Harold and the Purple Crayon (Purple Crayon Books)

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   「あるばん、ハロルドはふっとつきよのさんぽがしたくなった」こんなふうに始まる優しいものがたり。子どもの想像力の奥深さを教えてくれる。大きな紫のくれよんを持って、美しさと冒険に満ちた世界へ入っていくハロルド。だが、本書は、ただとっぴで衝動的に飛躍する空想ものがたりではない。丸顔のかわらしいハロルドは、慎重に、それでいて大胆に想像力を働かせて冒険を進めていく。気転をきかせることも忘れない。迷わないように目印を描いたり、うみにしずんだときはボートを描いたり、おなかがすけば紫のパイを描いたりと、紫のくれよんが大活躍する。

   子どもの想像力のすばらしさを静かに謳ったクロケット・ジョンソンの作品『Harold and the Purple Crayon』（邦題『はろるどとむらさきのくれよん』）は1955年刊行。以来、あらゆる年代の読者たちをとりこにしてきた。ハロルドの静かだけれども不思議な旅は、想像力の生み出す奇跡を思い出させてくれると同時に、どんなことでもできるんだという驚くような自信を与えてくれる。

Product Description

One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...

And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. The creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations, as page by page unfolds the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon.

Amazon.com Review

"One night, after thinking it over for some time, Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight." So begins this gentle story that shows just how far your imagination can take you. Armed only with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of beauty and excitement. But this is no hare-brained, impulsive flight of fantasy. Cherubic, round-headed Harold conducts his adventure with the utmost prudence, letting his imagination run free, but keeping his wits about him all the while. He takes the necessary purple-crayon precautions: drawing landmarks to ensure he won't get lost; sketching a boat when he finds himself in deep water; and creating a purple pie picnic when he feels the first pangs of hunger.

Crockett Johnson's understated tribute to the imagination was first published in 1955, and has been inspiring readers of all ages ever since. Harold's quiet but magical journey reminds us of the marvels the mind can create, and also gives us the wondrous sense that anything is possible. (Ages 4 to 8)