For years, I dreamed of turning one of my children’s songs into a book. I’ve always loved the idea of combining music and storytelling in a way that could capture a child’s imagination beyond the melody. But it wasn’t until I wrote the song A Broken Crayon that I knew—I had finally found the right one.
This song was personal for me. It carried a message I needed to hear myself: that even when we feel broken, we can still create something beautiful. What feels like an ending can actually be the beginning of something new.
Almost immediately after releasing the song, invitations started to come in. Parenting conferences, school events, and educational gatherings—places where I could sing the song and tell my own story of burnout, isolation, and the cost of pretending to have it all together.
That’s when it hit me—what if this message could become a story for kids?
Working with the incredibly talented illustrator Jan Dolby, A Broken Crayon came to life in ways I never imagined. Her illustrations are stunning. The story is heartfelt. And just like the books I read with my boys when they were little, there’s even a hidden surprise on every page—a tiny character for kids to find. (My boys always loved that kind of thing!)
To bring the story to life even more, we’ve produced what may be our most creative and visually powerful music video yet—launching this September alongside the book. Whether you’re watching the video, reading the book, or hearing the story told live, each element works together to remind children that brokenness doesn’t mean uselessness.
This project is vulnerable. Authentic. Rooted in real experience. And it’s for anyone—child or adult—who’s ever wondered if they were too broken to be valuable.
My hope is that this book becomes a trusted tool in the hands of parents, teachers, and counselors—opening the door to honest conversations about identity, resilience, and self-worth.
I’d be honored if you’d share it with someone who needs a reminder: a broken crayon still colors.
