Harold and the Purple Crayon
"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." —Carl Sagan, Cosmos
To Begin With an Idea
Young Harold has a very clear wish. He wishes to go for a walk in the moonlight. To do so requires one little thing: a moon. So he creates the moon, and the journey may begin.
The story of Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson, is very much a story about a boy on a journey through his own imagination. But the story goes deeper than that, for it is also the story of a boy who sets out to bring an idea to life.
Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson (HarperCollins, 1955)
From the wandering scribbles of a mind in movement, Harold's wish for a walk in the moonlight provides him with clarity.
Along the Path: First Steps
He draws himself a path and takes his first steps, not knowing where they may lead them. The first steps towards any broad idea may often start out in a tentative direction, but the steps themselves are crucial for determining a proper path. As Harold continues, he finds himself not really "getting anywhere" on the path from which he has started, and so he decides to change course. This back and forth between action and reflection, surprise and response, push him along his journey in the moonlight.
As with many journeys, obstacles may abound. Even Harold's own creations sometimes catch him off guard.
And so, once again, Harold changes course. He draws a sailboat, and the moon sails along with him.
Bird's Eye View: Gaining Clarity
One of the characteristics that is quite admirable in Harold is his ability to follow through from thought to action. His introspection allows him to determine what is needed. At some point in his journey, Harold decides that he needs to gain some perspective so that he can guide his journey towards his new destination.
Harold is not immune to being overwhelmed by the obstacles along his journey.
But what is notable is how he handles the situation. He persists through his worries by drawing new opportunities; eventually he arrives to his destination, always with the moon in sight.
* Illustrations © Crockett Johnson courtesy of HarperCollins Children's Books; photographs by Iliana Gutierrez
