While waiting for our ghost tour in Old Louisville, I found myself watching and chatting with my husband about Harold and the Purple Crayon. It was one of those random conversations, but I couldn’t help myself—I find the movie so delightfully meta. It’s a movie about a story, created by the very book that inspired it. It’s like an endless loop of creativity and imagination, each layer bringing Harold’s world and his crayon to life in a new way.

As an author, this “meta” concept truly resonates with me. And no, meta isn’t just a trendy made-up word! It’s a term that describes something that’s self-referential, reflecting back on itself in a clever or insightful way. In Harold and the Purple Crayon, this “meta” approach is woven into the fabric of the story. The movie pays homage to the original book while expanding it in a way that feels fresh and nostalgic all at once.

Harold’s Creator as the Narrator: An Author’s Connection to Their Characters

One of the most beautiful aspects of the movie was hearing the author (the old man), who in real life was Crockett Johnson, being the voice that talked to Harold. To me, it felt like an intimate connection between creator and creation. As a writer, I relate to this deeply. My characters feel like my “babies,” too—figments of my imagination that I nurture and watch grow as my stories unfold. Just as Harold’s journey begins with a single crayon stroke, each of my characters starts as a small idea that I guide through challenges, growth, and transformation.

Watching the movie with this narration reminded me of my own process of character creation. It’s fascinating to see how something so personal—a simple idea, a character, a story—can resonate so broadly. And while I may not literally narrate my stories, I think every author leaves a part of themselves in their work. It’s like being an invisible guide, helping our characters find their way, even as we learn from their journeys, too.

The Timeless Message of Imagination and Possibility

Harold and the Purple Crayon is, at its heart, a story about imagination. The movie, like the book, centers around Harold, a young boy who uses his purple crayon to draw himself into new worlds. Every line he draws becomes something new—a road, a tree, an ocean. With each stroke, he creates his own reality, facing both challenges and adventures that he crafts himself.

This message speaks volumes about the power of creativity. It’s a reminder that imagination isn’t just for children; it’s a tool we can use to navigate life’s twists and turns. Just as Harold’s crayon guides him through his journey, our creativity helps us dream, problem-solve, and ultimately shape our own paths. In a way, it’s a beautifully empowering message about self-reliance, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles by thinking outside the box.

A Few Fun Facts About Harold and the Purple Crayon

1. The Origin of Harold: Crockett Johnson published Harold and the Purple Crayon in 1955, and it quickly became a beloved classic. Johnson’s simple illustrations and imaginative storyline captured the hearts of readers, and the book has since inspired countless adaptations, including television shows and, of course, this movie.
2. Meta Storytelling: This “story about a story” approach, where the movie reflects on the book it’s based on, brings a unique twist. Watching it feels almost like looking into a mirror that shows a reflection within a reflection—a layered experience that lets us appreciate both the original book and the new interpretation.
3. A Legacy of Imagination: Harold and the Purple Crayon has inspired generations of children to create, dream, and believe in the power of imagination. It’s also been referenced in pop culture, with its simple message of “drawing your own path” resonating in many different contexts.
4. Influence on Other Works: The story’s concept has been influential in other media, too. It’s inspired TV shows, theatrical performances, and even references in other children’s books and shows. Harold and the Purple Crayon has a special place in the hearts of those who remember its message and carry it into their own creative pursuits.

Why Harold and the Purple Crayon Still Matters

For me, Harold and the Purple Crayon is more than a children’s story; it’s a reminder of the power of imagination and the courage it takes to follow your own path. Watching the movie brought back memories of reading the book as a kid, and it made me appreciate how stories can transcend generations, reaching people across time, language, and culture. My stepchildren, watched it that night and now are part of a new generation that found joy and inspiration in Harold’s story.

I’m grateful that this story lives on and continues to inspire both children and adults to look at the world with wonder and to draw their own paths, no matter how unconventional. Just like Harold with his crayon, we all have the power to create our own worlds and shape our own stories, one stroke at a time.