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Broken Crayons Still Color
Help your kids process big feelings, build a social-emotional tool kit, and find beauty in life's challenges with this creative story that expresses the hope of the gospel from podcast host, speaker, and mom Toni Collier. Avery has big emotions and bubbling anxieties about changes in her life. When her crayons break as she scribbles furiously, she discovers that they have personalities and feelings too! And they can show her how to use her love of coloring to manage scary, overwhelming feelings and embrace curiosity and joy. As Avery follows the crayons' advice, gets creative, and chooses bravery and positive thinking, she discovers that God can use her to make beautiful things, even with broken crayons. In Broken Crayons Still Color , children 4 to 8 will This illustrated picture book includes With a fun story, silly crayon characters, and practical guidance for kids struggling with powerful emotions, insecurity, and perfectionism, Broken Crayons Still Color will entertain children as it assures them that God is making a beautiful masterpiece out of things they thought were broken. The presentation page and deluxe dust jacket make this encouraging book a beautiful gift for back-to-school, kids facing new experiences and tough situations, and any child with big feelings.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published August 22, 2023
32 people are currently reading
3099 people want to read
About the author
Toni Collier
5 books48 followersToni Collier is the founder of a global women’s organization called Broken Crayons Still Color and helps women process through brokenness and get to healing and hope. Toni is a speaker, host of the Still Coloring podcast, and author of several books: Don't Try This Alone, Brave Enough to be Broken, and a children's book, Broken Crayons Still Color. Toni is teaching people all over the globe that you can be broken and still worthy, or feel unqualified and still be called to do great things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
September 6, 2023
Gorgeous illustrations, colourful even. Loved everything about it except the "God comments".
I do believe in God but mention of "God" isn't something I was comfortable with. It was just off putting. To be more clear, I have a 1.5 years old and although we sometimes say prayers, we do not use God in our daily routine and I would like my kid to decide if she wants to believe in God or not so thus few mentions just made me go oh no coz otherwise the book was almost perfect.
Also, I definitely do not like phrases like "everything has a purpose or God sees everything" , the blurb also mentions something along the lines that God loves us all the same and he changes our mistakes into something new which annoyed me.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson children's publisher for ARC.
I do believe in God but mention of "God" isn't something I was comfortable with. It was just off putting. To be more clear, I have a 1.5 years old and although we sometimes say prayers, we do not use God in our daily routine and I would like my kid to decide if she wants to believe in God or not so thus few mentions just made me go oh no coz otherwise the book was almost perfect.
Also, I definitely do not like phrases like "everything has a purpose or God sees everything" , the blurb also mentions something along the lines that God loves us all the same and he changes our mistakes into something new which annoyed me.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson children's publisher for ARC.
September 17, 2023
Perfect little book!
I love this book! I love what it’s trying to convey to the reader who is living in a world of perfection and unrealistic expectations.
What we and the kids see on the screen is all about perfection. Perfect hair to perfect selves and hence the frustration and the anxiety when things do not go perfectly as they must.
The little girl loves to colour with crayons and the crayons do break as crayons do but the little girl thinks something else. She compares herself and her life with the broken crayons (which you know is quite relatable and common these days). Yes, reality is far different from what we expect. The mom tells the little girl why it’s okay to have bad days and bad times. The book is so wholesome. We need more books like this for kids!
The illustrations are so good!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson, for the advance reading copy.
I love this book! I love what it’s trying to convey to the reader who is living in a world of perfection and unrealistic expectations.
What we and the kids see on the screen is all about perfection. Perfect hair to perfect selves and hence the frustration and the anxiety when things do not go perfectly as they must.
The little girl loves to colour with crayons and the crayons do break as crayons do but the little girl thinks something else. She compares herself and her life with the broken crayons (which you know is quite relatable and common these days). Yes, reality is far different from what we expect. The mom tells the little girl why it’s okay to have bad days and bad times. The book is so wholesome. We need more books like this for kids!
The illustrations are so good!
Thank you, Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson, for the advance reading copy.
