One of the biggest surprises about writing A Broken Crayon was how in-depth 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.
A highlight for me was working with Jan Dolby, the illustrator of 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.
I thought it might be fun to take you behind the scenes and show you a little of what that journey looked like. 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 named Grace. It’s a nod to the deeper truth that God’s grace is always present, even when we don’t see it at first. My boys used to love books with little things to find on each page, and I knew from the start that A Broken Crayon needed that same playful touch.
As Philippians 1:6 (ESV) reminds us:
“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Creating this book has reminded me that God isn’t finished with any of us—not even the broken parts. Sometimes what feels like a mess is actually the beginning of a masterpiece.Don’t forget—A Broken Crayon is now available for preorder at GoFishResources.com. This book is a great tool for parents, educators, and counselors alike—and I can’t wait to hear how your kids respond to the illustrations!
