Review by Booklist Review
In 1955, children's author Crockett Johnson published Harold and the Purple Crayon, the story of a little boy who uses his purple crayon to create his world. Psychotherapist Ellenhorn does a deep dive into this entertaining picture book written at the peak of social conformity and finds a template for maintaining our "sacredness as original beings." He dissects the simple text and illustrations (shown at the opening of each chapter) with a philosophical twist. On the opening page, Harold draws a purple moon that accompanies him on his journey. As the child ventures out into the world of his making, Harold faces a dragon, almost drowns in the sea, and falls off a cliff. In each episode, Ellenhorn finds life lessons pointing to the need for creativity to survive in a world built on conventionality. The author praises artists like jazz musicians, innovative writers, and, yes, Harold, who are able to launch into the unknown, perform their riffs, and return home. Ellenhorn's fresh analysis works beautifully. This children's book is a classic for a variety of reasons. Now Ellenhorn's thoughtful approach turns the seemingly simple text and line drawings into a celebration of originality, creativity, and spontaneity and a guide to living more fully.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
This inspiring and thought-provoking exploration of restoring one's creativity uses Crockett Johnson's beloved 1955 children's story Harold and the Purple Crayon to offer an accessible path to revitalizing creativity. The original, whimsical illustrations introduce themes of play, hope, and self-determination. Its conversational tone safely navigates deep concerns of risk and anxiety, even as it asserts that one can turn disasters into solutions with fortitude, grit, and resilience. To wander curiously fosters imagination that molds and crafts a person's unique experience. Holding the purple crayon allows the creator to navigate life and determine their destiny. The simple concepts in the children's story are taken to new and rather spiritual depths. Satisfying creative urges serve to return an individual to who they once were and determine a path forward. As he envisions his own particular and uncommon path, Harold keeps his eye on the moon, at long last coming home. VERDICT Sociologist and psychotherapist Ellenhorn (How We Change) gently and tenderly challenges readers to view creative tendencies as art in order to feel alive inside, ultimately coming home to one's own self. Highly recommended for all public libraries.--Gloria Drake
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