Books

New York: Harper & Brothers, 1955. First edition, first issue of the first book in Crockett Johnson’s charming Harold series, first issue with "30-60" and "No. 5671A" to the front flap of the dust jacket. 12 mo, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper to fellow children's book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, "To Maury, with fond regards, Crockett Johnson." The recipient, Maurice Sendak, is best known for his immensely popular illustrated children's book, Where the Wild Things Are, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1964 and gained him international fame. Sendak, Johnson, and Johnson's wife Ruth Krauss were introduced by Harper & Row publisher and editor-in-chief of juvenile books Ursula Nordstrom in 1952. Nordstrom facilitated the partnership of Krauss and Sendak as author and illustrator of Krauss' A Hole Is to Dig (1952), which launched Sendak's career and was published 3 years before Harold and the…

Harold and the Purple Crayon, written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, was first published in 1955. The story is about a boy named Harold who, armed with his purple crayon, goes on a magical adventure by drawing his own world. This book is renowned for its simplicity and creativity, deeply engaging young readers' imaginations.