September 12, 2023
This is a book that is helpful when teaching children to explain and understand their feelings. It shows children that God is always there through the good and bad. The illustrations emphasize the message behind the story. Great visuals and storyline! This will be a book we use for understanding big feelings.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
January 5, 2025
“When you’re feeling sad and blue, there are reasons to be grateful too.”
This was ADORABLE. I think it’s a really beautifully told story that can serve as a resource to help children learn how to express their feelings. Broken crayons can still color. The artwork was so beautiful and whimsical. I’ll be thinking of Avery’s artwork for asking time.
This was ADORABLE. I think it’s a really beautifully told story that can serve as a resource to help children learn how to express their feelings. Broken crayons can still color. The artwork was so beautiful and whimsical. I’ll be thinking of Avery’s artwork for asking time.
July 13, 2023
This is going to be an insta-buy for me when it's out! I love the message, that it's okay not to be perfect, and I love that it connects God and self affirmations and emotional awareness. We do the "smell the flowers, blow out the candles" already at home, and will definitely be adding some of the affirmation words to our days now too! Love love love it!
April 18, 2024
Why oh why oh why is this book so so wordy. Because i love the message of broken things still being beautiful, of something broken still being used for a purpose.
It's also great to see a book encouraging colors and emotions and how to use drawing as a way of handling overwhelming emotions. These are good things
But the text is too much and the font was a bad choice. Darn it!
It's also great to see a book encouraging colors and emotions and how to use drawing as a way of handling overwhelming emotions. These are good things
But the text is too much and the font was a bad choice. Darn it!
November 10, 2023
"Broken Crayons Still Color" is a wonderfully creative and emotionally resonant book that addresses the challenging task of helping kids process their big feelings. Toni Collier, a podcast host, speaker, and mom, delivers a story that embodies the hope of the gospel, making it not only entertaining but also spiritually uplifting.
The story follows Avery, a relatable character for many children, as she navigates her big emotions and anxieties about life's changes. The concept of her crayons having personalities and feelings is a unique and engaging way to illustrate the idea that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty to be found. As Avery learns to manage her overwhelming emotions and embrace curiosity and joy, the book effectively imparts valuable lessons about coping, creativity, and positive thinking.
The practical guidance provided in the book, including drawing worries, affirmations, and breathing exercises, can be beneficial for children struggling with powerful emotions, insecurity, and perfectionism. It encourages kids to express their emotions and explore their creativity in a way that is both therapeutic and constructive.
The book's presentation is visually engaging, with an inventive illustration style that encourages children to draw their own feelings. The emotion color chart is a helpful tool for children to identify and express how they feel, making it a practical addition to the book.
Overall, "Broken Crayons Still Color" is a four-star book that not only entertains but also educates and inspires children. It serves as an invaluable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to help children cope with their emotions, embrace their creativity, and understand the transformative power of faith and resilience. This book is a beautiful gift that can comfort and encourage children facing new experiences and challenging situations.
The story follows Avery, a relatable character for many children, as she navigates her big emotions and anxieties about life's changes. The concept of her crayons having personalities and feelings is a unique and engaging way to illustrate the idea that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty to be found. As Avery learns to manage her overwhelming emotions and embrace curiosity and joy, the book effectively imparts valuable lessons about coping, creativity, and positive thinking.
The practical guidance provided in the book, including drawing worries, affirmations, and breathing exercises, can be beneficial for children struggling with powerful emotions, insecurity, and perfectionism. It encourages kids to express their emotions and explore their creativity in a way that is both therapeutic and constructive.
The book's presentation is visually engaging, with an inventive illustration style that encourages children to draw their own feelings. The emotion color chart is a helpful tool for children to identify and express how they feel, making it a practical addition to the book.
Overall, "Broken Crayons Still Color" is a four-star book that not only entertains but also educates and inspires children. It serves as an invaluable resource for parents, caregivers, and educators looking to help children cope with their emotions, embrace their creativity, and understand the transformative power of faith and resilience. This book is a beautiful gift that can comfort and encourage children facing new experiences and challenging situations.
