Harold and the purple crayon age level

Busby Berkley musicals for the preschool set.

HBO Family Kids' Animation 2001

Rate TV

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.

Rate tv

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harold can sometimes find himself in frightening situations, and a child who's easily scared may be worried, even though Harold usually saves himself quickly. Things that pass with a turn of the page in the books -- like dragons and lions with too many teeth -- linger longer and appear scarier on screen.

Community Reviews

flixandchill Adult

January 25, 2021

age 3+

Fun for Kids; Sometimes Scary

A cute show that is good at entertaining little ones. My 3 year old finds it exciting and funny. It does indeed encourage creative thinking as children watch Harold come up with creatives ways for exploring ideas and getting out of tight situations. Some of his experiences are pretty intense however, and the animation can be scary. Also, one episode deals with the death of Harold's goldfish, so if you'd like to have a discussion with your child about death in your own time frame rather than have the concept introduced to them suddenly during show time, you may want to skip it or watch it with them.

What's the Story?

In HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, a clever adaptation of the 1950s picture books by author-illustrator Crockett Johnson, Harold's crayon drawings come to life or create real scenes, sometimes with unexpected results. He takes boat rides, tries to find the source of the rain, creates a circus, and has other adventures, all after a nicely predictable bedtime sequence and all ending with his return to bed. Sharon Stone narrates the stories in a soothing tone, which helps them to remain stories and eases the impact of any frightening elements.

Is It Any Good?

The series stays close in tone and appearance to Johnson's books, and this adherence to the language, stylized art, and even the cinematic style of the '50s gives it much of its charm. Each episode features a short song or two with Busby Berkeley-esque animations: synchronized Harold reflections, raindrops, or animals dancing merrily along. The entire show has the feel of an early kids' television special like The Cat in the Hat, though the songs aren't nearly as catchy -- a weakness, but at least they're short.

Because the dangers Harold faces are big (monsters, cliffs) but very quickly resolved, and because of the elements of fantasy and magic, this is a good program for kids ready to move from the tame world of preschool TV but not yet ready for real action-adventure. And a parent or even a slightly older child watching along will find much to enjoy -- and even get an occasional snicker.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

• Families can talk about how Harold never gives up and his ability to find a creative solution to any problem. Spark kids' imagination: What could Harold draw to power a boat, or reach the moon, or whatever he needs to do at that moment? Fans of the books will enjoy spotting images and situations that first appeared on the page and seeing how the book and the show differ. Which version do your kids prefer? Why?

TV Details

• Premiere date: December 1, 2001
• Cast: Connor Matheus, Sharon Stone
• Network: HBO Family
• Genre: Kids' Animation
• Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Book Characters
• TV rating: TV-G
• Last updated: October 13, 2022

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

• Magic and Fantasy

  See all

• Adventures

  See all

• Book Characters

  See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate

TOP-10 books in English for primary and secondary school students

It is very difficult to force a modern child to read! And the point here is not only in childish laziness, which often happens, but also in the fact that reading completely disappears as a leisure activity. Children get newfangled electronic gadgets, games, applications for studying a particular industry . .. In a word, it remains only to receive information in an interesting way. I don't want to stress myself out. But in vain! Parents should do everything possible to teach their child to read. Reading the classics, vocabulary will increase significantly, speech will become clearer and more harmonious. The same applies to reading literature in English. By regularly opening new pages of an interesting story, the child will learn more and more new words that will harmoniously merge into the vocabulary.

Of course, you don't need to force your child to read those books that are difficult for his age to perceive. You need to choose interesting literature that matches the interests in junior and high school. For example, most children aged 5-8 are interested in the topic of animals, magic, reincarnations. Funny books are well received. For children from 8 to 12 years old, adventure books become interesting, in which there is also a place for a fairy tale. We have prepared 10 books that will interest students of primary and secondary school age.

A series of 5 books that describe in simple English different situations in the life of two friends - Kwak and Toad. The two friends are absolute opposites. One is an optimist, the other is a pessimist. From the first lines, the book makes children fall in love with its easy manner of presentation and colorful illustrations. Life situations that are familiar to every child make you read further and further, absorbing more and more new words that will become useful in everyday life. The heroes of Kwak and Toad are close to children, so the stories are read in one breath. Frog and Toad books should be a must-have in every home with a toddler.

