Harold's Circus (Purple Crayon Books)
Harold and his purple crayon return in this story about Harold's circus. More of the same innovative story telling based on the children's classic.
Even those not familiar with Harold and his purple crayon will instantly see why the series has been so popular with parents and children. Once again, the little boy, his crayon, his imagination and the moon tell a story that is sure to delight.
In this book, Harold pretends to be circus performer, first walking on a tight rope and later riding circus animals, clowning around, and even taming a lion, all with the help of his purple crayon that brings his imagination to life.
Just like the previous Harold stories, the illustrations are simple with purple line drawings of the world Harold creates with his imagination and his crayon.
Another aspect of the Harold series found in Harold's Circus is the continuity and flow of the story. While even Harold is sometimes surprised by what happens next, the story moves forward with a ever clear and steady pace. This is done by using a simple plot, with each and every step illustrated by the drawings which are, in fact, the very substance of the story. The ever-present moon and the fact that even the pictures "flow" from one page to another - a part of the previous picture is often found on the next page as Harold begins the next drawing - helps create a smooth, continuous reading experience for you and your child.
This was the first Harold book we read to our children, and my three year old was excited from the moment he saw it. The story and pictures are simple enough for him to easily follow, and when he is older, may inspire him to live out his own imaginings with drawing.
Tips
This is also a great book to use to encourage your children to use their imagination and draw. After reading, they may want to create their own circus drawings.
