Parents' Guide to

Harold and the Purple Crayon

TV HBO Family Kids' Animation 2001
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Common Sense Media Review

By KJ Dell'Antonia , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

Busby Berkley musicals for the preschool set.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Katherine R.
Katherine R. Parent of 12, 14, 18+, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
July 16, 2024
age 2+

flixandchill
flixandchill Parent of 1 and 3-year-old
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.
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (4 ):

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

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