A book that has become a favorite story for generations. Kids love the story of Sally's cat, who often makes a terrible mess but gets away with it thanks to his friends. Such a book wins the hearts of children because it is written in a funny manner. It is very interesting to watch the cat, his antics. Each little reader sees in the image of a cat his childish pranks, his own reasoning and antics. You can offer to read this book to a child in the first grade, who already knows the elementary level of the language. Since all the action takes place in everyday home situations, the vocabulary in this industry is seriously replenished.

• " Mercy Watson" Kate Dicamillo.

What could be more fascinating than a story about a curious pig named Mila? Perhaps the next story! The Mercy Watson series of books is filled with emotions of joy, happiness and inspiration in every line! The life of Mila pig is a real adventure that takes place on the street, in the yard, at home. Simple, but at the same time useful, vocabulary helps children to get acquainted with English phrases that will be useful on vacation, in the game, in everyday life. The story about Milu the pig will interest children of the first and second grades, who have already managed to get acquainted with the English alphabet and simple words.

What do you need for an interesting pastime? Good mood, maximum space and amazing magical purple chalk! In any case, this is enough for the main character of the book, Harold, to draw an amazing world and make it come to life. When the boy gets tired of drawing pictures, he draws a bed and goes to bed. The story is a little magical, so it attracts the interest of kids in grades 1-2. The minimum level of English will be enough to read the work, and the new words that the child will learn while reading will be stored in memory forever!

What is the world of girls like? Serene, interesting, dreamy, rosy & delicate. Or maybe filled with adventure? The book "Princess Mira-Bella" tells the story of a girl, and will be of interest, first of all, to young women. Each chapter is an adventure. The story is designed for ages 1-3 grades. In this period, children, with regular English classes, will already be able to independently try to read the story.

A cult story based on which a notorious film was made. An interesting story in which the boy enters the factory to an extraordinary confectioner, immerses him in a fairy-tale world. Toddlers will not understand the story very well. The book will be of interest to high school students who know the basic level of English.

A fascinating story about the lives of two fourth grade friends who are passionate about comics. One character from their drawings comes to life and the real fun begins! With plenty of humor and adventure, this book is perfect for grades 5-7. A lot of interesting vocabulary will help the child in the future to navigate the topic of art, art, comics. Well, the dynamic plot will be so addictive that the guys will not be able to tear themselves away!

An amazing world that plunges you into mystery. The Chronicles of Narnia became a bestseller, and, perhaps, everyone knows about this book, because a film was made based on it. Usually children "grow" to such books in the period of 10-13 years. The plot captures adventures, and each action of the main characters is especially acutely perceived by the reader. Every teenager who is close to adventure fiction should read The Chronicles of Narnia in English.

Also one of the famous cult books. If the child is interested in the history of different countries, then you can suggest reading this book to him. How to Train Your Dragon deals with the relationship between Vikings and dragons. The book is full of many events, adventures, and, of course, interesting vocabulary. Such stories are ideal for the age of students in grades 5-8.

About 15 years ago, the Harry Potter book spread all over the globe, and children, teenagers, and adults read it. A gripping plot and an amazing world of wizardry - that's what the Harry Potter series of books fell in love with. Today's teenagers also praise this story, leaving a lot of positive feedback on reader forums. Reading the first part of Harry Potter in English, at first glance, is difficult, but as soon as you start to go deeper and deeper, the book is insanely addictive! And reading it in English brings maximum pleasure.

Discover something new and share it with your child! Offer to read interesting books, find time to watch an English-language movie, download a useful application for learning a foreign language on your smartphone. Very soon, by regularly doing something to improve your conversational level, you will notice the first results that will please you very much!

New York Library Best Children's Book List

The New York Public Library has compiled a list of 100 Great Children's Books Every Child Should Read.

Winnie the Pooh and all-all-all - Alan Milne

The Enchanted Forest is waiting for new guests.

Sunrise - Rebecca Steed

Boy Peter makes an amazing journey to Greenland, where he finds a settlement of a mysterious northern people.

Harold and purple chalk - Crockett Johnson

Little Harold went on a journey with the help of a crayon, drew his own path, adventures and, finally, his home.

We all know what this book is about. Now is the time to share this knowledge with your child.

Speak - Laurie Hals Anderson

A book about a girl who became an outcast in class and stopped talking to people, but eventually overcame her fear.

The Giver - Lois Lowry

A dystopia for children and teenagers about a supposedly ideal world in which everyone has their place, and only two people know the price that will have to be paid for it.

Jumanji - Chris van Allsburg

The children found a strange board game in the house, from which they cannot leave until the adventure is over.

