I still like buying actual, physical books. Last year, I went searching for an unusual book and stumbled upon a great online used book store: ABE Books. They sell unique, rare and collectible books as well as popular titles, too. And I’m not sure why I’m telling you that… Ah, yes, now I remember. Since I’ve been a customer, they send emails with suggestions for books I might enjoy. In one of their recent advertisements, they featured a children’s book author/illustrator and it had me reminiscing about books I loved as a child.
Do you remember Harold and the Purple Crayon? I’m not sure if its still popular. Not having kids prevents you from being up on these kind of things. “Harold” might be the first book I was obsessed with. And of course it’s about escaping into another world – one Harold creates himself. It seems like that recurring dream had an early start in my life! Here is the story of Harold and the Purple Crayon:
Header image via TV Tropes.
I’m not familiar with this one, and we didn’t have it for our boys when they were little. Looks like one they would’ve enjoyed though. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always been a favorite. And the idea of drawing your own little world and escaping into it? Perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No doubt. Kinda wish I had that purple crayon as an adult! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! 💜😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t remember this one but I think its a great tribute to a time when children used their minds for fun instead of the computer or iPad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Very good point. i wonder what sort of consequences it will have on this generation….
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Kat's Review and commented:
I never heard tis story as a kid, but it is cute. What is the first story youo can remember from when you were a child? Mine was “Misty of Chincoteauge”. My mother and I wore the cover off of it. I think I’ll see if I can find a copy of it at the online used book store! Please post your favortes in the comments. I’d like to share them on Twitter.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for the reblog Kat! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I love the idea of escaping into your own world of imagination. As an only child growing up, I did a lot of that!
LikeLike
My first favorite book was “Misty of Chincoteague” by Margaret Henry. It was a smaller version of just learning to read kids than the middle age version. I wore the cover off it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s wonderful! I am not familiar with that one but I’m guessing Misty is a horse. A story that sticks with you all your life truly is special!
LikeLike
How did you guess horses? Yes, it is about the wild ponies that live on the sister island, Assateague
Island.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I live in the Mid Atlantic. Philadelphia suburbs, so I’m familiar with that part of the coast!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too need to feel a physical book in my hand. And I never saw Harold. Thanks for introducing me to this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a wonderful, fanciful tale. Have a great weekend, Drew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a good one for little kids. I do remember Herald. I had the same teacher for grades 1,2,3, and she always had story tine each day. While grade 3 was more about small chapter books, in grade 1 Mrs. Alarie did read the his one, and I read for my cousins when they were small.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! That’s wonderful! You are the first one who remembers this story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe yes, it’s a good one. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never heard or seen, but I enjoyed the story….and want a Purple Crayon myself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked it. I loved this as a kid and it stayed with me all this time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be some super power to have wouldn’t it? Drawing your own adventures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember Harold and his purple crayon. I loved him and Curious George and other creative characters. Books have always been my escape, when I’m not traveling, of course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! It’s truly a great escape!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mention this book in the first line of my ‘about’ page! My kids liked it when they were younger… but I may have made them get sick of it. We have it, of course, and I think I read it to them a hundred times… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! It’s my favorite! Who wouldn’t want to be able to create their own world and escape into it? Sign me up!
LikeLike
By the way… I have several purple crayons but they don’t work. 😒 Now I have to wash the walls… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? Ehhhhhh… 😧
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for this post! I have always had the dimmest memory of loving a book about a toddler with a purple crayon but I’ve never tried to chase it up. What a wonderful trip down memory lane. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Harold was and remains one of my favorite stories!
LikeLike