Crockett Johnson

Crockett Johnson was the pen name of American cartoonist and children's book illustrator David Johnson Leisk (1906–1975). Best known for creating the comic strip "Barnaby" (1942–1952) and the beloved "Harold" series, Johnson wrote and illustrated over 20 books for children. His most enduring work, "Harold and the Purple Crayon" (1955), became a classic of children's literature and spawned seven sequels. He also illustrated "The Carrot Seed" (1945), written by his wife Ruth Krauss, which remains a staple of early childhood reading.

Johnson studied art at New York University and Cooper Union before establishing himself as a cartoonist. His "Barnaby" comic strip gained widespread popularity for its blend of fantasy and humor. In his children's books, Johnson employed simple yet evocative illustrations paired with imaginative storytelling, often exploring themes of creativity and problem-solving. Later in his career, he transitioned to geometric painting, earning recognition from both artistic and mathematical circles for his precise and thoughtful compositions.