Harold and the Purple Crayon: The Giant Garden (Festival Readers)
Festival readers Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (68)
What’s inside...
Harold uses his purple crayon to explore a ladybug's world, planting seeds which grow into giant flowers, befriending an ant, and rescuing his ladybug friend from a spider's web.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Harold
Discussion points
What would you draw if you had a purple crayon like Harold?
How do you think the garden felt when Harold drew all over it?
What are some ways Harold could use his crayon to help others?
Why do you think the crayon is purple? What if it was a different color?
How did Harold’s adventure in the garden make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Harold’s shoes and think creatively about what they might draw with a magical crayon.
Ask your child to describe the emotions and themes in the story, and how these relate to real-life scenarios they might face.
Prompt your child to consider the impact of Harold’s actions on the garden and discuss the importance of respect and care for nature.
Explore the significance of the color purple in the story with your child and discuss what different colors might symbolize if they were used instead.
Share your own feelings about the story to model expressive communication and deepen the connection over the shared reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Harold uses his purple crayon to create a giant garden, showcasing how imagination can transform the world around us.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their imaginations to solve problems or create art, enhancing their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As Harold navigates the challenges in his giant garden, he demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and find solutions to their own challenges, whether at school or in personal activities.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Throughout his adventure, Harold makes decisions on his own, showing the importance of self-reliance and independent thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel confident about making their own choices and developing personal autonomy.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: When obstacles arise in the garden, Harold continues to use his crayon and wit to keep moving forward, illustrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own difficulties, understanding that steadfastness can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Joy of Exploration
Explanation: Harold's journey through the garden encourages exploration and discovery, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore the world around them, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings.