Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Harold and the Purple Crayon

film

Harold and the Purple Crayon

2024

Inside of his book, adventurous Harold can make anything come to life simply by drawing it. After he grows up and draws himself off the book's pages and into the physical world, Harold finds he has a lot to learn about real life.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Generally family-friendly, but younger children may be unsettled by the author’s death, characters in danger, arrest, fantasy fighting, molten lava, and a character apparently trapped forever. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Products & advertising2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Product placement of Crayola crayons appears briefly near the end.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Crockett Johnson, the creator Harold seeks, has died; Harold is visibly distraught and experiences grief.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Likely occasional mild insults or language, but the supplied plot summary gives no specific examples or frequency.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Subtle, age-appropriate hints of connection between adult characters, but it is not a focus.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face arrest, dangerous magical creations, molten lava, loss, and the frightening possibility of being trapped permanently.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy conflict includes arrest, tackling, escapes, a fight over the crayon, and creatures battling; violence is comedic and largely consequence-light.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters bravely confront uncertainty, grief, imprisonment, magical danger, and the loss of their familiar world.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Drawing, imagination, storytelling, invented creatures, and transforming ideas into reality are the film’s central concepts.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The cast features a multi-racial group of human characters who are treated with dignity.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages creativity and interest in storytelling and art.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, care, welcoming outsiders, helping others, and emotional support are important throughout the adventure.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes imagination, creativity, friendship, empathy, accepting change, processing grief, and using power responsibly.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Harold and Mel demonstrate kindness and loyalty; adults are generally portrayed as caring despite their flaws.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Harold and the Purple Crayon would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Harold and the Purple Crayon, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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