Harold and the Purple Crayon: The Birthday Present
Harold and the Purple Crayon Series
on Goodreads (60)
What’s inside...
Harold and the Purple Crayon has been a favorite of children and adults since its publication in 1955. Now Harold has a new generation of fans with his TV show airing on HBO Family. These colorful illustrated readers take children on exciting new adventures with Harold and his trusty purple crayon. On a mission to find a birthday present for his mother, Harold and his purple crayon travel to a new and exciting place full of beautiful things. On his journey, Harold encounters many magical things, all created with his purple crayon.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Harold
Discussion points
How do you think Harold felt when he found the perfect birthday present?
What would you do if you had a purple crayon like Harold?
Can you think of a time when you created something special for someone you care about?
Why do you think giving presents can make both the giver and the receiver happy?
If you could draw anything right now, what would you create and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Harold by discussing times they have given or received thoughtful gifts.
Foster creativity by having crayons or colored pencils on hand, and encourage your child to draw a scene or gift they would like to give.
Use open-ended questions to help your child explore the emotions involved in the story, discussing how characters might feel and why.
Reinforce the joy of giving by sharing personal stories about meaningful gifts you've given or received.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Harold uses his purple crayon to create a vibrant world full of exciting possibilities for his birthday. His adventures emphasize the power of imagination to transform the mundane into the extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play and learning, fostering innovative thinking and problem-solving skills in everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Harold encounters various challenges that he overcomes using his crayon and quick thinking. These scenarios highlight the importance of approaching problems creatively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, whether it's during a game or in a classroom setting.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Harold's solo journey with his crayon illustrates a sense of independence and confidence, as he navigates through the adventures he creates.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of trusting their abilities and making decisions independently, promoting self-reliance.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning
Explanation: The fun Harold experiences while crafting scenarios with his crayon shows how learning and exploration can be a delightful process.
Real-World Application: This can help children see learning as an enjoyable journey, thus cultivating a lifelong love for education.
Example Lesson: Impact of Choices
Explanation: Each stroke of Harold's crayon creates a new path or solution, demonstrating that choices have outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of thoughtful decision-making in daily life.