One of the biggest surprises about writing A Broken Crayon was how fun the process turned out to be. I’ve spent most of my creative life writing lyrics and making music, but stepping into the world of children’s books was like learning a new instrument—exciting, challenging, and at times, harder than expected.
My favorite part was working with Jan Dolby, the illustrator behind the book. Jan is an absolute pro. Her creativity, color choices, and eye for detail brought this story to life in ways I never could have imagined. Watching her transform my words into visual art was one of the most rewarding parts of the entire process.
From my rough, hand-drawn sketches (yes, I drew a few!) to Jan’s early storyboards, and finally to the gorgeous full-color illustrations, this book went through so many stages. Each one added something special.
And here’s something cool: while the story centers on a little crayon who believes he’s no longer useful, Jan and I added a small surprise for young readers—on every page, there’s a hidden character to find. My boys used to love books with little things to discover on each page, and I knew from the start that A Broken Crayon needed that same playful touch.
This story is about resilience, creativity, and the idea that what feels broken can still be valuable. These are lessons every child needs, and this book is designed to make those conversations easier in classrooms, counseling settings, or at home.
Don’t forget—A Broken Crayon is now available here. I can’t wait to hear how your students respond to the story and illustrations!