July 14, 2023
I’m on the fence about this book. On one hand, I loved the illustrations and and like where the messaging is trying to go with working through your big feelings. In the other hand, I think a better explanation that all feelings are okay - positive and less so - and we can choose to use ways to turn them around or just experience them would have made me like it more. It started off good with explaining that big feelings can happen without us turning them into actions we don’t intend, but then it stayed more toward the path of turning big emotions toward approve ones. This certainly isn’t bad, but I personally like more of an all feelings are valid message. I also did not realize in picking up this book that there was messaging about God and His plan for helping us through things, which is not something I personally follow, so that was a mistake entirely of my own. But if if that is something you follow, this book may be for you.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this children’s book.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this children’s book.
June 3, 2023
“Girl, don’t you know?” Ruby said. “We don’t have to be perfect to be useful!”
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it had some Good messages: draw out what you’re feeling to express yourself, you can be brave And scared at the same time, you can be scared and do hard things. I think those are good messages everyone, even adults, need to hear.
On the other hand, this book is full of evangelical indoctrination and toxic positivity. Halfway through the book, the message turned from processing your feelings to “ok we’ve been sad for a whole day, now it’s time to forget being sad and focus on being happy instead.” Which isn’t a great message. Neither are the messages of “well if you can’t fix it, god can.” I don’t feel comfortable reading children’s books that include indoctrination messages, which is why I can’t rate this book higher.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it had some Good messages: draw out what you’re feeling to express yourself, you can be brave And scared at the same time, you can be scared and do hard things. I think those are good messages everyone, even adults, need to hear.
On the other hand, this book is full of evangelical indoctrination and toxic positivity. Halfway through the book, the message turned from processing your feelings to “ok we’ve been sad for a whole day, now it’s time to forget being sad and focus on being happy instead.” Which isn’t a great message. Neither are the messages of “well if you can’t fix it, god can.” I don’t feel comfortable reading children’s books that include indoctrination messages, which is why I can’t rate this book higher.
January 29, 2024
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Children's fiction and I absolutely enjoyed it.
This book follows Avery who is such an adorable little girl with huge emotions. One day her crayons break and thinking they are useless she lets her emotions get the best of her. However she discovers that they have personalities and feelings. She then works through her emotions and discovers more about positive thinking and bravery. What a brilliant read. It's perfect for children and those young at heart with huge emotions.
This book follows Avery who is such an adorable little girl with huge emotions. One day her crayons break and thinking they are useless she lets her emotions get the best of her. However she discovers that they have personalities and feelings. She then works through her emotions and discovers more about positive thinking and bravery. What a brilliant read. It's perfect for children and those young at heart with huge emotions.
February 19, 2024
3.5 stars
Illustrations are good, story is cute.
The colors' names are a little complicated. Wish there was more of a commitment to incorporating God...while He was briefly mentioned a couple of times, the inclusion wasn't really developed into a meaningful connection.
Illustrations are good, story is cute.
The colors' names are a little complicated. Wish there was more of a commitment to incorporating God...while He was briefly mentioned a couple of times, the inclusion wasn't really developed into a meaningful connection.
February 19, 2024
It is a sweet Picture book that I enjoyed because this is a saying I often use in my classroom. It means so much more to me and I have always personally connected to the idea that we may not be perfect, we might feel broken but we can still do amazing things.
September 29, 2023
Nice story about a little girl who keeps forgetting that she is strong and brave.
A feel good about yourself book.
Beautiful illustrations.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaway for the copy.
A feel good about yourself book.
Beautiful illustrations.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaway for the copy.
June 18, 2024
Read this book with children I babysat today. I thought it was such a beautifully done story with excellent moral instruction and life lessons. I don't want to forget it.
January 6, 2025
Broken Crayons Still Color
I Picked Up This Book Because: Saw a recommendation on Threads
Media Type: eBook
Source: Hoopla via HC Public Library
Dates Read: 1/6/25
Rating: 5 Stars
The Story:
A super cute story to help littles learn to regulate their emotions. Breathe in the flowers, blow out the birthday candles. The illustrations are my favorite party. So cute.
