Harold and the Purple Crayon

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

Essential Picture Book Classics—timeless stories for every child to treasure.

"One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight."

Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement.

Full of funny twists and surprises, this joyful story shows just how far your imagination can take you. Harold and the Purple Crayon has delighted readers of all ages for over fifty years.

“One of the world’s most beloved children’s books.” - Horn Book

"[Harold and the Purple Crayon] is one of my favorite children’s books. I’ve read it to my kids so many times." - actress, singer, and songwriter Zooey Deschanel

The story follows straightforward toddler reasoning, and ends up playfully illustrating cause and effect. The best part of the book is that its world is built entirely by a single child, sending a message that’s charming for readers of any age: Adventure can be available to anybody who thinks to seek it. - The Atlantic 65 Essential Children's Books, 2025