of The Atlantic’s 65 Essential Children's Books in 2025.

  • Critical praise

    Praise from Chris Van Allsburg: “A satisfying artistic triumph”

    Chris Van Allsburg praised the book as “A satisfying artistic triumph.”

AlbakiReads Editorial

A world drawn one line at a time

On a moonlit walk, Harold uses an oversized purple crayon to draw the landscape around him. Woods, seas, and dragons become part of a journey that ends with him safely back in bed. The book’s central idea is easy to grasp: drawing is not just decoration here, but the means by which Harold creates his surroundings and moves through them. Its picture-book structure links imaginative invention with a familiar bedtime return, making creativity the story’s defining subject.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • A picture-book choice for children ages 4–8.
  • For families and educators looking for a story about drawing and imagination.
  • Suitable for shared reading around bedtime.

Themes

Imagination and creativityDrawing as a way to shape a worldBedtime and returning home

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview


From beloved children's book creator Crockett Johnson comes the timeless classic Harold and the Purple Crayon! This imagination-sparking picture book belongs on every child's bookshelf.

One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement.

Harold and his trusty crayon travel through woods and across seas and past dragons before returning to bed, safe and sound. Full of funny twists and surprises, this charming story shows just how far your imagination can take you.

"A satisfying artistic triumph." --Chris Van Allsburg, author-illustrator of The Polar Express

Share this classic as a birthday, baby shower, or graduation gift!

An Atlantic 65 Essential Children's Books Selection, 2025

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

E
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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
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Olivia

Smooth.