I Picked Up This Book Because: Saw a recommendation on Threads
Media Type: eBook
Source: Hoopla via HC Public Library
Dates Read: 1/6/25
Rating: 5 Stars
The Story:
A super cute story to help littles learn to regulate their emotions. Breathe in the flowers, blow out the birthday candles. The illustrations are my favorite party. So cute.
March 4, 2024
Avery loves to color, so when she got a new crayon box with colors like cadet blue, violet red, and turquoise, she was ecstatic. Avery just moved to a new house, and tomorrow was her first day at her new school. Avery was very nervous, but her dad reminded her that "she can do hard things, even when she's scared. Avery began to draw and doodle until her crayons began to break in half. She tried to shove her crayons back into the box, but it ended up ripping. Avery cried , she was a mess just like her crayons. Suddenly, Avery heard a small scuffle, and looked up to her crayons talking, walking, and jumping up and down. The crayons asked Avery if tomorrow was her first day of school, and why she was crying. Avery responded by telling the crayons that she "felt messy inside" and was sad because she "ruined them." The crayons tell Ruby that no mess is ever too big for God, and remind her that it is okay to be upset. Grace the green crayon had Avery draw her favorite flowers and a birthday cake so that she could smell the flowers and blow out her candles. Ruby the red crayon recommended that Avery draw her feelings to cope with them. Avery was feeling nervous, but excited and on the bus ride to school she wanted to sit next to someone but didn't. Avery's crayon reminded her how fun life is with friends and reminded her how brave she was. Avery introduced herself to the girl on the bus, and found out her name was Jillian. Avery begins to draw if she ever feels sad and practices the crayons lessons. Jillian gave Avery a new crayon box on Friday, which made her so happy. Avery showed her mom her drawings, and explained to her how drawing helped her when she felt "messy inside" and how her broken crayons still created beautiful pictures. Avery's mom reminds her daughter that God can turn our messes into masterpieces.
August 20, 2023
This is a Christian based book, so this book will not appeal to all audiences. The cover and title caught my eye, so I didn't pick up on this when I first selected this book to read. The book has cute and colourful animations that are well done. The book tries to teach children that not everything has to be perfect for things to turn out well for them. The little girl receives messages of encouragement from her parents and her crayons that she accidently broke. The girl in the story expresses her emotions through her drawings. I do think that some younger children will not fully understand what is wrong with Avery’s drawings in the book when she draws things that she doesn’t intend. The intuition for interpreting Avery’s drawings while knowing what she intended to draw is a skill that some older children struggle with. I think that it is also to emphasize that it is okay to feel sad sometimes and that we won’t always have a quick fix by smelling some roses or drawing a picture with happy thoughts. I’m not religious, but I do feel that the statement “God can turn our messes into masterpieces” is quite strong and off-putting. I personally think that we need to learn to take control of our “messes” and turn them into something good. Perhaps if the statement said that God can help us with this, then I wouldn’t be so repulsed by this statement. The colour wheel at the back of the book showing different emotions connected with different colours is a nice educational tool to further discuss emotions with children.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN’S, Tommy Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN’S, Tommy Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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December 1, 2023Keywords: picture book, children's literature
Summary: Young readers embark on a colorful journey that celebrates resilience and the beauty of embracing uniqueness. The story follows a box of crayons, each with a broken tip or worn-down edge, who embark on an adventure to create a magnificent masterpiece. Through collaboration, kindness, and embracing differences, the crayons discover that even though they may be a little broken, they still have the power to create vibrant and beautiful artwork. This uplifting tale teaches children the importance of valuing themselves and others for who they are, emphasizing that everyone has the ability to bring color and joy to the world.
Prompt: What sub-format or category is the picturebook (e.g., ABC, Counting, Concept/Informational, Participation, Wordless, Predictable, Beginning Reader, Storybook, Graphic Novel, Engineered, or Baby/Board)? How do you know?
It aligns most closely with the sub-format or category of a Concept/Informational Picture Book.
How I know:
The book appears to convey a broader message or concept related to resilience, embracing differences, and the power of collaboration rather than following a strictly narrative storyline.
