Harold and the Purple Crayon - TV-G

Busby Berkley musicals for the preschool set.

TV Rating: TV-G Network: HBO Family Cast: Sharon Stone, Connor Matheus Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Harold can sometimes find himself in frightening situations, and a child who's easily scared may be worried, even though Harold usually saves himself quickly. Things that pass with a turn of the page in the books -- like dragons and lions with too many teeth -- linger longer and appear scarier on screen.

Families can talk about how Harold never gives up and his ability to find a creative solution to any problem. Spark kids' imagination: What could Harold draw to power a boat, or reach the moon, or whatever he needs to do at that moment? Fans of the books will enjoy spotting images and situations that first appeared on the page and seeing how the book and the show differ. Which version do your kids prefer? Why?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: KJ Dell'Antonia

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON, a clever adaptation of the 1950s picture books by author-illustrator Crockett Johnson, works for a fairly broad age group. Preschoolers and young school-age children will like the adventures, the narrow escapes, and the fantasy. And toddlers like watching the bald, baby-looking Harold and his boldly drawn creations but may not be able to follow the stories without help, or may even become frightened when Harold is in peril.

Harold's crayon drawings come to life or create real scenes, sometimes with unexpected results. He takes boat rides, tries to find the source of the rain, creates a circus, and has other adventures, all after a nicely predictable bedtime sequence and all ending with his return to bed. Sharon Stone narrates the stories in a soothing tone, which helps them to remain stories and eases the impact of any frightening elements.

The series stays close in tone and appearance to Johnson's books, and this adherence to the language, stylized art, and even the cinematic style of the '50s gives it much of its charm. Each episode features a short song or two with Busby Berkeley-esque animations: synchronized Harold reflections, raindrops, or animals dancing merrily along. The entire show has the feel of an early kids' television special like The Cat in the Hat, though the songs aren't nearly as catchy -- a weakness, but at least they're short.

Because the dangers Harold faces are big (monsters, cliffs) but very quickly resolved, and because of the elements of fantasy and magic, this is a good program for kids ready to move from the tame world of preschool TV but not yet ready for real action-adventure. And a parent or even a slightly older child watching along will find much to enjoy -- and even get an occasional snicker.

Harold fans might also enjoy Fantasia, and younger viewers might like Oswald as well. For kids 6 and up, ChalkZone is a more action-packed take on a similar premise.

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