Miners - Mary Norton

Funny adventures of tiny little men stealing various trifles from people (that's why "miners").

Dr. De Soto - William Steig

The little mouse heals the teeth of all animals, except for evil and predatory ones. But one day a very unhappy fox comes to his doorstep...

Zainka – Mo Willems

A very touching story about how a little girl said her first word. For this picture book, Mo Willems received three Caldecot Prizes, the highest award in the field of book illustration.

Cemetery story - Neil Gaiman

A little boy was picked up and raised by the inhabitants of the cemetery, that is, ghosts, vampires and werewolves. But the monsters turned out to be not so scary at all - the most dangerous adventures awaited the boy in the world of the living.

Kwak and Toad - Arnold Lobel

Short stories about a toad and a frog that are played and entertained all year round. The book is ideal for "self-reading" - the stories are really small, and the font is very large.

Book of Three - Lloyd Alexander

Brave heroes rescue a soothsayer pig, kidnapped by an evil king.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - Clive Staples Lewis

In an ordinary wardrobe you can find a door to another world, where you just need to perform some feats.

Curious George - H.

A little monkey named George, like any little monkey, turns the lives of those around him into a fun mess.

Madeleine - Ludwig Bemelmans

Little Madeleine is not afraid of anything in the world: neither mice, nor tigers, nor severe frosts. Great reading for elementary school children.

Little house - Virginia Lee Burton

A cartoon story about how a huge gloomy city was built around a small smiling house (and what came of it).

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A child's journey through the planetary worlds, which you perceive in a new way with each new reading.

Matilda - Roald Dahl

A story about a girl who was much smarter than the surrounding adults and, of course, defeated all the villains and fools.

Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson

Schoolchildren invent a magical world, and as a result, it actually appears.

Mouse and his father - Russell Hoban

Clockwork toy mice get out of the store and find a real home and true friends.

Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carl

A gluttonous caterpillar eats all sorts of things with appetite, and then turns into a beautiful butterfly. The plot, of course, is simple, but this book has very beautiful illustrations.

Charlotte's Web - Alvin Brooks White

Thanks to the kindness of a little girl and the help of a smart spider, miracles begin to happen on the farm.

Pippi Longstocking - Astrid Lindgren

Good old classic. Must read - what else can I say?

Mr. Popper's Penguins - Richard Atwater, Florence Atwater

The humble painter Mr. Popper could only dream of traveling to the distant South Pole, but its inhabitants - the penguins - came to visit him.

Ordinary Peter, or You Can't Choose Younger Brothers - Judy Bloom

A very funny book about a boy and his restless younger brother.

Teddy Bear - Don Freeman

A picture story about a little teddy bear lost among other toys in a huge store.

Arrival - Sean Tan

A difficult story about moving to a mysterious world, told with the help of illustrations alone.

Prince, former Pyatnash - Esfir Slobodkina

A funny story about a boy and his dog. The pictures in the book can be colored.

Don't let this circle break... - Mildred Taylor

1930s America, racial segregation is not over yet. A girl from an African American family talks about her life.

Ramona the bully - Cleary Beverly

A funny story about a girl who turned a whole kindergarten on her ears.

Tales of Uncle Remus - Joel Chandler Harris

Cunning brother Fox, even more cunning brother Rabbit and the rest of the cheerful forest brethren. If for some reason your child has not yet read this book, fill in the gap immediately!

Thank you Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo

A lonely 10 year old finds a friend: a dog that can smile.

Where the monsters live - Maurice Sendak

A story about where you can go if you stubbornly stay up.

Joseph had a little coat... - Simms Tobacco

A cheerful book based on a Jewish folk song about what the poor Joseph sewed from an old coat.

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

There was a hole in the ground, and a hobbit lived in the hole. And then one day a magician knocked on the round door...0047 The book is about a homeless Parisian boy living inside the mechanism of a huge station clock, who was lucky enough to find a collection of automata-robots of the great Georges Méliès, one of the founders of world cinema, in a landfill.

---

Learn more

• 
  Free stories for reading
• 
  What letter is this
• 
  What are the high frequency words
• 
  What does dra stand for in reading
• 
  Short stories for nursery class
• 
  Matching numbers activity
• 
  How to teach number recognition
• 
  Making sentences for kindergarten
• 
  Math objectives for preschoolers
• 
  Maths activities for 3 4 year olds
• 
  Sesame street alphabet puzzle