Age rating and parents' guide:Harold and the Purple Crayon
by Crockett Johnson
Ages 6–8
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson is best for children aged 6–8. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Armed with an oversized purple crayon, young Harold decides to go for a walk under the moonlight. When things are missing from his nighttime journey, he simply draws them into existence, from paths and oceans to pies and dragons. This timeless, gentle story celebrates the power of creativity and imaginative problem-solving. Children love watching Harold control his own little world, while the calm pacing and simple illustrations make it ideal for bedtime reading.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Picture book
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Plenty of illustrations
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Action & Adventure
- Art & drawing
Reading mood
- Adventurous
Good to talk about
- Family
- Action & Adventure
Books like Harold and the Purple Crayon
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 6–8
Too Small Tola
by Atinuke
Tola lives in a busy, bustling apartment in Lagos, Nigeria, with her grandmother, brother, and sister. Though everyone thinks she is far too small to be of much help, Tola repeatedly proves that she is strong, clever, and determined. Through three warm and funny linked stories, readers follow Tola as she carries water, navigates a hectic market, and lends a hand to her community. It is a cheerful early chapter book that celebrates family life, perseverance, and everyday courage.
Ages 6–8
Return
by Aaron Becker
In the final chapter of the wordless Journey trilogy, a young girl is feeling neglected by her busy father. When she steps back into the magical drawn kingdom, her father discovers her secret and follows her inside. Together, they must use their magical markers to face an invading threat and rescue their new friends. Children are captivated by the intricate, cinematic illustrations and the warm, heartwarming exploration of a parent-child bond strengthened through adventure.
Ages 6–8
The Little Engine That Could
by Watty Piper
When a train carrying good food and cheerful toys breaks down, the toys worry they will never reach the children waiting on the other side of the mountain. After several large, boastful engines refuse to help, a small blue engine steps forward to take on the daunting climb. This gentle classic captures the power of perseverance and a positive mindset, while the rhythmic text invites young children to chant along as the brave train puffs up the steep track.
Ages 3–7
Tiger on a Tree
by Anushka Ravishankar
When a wild tiger wanders out of the jungle, it accidentally ends up stranded in a tree, much to its own surprise. A group of curious villagers discovers the big cat and captures it, but they quickly face an unexpected dilemma: what should they actually do with it now? Written in lively nonsense verse with bold, striking illustrations, this rhythmic tale delights young readers with its playful energy, gentle absurdity, and spirited read-aloud rhyme.
Ages 6–8
Ish
by Peter H. Reynolds
Ramon loves to draw anything and everything, until his older brother laughs at one of his pictures and shatters his confidence. Ready to give up on art entirely, Ramon discovers that his little sister has secretly been saving his crumpled sketches on her bedroom walls. Seeing his work through her eyes, he learns that art does not have to look exact—it just needs to capture a feeling and be "ish." It is a gentle, reassuring story that encourages creative freedom and helps young children let go of perfectionism.
Ages 6–8
Mercy Watson
by Kate DiCamillo
Meet Mercy Watson, a pampered pig who adores hot buttered toast above all else. When her devoted human parents tuck her into bed, Mercy's hunt for a midnight snack accidentally sparks chaos, bringing the neighbours and local emergency services into a whirlwind of funny misunderstandings. With short chapters, colourful illustrations, and lively physical comedy, this gentle series starter is a reassuring and laugh-out-loud choice for children who are just beginning to tackle chapter books on their own.
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.