Things you might not know about the famous children’s book “Harold and the Purple Crayon”

 Some trivia from one of the best children’s books of all time, Crockett Johnson’s “Harold and the Purple Crayon”

It is said that the best children’s books always speak of something much greater in the guise of fun and immature. Some writers have excelled in it like Lewis Carroll and Crockett Johnson in his world-famous “Harold and the Purple Crayon. This illustrated book was published in 1955 which garbs the complex philosophy with fun and fantasy. The book is based on a boy named Harold who set out for a stroll on a moonlit night without any moon! So, in absence of the moon, he takes his giant purple crayon and draws his own with help of his purple crayon. Whenever he encounters some trouble, he drew things and found his way out of the troubles. And finally, at last, he makes his way to the safety of his own house and bed. While the younger audience enjoys the adventure of young Harold and as they grow older, they can see the depth of philosophy. Here are some things you might not know about Harold and the Purple Crayon.

Crockett Johnson was a comic strip artist

The real name of the writer of this series is not Crockett Johnson, his name was David Johnson Leisk. After graduating, Johnson took on many odd jobs before writing a comic strip in 1942. He stopped writing this comic strip in 1946 but still retained the post of story consultant and even returned to draw his final comic strip in 1952.

The book got a really cold response from the editor at first

When Johnson went to Harper & Row with the original manuscript, he got a mean and cold response from the children’s book editor named Ursula Nordstrom. She very passive-aggressively conveyed to Johnson that his book is not worth anyone’s time. But she changed her mind quickly and agreed to publish the book that is so successful that it has not been out of print ever since.

Maurice Sendak was a huge admirer of Harold and the Purple Crayon

Famous author Maurice Sendak was a big admirer of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Sendak also was an apprentice under Johnson and spent many weekends at their home at Long Island home. Sendak also collaborated with Johnson on several books before writing his masterpiece.

So, have you read this legendary children’s book?