I really enjoyed this deep dive! Thank you for all the care you clearly put into it. So good--and I love, also, thinking about how kids still have the power to MAKE themselves believe. I remember as an older kid still occasionally snapping my fingers or flicking a promising-looking stick, just in case magic may have been waiting for me to do that. I'll be thinking about that going forward, for sure!
Thank you for writing this!! I cannot believe I haven't read ELLEN; must go find it now -- especially because we have a stuffed lion who became a true part of the family for my 3yo when we brought his little brother home 6 months ago. Imagination in childhood and beyond is something I've been thinking of so much lately, so this was perfect timing for me. So much goodness!
You make me want to write about my favorite children's book creators, but I fear (no, I know) that I am not as smart and talented at this as you! This was so interesting and you introduced me to books I hadn't encountered before.
A delicious feast of a read, thank you for doing what you do best ❤️ Also obsessed with the skeleton farmer story, would steal. I like to think he asked for a witch to make his farm soil so fertile that he grew the best crops in the world. Then since he loved his farm so much he asked to be buried in it when he dies. The soil was so good that he came back alive as a skeleton and danced with the witch. The end.
Ahhhh I loved this so much! I’ve been saving it for when I had a chance to really sit and enjoy it, and I’m so glad I did! I love the connections you make and the way you are able to peel back the layers of picture books in such a unique and fascinating way. I’m going to be thinking about this for days, I just know it.
I loved this! The Carrot Seed was a favorite as a child (handed down from my dad and then to my kids). Sadly my copy didn't survive 3 boys under 3. I also fiercely relate to your anecdote about storytelling. I am always in awe of my 4 year old's imagination and the stories he tells. The drama! The enthusiasm! The ability to throw away all reason and just tell a really, really, good tale. Sometimes I wonder where my imagination went. All I want is to help him hold on to it for as long as he can.
Taylor, I so much appreciate the amount of time, care, and thought you put into your work here! I so loved reading this. I vividly remember the first time I read Harold and the Purple Crayon when I was a kid - borrowed from my library. It hit me in a way that no other book ever had, and looking back I think I really identified with it on a deep level. I remember just being engrossed over the fact that this kid was creating a whole world, whatever he wanted or needed, just with one crayon. I was a kid who LOVED to draw, and found so much joy in filling a blank sheet of paper with my own ideas and creations. I think Harold and his crayon were a symbol for me of the power that can be found in putting simple lines on a page. When I look at this book as an adult (who funnily enough now makes a living working as an illustrator) it still hits me in the same way. For me it is so exciting and full of energy and possibility. I never knew, or even thought, that some people might find it unsettling! That is so interesting!
TAYLOORR! I loved it! And it made me want to dive into all of his books and the books about him. Your analysis of his work feels spot on. You always find the heart of the creator -- you have a gift for that and weaving together interesting things. I know this piece was challenging to craft, but it doesn't show -- you make posts like this look easy and they are NOT.
The only thing I would change is when you say you aren't as smart and talented as _____. I don't know ANYONE who can write literary criticism like you. You write with your heart and head at the same time -- it feels intellectual but never dry. Full of heart but never didactic. And like I said, you have a knack for getting to the soul of a book or a creator.
You're one of a kind! Can't wait for the next part!
I really enjoyed this deep dive! Thank you for all the care you clearly put into it. So good--and I love, also, thinking about how kids still have the power to MAKE themselves believe. I remember as an older kid still occasionally snapping my fingers or flicking a promising-looking stick, just in case magic may have been waiting for me to do that. I'll be thinking about that going forward, for sure!
Also, apparently this (where 'this' is a live-action, 'Harold is grown' Harold movie) is happening; just saw it this morning. https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1767930013813195230
Thank you for writing this!! I cannot believe I haven't read ELLEN; must go find it now -- especially because we have a stuffed lion who became a true part of the family for my 3yo when we brought his little brother home 6 months ago. Imagination in childhood and beyond is something I've been thinking of so much lately, so this was perfect timing for me. So much goodness!
You make me want to write about my favorite children's book creators, but I fear (no, I know) that I am not as smart and talented at this as you! This was so interesting and you introduced me to books I hadn't encountered before.
A delicious feast of a read, thank you for doing what you do best ❤️ Also obsessed with the skeleton farmer story, would steal. I like to think he asked for a witch to make his farm soil so fertile that he grew the best crops in the world. Then since he loved his farm so much he asked to be buried in it when he dies. The soil was so good that he came back alive as a skeleton and danced with the witch. The end.
1. You are incredible. Period, the end.
2. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SKELETON FARMER! Please report back if you ever find out.
I love Johnson's work. The Carrot Seed, Harold!
Ahhhh I loved this so much! I’ve been saving it for when I had a chance to really sit and enjoy it, and I’m so glad I did! I love the connections you make and the way you are able to peel back the layers of picture books in such a unique and fascinating way. I’m going to be thinking about this for days, I just know it.
I loved this! The Carrot Seed was a favorite as a child (handed down from my dad and then to my kids). Sadly my copy didn't survive 3 boys under 3. I also fiercely relate to your anecdote about storytelling. I am always in awe of my 4 year old's imagination and the stories he tells. The drama! The enthusiasm! The ability to throw away all reason and just tell a really, really, good tale. Sometimes I wonder where my imagination went. All I want is to help him hold on to it for as long as he can.
Taylor, I so much appreciate the amount of time, care, and thought you put into your work here! I so loved reading this. I vividly remember the first time I read Harold and the Purple Crayon when I was a kid - borrowed from my library. It hit me in a way that no other book ever had, and looking back I think I really identified with it on a deep level. I remember just being engrossed over the fact that this kid was creating a whole world, whatever he wanted or needed, just with one crayon. I was a kid who LOVED to draw, and found so much joy in filling a blank sheet of paper with my own ideas and creations. I think Harold and his crayon were a symbol for me of the power that can be found in putting simple lines on a page. When I look at this book as an adult (who funnily enough now makes a living working as an illustrator) it still hits me in the same way. For me it is so exciting and full of energy and possibility. I never knew, or even thought, that some people might find it unsettling! That is so interesting!
Such a very interesting read! Thankyou!
TAYLOORR! I loved it! And it made me want to dive into all of his books and the books about him. Your analysis of his work feels spot on. You always find the heart of the creator -- you have a gift for that and weaving together interesting things. I know this piece was challenging to craft, but it doesn't show -- you make posts like this look easy and they are NOT.
The only thing I would change is when you say you aren't as smart and talented as _____. I don't know ANYONE who can write literary criticism like you. You write with your heart and head at the same time -- it feels intellectual but never dry. Full of heart but never didactic. And like I said, you have a knack for getting to the soul of a book or a creator.
You're one of a kind! Can't wait for the next part!
I’ve been looking forward to reading this! Such a gift you have, friend. I like your brain.