Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life

(Hardback)

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Description

In this joyous and inventive rereading of the beloved childrens book Harold and the Purple Crayon, the author of How We Change (And Ten Reasons Why We Dont) celebrates our inherent sacred originality and establishes a new framework for self-reliance.

In 1955, Crockett Johnson introduced one of the worlds most beloved and enduring young adventurers, Harold and his purple crayon. Today, we need Harold and his penchant for creative solutions more than ever. In Purple Crayons, Ross Ellenhorn looks to Johnsons classic for insights and answers that can help us understand our current condition and point the way towards solutions for healing. Purple Crayons tells a story about America then and now, about living ones life as art; about the powers that block us from doing so, about the pull and perils of conformity; about serious play and too much seriousness, about what it means to feel alive inside and what deadens our existence. Its also about 1955 in America, all that lay before andprescientlyall that lay ahead, as each of us struggles to draw meaningful and resilient existences on the blank pagesthe future yet unlivedof our lives.

This delightful, provocative adventure is a gift of kindness and love that encourages us and gives us hope. As he traces Harolds journey, Ellenhorn offers insights into our sacred originalitythe idea that each of our unique inner lives are worth nurturing and protecting, and the perseverance, courage, connection, and community necessary to sustain them. Engaging, thoughtful, wiseand illustrated throughout with drawings from the original HaroldPurple Crayons transcends the current divides separating us, reminding us that our fulfillment rests on tapping into what is original about ourselves, finding ways to express our originality, and understanding that doing so is rooted in who we are as Americans.

Reviews

This childrens book is a classic for a variety of reasons. Now Ellenhorns thoughtful approach turns the seemingly simple text and line drawings into a celebration of originality, creativity, and spontaneity and a guide to living more fully. Booklist (starred review)

Author Bio

Ross Ellenhorn, PhD, is an eminent thought leader on innovative methods and programs aimed at helping individuals recover from psychological suffering and problematic habits in humane and liberating ways. He is the founder, owner, and CEO of Ellenhorn, a company providing services in Boston, New York City and Los Angeles, that is renowned for its ability to treat individuals experiencing complex issues of mind and mood in their own homes and communities--an alternative to residential or hospital care. He is also a founder and co-owner of Cardea, a psychedelic wellness program providing services in the United States and Jamaica. Dr. Ellenhorn gives talks and seminars throughout the country and is an in-demand consultant to mental health agencies, psychiatric hospitals, and addiction programs in the United States and Europe. He is the first person to receive a joint PhD from Brandeis University's Florence Heller School for Social Welfare Policy and Management and the Brandeis Department of Sociology. Dr. Ellenhorn's most recent book, How We Change (And Ten Reasons Why We Don't), was published by Harper Collins in 2020, and is based on his theory and research regarding his concept of "Fear of Hope." @Rellenhorn