While it is a picture book, the primary focus seems to be on delivering a positive and empowering message rather than introducing concepts like ABCs or counting.
Therefore, the classification of a Concept/Informational Picture Book seems appropriate based on the emphasis on conveying a valuable life lesson or concept to young readers.
Summary: Young readers embark on a colorful journey that celebrates resilience and the beauty of embracing uniqueness. The story follows a box of crayons, each with a broken tip or worn-down edge, who embark on an adventure to create a magnificent masterpiece. Through collaboration, kindness, and embracing differences, the crayons discover that even though they may be a little broken, they still have the power to create vibrant and beautiful artwork. This uplifting tale teaches children the importance of valuing themselves and others for who they are, emphasizing that everyone has the ability to bring color and joy to the world.
Prompt: What sub-format or category is the picturebook (e.g., ABC, Counting, Concept/Informational, Participation, Wordless, Predictable, Beginning Reader, Storybook, Graphic Novel, Engineered, or Baby/Board)? How do you know?
It aligns most closely with the sub-format or category of a Concept/Informational Picture Book.
How I know:
The book appears to convey a broader message or concept related to resilience, embracing differences, and the power of collaboration rather than following a strictly narrative storyline.
While it is a picture book, the primary focus seems to be on delivering a positive and empowering message rather than introducing concepts like ABCs or counting.
Therefore, the classification of a Concept/Informational Picture Book seems appropriate based on the emphasis on conveying a valuable life lesson or concept to young readers.
August 26, 2023
I am absolutely in love with this adventure. What a powerful and moving story. We follow Avery as her world is changing and seems to be falling apart. When trying to color with her favorite crayons and they keep breaking. Suddenly she realizes they are talking to her. Her crayons help her to learn that she can handle these big emotions that she is facing and all the changes that she has to deal with too. They show her it's okay to be upset and to not understand. Avery learns to find new ways to deal with emotions with creativity and understanding. One of my favorite lines is when a crayon is telling Avery that “we don’t have to be perfect to be useful.” I love how the story also teaches how God is there for us, even in the messes. As her mom tells her, she learned “that God can turn our messes into masterpieces”, how truly wonderful to share with our little ones. This story shows our little ones how God still loves the mess. It helps us to learn to connect colors with emotions with wonderful explanations and examples.
I received this as ARC and shared it with my 4 year old. He adores this story and we will be adding it to our own library. It is a true treasure. He pointed out that he gets messy and is happy that God says its okay. I will definitely be sharing this story with family and friends. It makes a wonderful gift for young children to share with their families. It is a great story to discuss as a family. I hope you enjoy this little adventure.
I received this as ARC and shared it with my 4 year old. He adores this story and we will be adding it to our own library. It is a true treasure. He pointed out that he gets messy and is happy that God says its okay. I will definitely be sharing this story with family and friends. It makes a wonderful gift for young children to share with their families. It is a great story to discuss as a family. I hope you enjoy this little adventure.
February 6, 2024
This story is about a young girl named Avery who is nervous about her first day of school. Avery did not know exactly what she was feeling, or how she should handle it which lead to her breaking all of her crayons and feeling worse. Avery ended up finding the help she needed in her box of broken crayons, and learned a new way to express her feelings. She learned how to regulate her emotions and gain control over the things that scared her.
This was my first time reading this book and I found it enjoyable. I believe it is extremely important that children learn about different emotions and the best way to regulate them. I loved how her crayons helped guide Avery, but I did find it a bit difficult to keep up with their names. Overall I love the message that this book sends and I could see this being very encouraging for young minds.
I think this would be a great book for the first day of school. I think it could help familiarize the students with some of the emotions they may be feeling and give them an idea of ways they can express what they are feeling. I love the fact that the back of the book gives a list of colors and what feelings they could represent. I would incorporate this book by first reading it to the students, and then having them draw a picture that expresses how they feel. I may also encourage them to draw a picture for someone they hope to be friends with in the class. I could see this book being good for kindergarten-3rd or 4th grade.
