Picture Books of the Past: Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson is undoubtedly one of the most loved and respected children's books from the past. Written in 1955, this book continues to be a simple yet powerful story of a young boy who has the creativity and imagination that readers, both young and old, can appreciate. Harold is a 4 year old boy who decides to go on a "moonlight" adventure one night, but after discovering that the moon is missing, he has to create his own adventures with his large purple crayon. For example, Harold draws himself a path to a forest, ocean and other exciting places, marking his journey with landmarks and assistance to keep him safe. This crayon allows him to continue on a long adventure until eventually he decides that it is time for bed and draws himself both his house and his bed.

While the story is a simple concept with very basic illustrations, it is clear that message readers can take away from the book is far more complex than Harold himself could even understand. Crockett Johnson encourages readers to create their own future and draw their destiny much like Harold did, with their own purple crayons. This is a message we can all appreciate and take to heart, even 61 years after it's original creation.

We recommend reading this book to preschool-age children and encourage independent reading for those in middle elementary. Perfect especially served as a nighttime tale, this book provides as a perfect adventure that leads to a dream-filled night’s rest. In an interactive format, this book can operate as a great starter for an art project or personal story for which individuals can determine where their own purple crayon--or pen, or marker—will take them! We enjoy this book very much and we hope you do too!

Happy Reading!

Katie & Trevor

Valentine's Day - On the Night You Were Born

In honor of Valentine's Day, I have chosen to review a book that I fell instantly and deeply in love with upon first read; a book whose meaningful message is ultimately all about love.

Nancy Tillman's magnificent picture book, On the Night You Were Born, extols the jubilant celebration of a child's birth, an ode to the "one and only ever you." As the news of the birth travels, sailing "high on a breeze" dolphins, polar bears, and ladybugs rejoice, "...dancing all night..." Tillman's prose, which reads like a softly whispered song, manages to avoid ever feeling contrived or sappy. Instead, authenticity and eminence is woven seamlessly throughout the melodic text, clearly expressing the book's ultimate message, "you are loved" in the most magnificent of ways.

On the Night You Were Born excels not only at delivering a beautifully written poem. Each turn of the page reveals Tillman's radiant and richly colored illustrations. Every painted picture radiates a golden tinged exuberance, featuring an ever-present moon (complete with a smiling face), musical notes, and the occasional hidden message. Tillman's rendering of polar bears, giraffes, and birds contrast beautifully against the night's navy sky - creating a visually dramatic setting for this extraordinary night.


This book is the ultimate bed time story. Every child should read, or be read, this book over and over again until they know undoubtedly how special and loved they truly are. Children will be enchanted by the stunning visual imagery Tillman provides, delight at the illustration's clever details, and be rocked to sleep by the poetic, rhythmic flow of the words, all while being cloaked in the wonder of themselves, and love.

New Books Giving Old Ideas A Modern Twist

Silverlicious by Victoria Kann

Silverlicious is one of those books that grabs your attention and does not let go! This book is endearing, whimsical, imaginative, and manages to convey a positive message.

The main character, Pinkalicious loses a tooth, unfortunately for her, it is her sweet tooth. After writing a note to the Tooth Fairy, Pinkalicious wakes up to find responses from various holiday characters: Cupid and the Easter bunny just to name a few.

I will not spoil the ending, but can tell you that Silverlicious is a wonderful book that shows young readers being sweet is a reward in itself !

Marvelous Picture Books

Greetings current students and former students of the study of Children's Literature! I believe that anyone who has ever taken a class with me has fallen in love with Mem Fox and her marvelous picture book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. I start every first class of the semester reading the book and asking my students what they would put in their own baskets.


I am so fortunate to include Mem as a friend. We were once a young author and a young professor! We think that is was about 25 years ago when we first met, but I am not sharing that photo with you. Late in June, we reunited and Mem claims we look a lot better now!

Please be sure to check out Mem's wonderful website www.memfox.com. It is the BEST author website I have seen. I remember when Mem visited Nashville 25 years ago, a child told her that Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge was his favorite book. Mem asked him how old he was. "Six," he replied. And Mem's response? "Great. I wrote the book for people between the ages of three and 93....and six is in there!"
The same applies to her website. I have shared it with people between the ages 3-80 (will continue looking for the 93 year old). So I know that you will enjoy her website as well!


Happy Reading!  Ann