Sony Pictures Consumer Products has appointed HarperCollins as the worldwide publishing licensee for the HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON animated series set to debut in January 2002 on HBO Family. The series, based on the classic book by Crockett Johnson, is produced by Sony Pictures Family Entertainment. The new HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON book series will include six early reader books. The book series is expected to hit retail shelves in January 2002 to coincide with the release of the animated series.