This was my first time reading this book and I found it enjoyable. I believe it is extremely important that children learn about different emotions and the best way to regulate them. I loved how her crayons helped guide Avery, but I did find it a bit difficult to keep up with their names. Overall I love the message that this book sends and I could see this being very encouraging for young minds.
I think this would be a great book for the first day of school. I think it could help familiarize the students with some of the emotions they may be feeling and give them an idea of ways they can express what they are feeling. I love the fact that the back of the book gives a list of colors and what feelings they could represent. I would incorporate this book by first reading it to the students, and then having them draw a picture that expresses how they feel. I may also encourage them to draw a picture for someone they hope to be friends with in the class. I could see this book being good for kindergarten-3rd or 4th grade.
June 8, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of "Broken Crayons Still Color". All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Right off the bat, I was immediately drawn to the colors and the artwork on the cover. They are extremely inviting and eye-catching for both adults and kids. I really enjoyed how it discussed cadet blue instead of just saying blue. As a teacher, I think it is vital that children learn that there are more colors. The family dynamic displayed was amazing; you can tell that the love is there. When Avery breaks her crayons, it is easily relatable from a kid's perspective. I did not like that the crayons kept calling her "girl". I feel that it made Avery nameless and that the crayons did not care about her. I did like when the crayons acknowledged that Avery was allowed to feel like a mess but it could not dictate her actions. Giving her a breathing technique was a nice touch. I did also enjoy the simple reference to God. It did not feel forced and came in at good points throughout the story. The color wheel at the end was nice and easy for children to relate their feelings to.
Right off the bat, I was immediately drawn to the colors and the artwork on the cover. They are extremely inviting and eye-catching for both adults and kids. I really enjoyed how it discussed cadet blue instead of just saying blue. As a teacher, I think it is vital that children learn that there are more colors. The family dynamic displayed was amazing; you can tell that the love is there. When Avery breaks her crayons, it is easily relatable from a kid's perspective. I did not like that the crayons kept calling her "girl". I feel that it made Avery nameless and that the crayons did not care about her. I did like when the crayons acknowledged that Avery was allowed to feel like a mess but it could not dictate her actions. Giving her a breathing technique was a nice touch. I did also enjoy the simple reference to God. It did not feel forced and came in at good points throughout the story. The color wheel at the end was nice and easy for children to relate their feelings to.
June 20, 2023
The story Broken Crayons Still Colour is a wonderfully written story about a young girl beginning school and dealing with all the feelings that come with such a big change.
This would be a great story to share with a young person who is just about to begin their school journey because it goes over some of the biggest things that they may be thinking about before the big day arrives.
As a parent, I really like this idea about broken crayons still being useful - as the title states "broken crayons still colour" because this really spells out that things don't have to be perfect to work out and I think that is a lesson best learned early for children.
The story itself was easy enough for my emerging reader to read on their own and I really appreciate that as well. They are at the stage where they want to try and read as independently as possible and this story allows them that opportunity.
So, if you have a young person about to start school, I think this is a must have for your library!
This would be a great story to share with a young person who is just about to begin their school journey because it goes over some of the biggest things that they may be thinking about before the big day arrives.
As a parent, I really like this idea about broken crayons still being useful - as the title states "broken crayons still colour" because this really spells out that things don't have to be perfect to work out and I think that is a lesson best learned early for children.
The story itself was easy enough for my emerging reader to read on their own and I really appreciate that as well. They are at the stage where they want to try and read as independently as possible and this story allows them that opportunity.
So, if you have a young person about to start school, I think this is a must have for your library!
June 5, 2023
Broken Crayons Still Color is about a young girl named Avery who is gifted a box of crayons with a large variety of colors. She is so excited to bring her new box of crayons to her new school the following day, but is also experiencing some big feelings surrounding the first day and having to meet new friends. With the help of her new crayon friends who give her coping strategies and invite her to express her feelings through art, Avery is able to persevere and embrace her feelings and new school.
This adorable story with charming illustrations is perfect for Christian families to read and discuss feelings and emotions surrounding life events and experiences. I appreciated how the author incorporated art as a way for children to express their feelings as she referenced feelings associated with specific colors on the last page.
