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.
The Carrot Seed is a BIG favorite of mine. I think it's perfect. I also wonder where my imagination went —especially since having children. I'm just so tired. haha
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!
Harold is so amazing that way, right? I think it's a very uplifting story! What's incredible how it can speak to so many different feelings and ideas about the creative process, childhood, etc. I relate to Harold's ups and downs. He has control but also doesn't. It's a fragile balance. :)
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!
Everything Rachel said -- all of it. You're effing brilliant and what you're doing here, well -- there are barely words, but suffice it to say, no one else is doing it, or even coming close.
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.
That is too kind. The more voices the better! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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.
Thanks, Jess!
I keep seeing this mental image of the witch and the skeleton farmer dancing in a night garden now—and I like it!
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.
1. You make me blush.
2. Will do!
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.
Thanks, Katy! :)
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.
The Carrot Seed is a BIG favorite of mine. I think it's perfect. I also wonder where my imagination went —especially since having children. I'm just so tired. haha
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!
Thanks so much, Carrie!
Harold is so amazing that way, right? I think it's a very uplifting story! What's incredible how it can speak to so many different feelings and ideas about the creative process, childhood, etc. I relate to Harold's ups and downs. He has control but also doesn't. It's a fragile balance. :)
Such a very interesting read! Thankyou!
I'm very glad you enjoyed it, Jane. Thank you.
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!
Rachel, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! You're too kind though. ;)
Of course! And nu uh, you're just too hard on yourself ;)
Everything Rachel said -- all of it. You're effing brilliant and what you're doing here, well -- there are barely words, but suffice it to say, no one else is doing it, or even coming close.
YES!
I’ve been looking forward to reading this! Such a gift you have, friend. I like your brain.
Thanks, my friend!