Northamptonshire author collaborates with Harry’s Rainbow on debut children’s book
“Craig the Crayon leaves a mark started as an idea to support boys with their emotions”
The debut children’s book from local Northamptonshire-based father Rob Flannery, 34, launched on Tuesday 21st July. Aimed at readers aged two to seven years old, Craig the Crayon leaves a mark is an entertaining story about a little boy’s relationship with his favourite crayon and the feelings he experiences when it disappears.
Beautifully illustrated by Samie Illife, the story has been imagined to help children open a conversation about grief, separation anxiety and loss. Rob has now teamed up with local children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow to provide the book as a free resource to those who need it most, with thanks to the generosity of Formara Print.
Harry’s Rainbow was set up in memory of Harry Mould, who died at just five years old in 2009. Founded by Harry’s family, the organisation works with bereaved children, organising groups and activities to help relieve isolation and loneliness and offering guidance, support and resources for families, schools and organisations. Craig the Crayon leaves a mark will now form part of Harry’s Rainbow’s resources for the pre-school and early primary school-aged children it supports. With the charity marking its 15 years anniversary in 2026, 15% of the book’s profits will also be donated to Harry’s Rainbow.
Author Rob Flannery comments: “Craig the Crayon leaves a mark started as an idea to support boys with their emotions. Given the men’s mental health crisis, I believe talking about feelings, particularly difficult ones, should start at a young age to help us learn to process them better. As a father of two young boys, I wanted to inspire my sons, other parents and all children to talk comfortably about their emotions.”
“After producing the book, partnering with Harry’s Rainbow felt like a natural fit. As a long-time supporter of the charity, I know the important work it does and hope Craig the Crayon leaves a mark can help open conversations for the bereaved children and families it supports within their programme.”
Harry’s mother and charity Founder Odette Mould MBE, adds: “Books can be a wonderful way to support children and young people with the big emotions of grief. Craig the Crayon leaves a mark is a beautiful book that subtly addresses loss in a less-serious way. It will be a useful tool in supporting bereaved children and their families in and around Milton Keynes.”
Craig the Crayon leaves a mark is available to buy now at www.robflannery.co.uk
15% of all profits will be donated to Harry’s Rainbow.