There are some classic children’s books that will invariably result in wistful exclamations of, ‘oh yes, I love that book!’ in bookish conversations with others. Harry and the Purple Crayon is always guaranteed to elicit such a response, from a variety of ages. The image of the little boy in blue footed pyjamas creating a world all his own (and solving its problems) with his magical crayon is instantly memorable, and the late, great Maurice Sendak called this picture book ‘a masterpiece’.

First published in 1955, Harold and the Purple Crayon remains perennially relevant and whimsical, perhaps more so in these strange times of lockdowns in our own homes, where imagination is more important than ever and the ability to draw one’s ideal world becomes a magical means of escape, for all of us. For ages 3+.

Tye Cattanach works as a bookseller at Readings Kids.