Thank you to Toni Collier, Whitney Bak, Thomas Nelson: Children's and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to review this book!
This adorable story with charming illustrations is perfect for Christian families to read and discuss feelings and emotions surrounding life events and experiences. I appreciated how the author incorporated art as a way for children to express their feelings as she referenced feelings associated with specific colors on the last page.
Thank you to Toni Collier, Whitney Bak, Thomas Nelson: Children's and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to review this book!
December 2, 2023
“You can do hard things” , dad squeezed her, “even when your scared’’
Toni’s book “brave enough to be broken” changed my life. So needless to say I had to pick up her new children’s book. I originally picked up her adult book at the library on a whim and was immediately drawn in by her beauty and her testimony. I had to go out and buy my own copy to annotate. This children’s book made me feel the same way. I love how it affirms the feelings that come up in the child’s life instead of discouraging them. I also adore how she used the colors to relate to emotions, I feel like that is just such a beautiful way for children to connect with this story even more. I am so grateful for Toni’s wisdom and will have to go get a copy of this one for myself as well. I recommend this story for anyone and everyone who has ever felt too messy to be loved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me the E-ARC.
Toni’s book “brave enough to be broken” changed my life. So needless to say I had to pick up her new children’s book. I originally picked up her adult book at the library on a whim and was immediately drawn in by her beauty and her testimony. I had to go out and buy my own copy to annotate. This children’s book made me feel the same way. I love how it affirms the feelings that come up in the child’s life instead of discouraging them. I also adore how she used the colors to relate to emotions, I feel like that is just such a beautiful way for children to connect with this story even more. I am so grateful for Toni’s wisdom and will have to go get a copy of this one for myself as well. I recommend this story for anyone and everyone who has ever felt too messy to be loved.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me the E-ARC.
August 2, 2023
📖Broken Crayons Still Color
●By Toni Collier & Whitney Bak ●Illustrated by Natalie Vasilica
My Little Book Buddy gave this one: 1 Thumbs up!👍
Comments: "Blue is sad and Red is very angry!", "The girl goes to school" , "Oh No! the crayons broke!"
The intention behind this book is perfect. Teaching children how to recognise and arm themselves with strategies for big emotions and feelings is extremely important in early childhood, that way they can be confident in regulating their own emotions especially when they are an adult.
However..... the execution is where this lovely book feel short for me.
As a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum these types are books are what I live for. My son especially is very visually stimulated and learns best from visual aids. He loves books and reading and I use this opportunity to find books with messages like these to:
1. Entertain him of course (it has to be fun!)
2. Help to give him an understanding about his emotions, the world around him and life lessons.
He is at the end of the age range this book caters too, 4-8 years, but mentally he is more in the middle of this age range, so a perfect candidate. But I am also looking at this from an Early educator background and a Library Assistant who selects books for story times.
Now I believe this story is a little too complicated for these ages, maybe the older ages 7 - 8 would benefit from it but honestly I feel there are elements in this story that could be simplified in order to reach many children's understanding levels. As well as areas that actually needed more explanation.
What's the story about?
"Avery has big emotions and bubbling anxieties about changes in her life. When her crayons break as she scribbles furiously, she discovers that they have personalities and feelings too! And they can show her how to use her love of coloring to manage scary, overwhelming feelings and embrace curiosity and joy. As Avery follows the crayons' advice, gets creative, and chooses bravery and positive thinking, she discovers that God can use her to make beautiful things, even with broken crayons."
So whats the main issues?
1. The crayons all have names, and while this is cute it actually just complicates the story. As the crayons are talking to Avery they are also addressing each other, instead of just saying "Hey Red." They are using names that are only quickly dropped into the story as they are talking, not even introduced. With way too many character names even as an adult I was lost. It complicated things, meaning my son lost interest pretty quick, and when children lose interest they are not taking anything in, especially a book with an important message.
2. The pictures Avery draws at the start when she is scared about starting at a new school don't come out as she intended, while visually you can see the issue a 4, 5 or even 6 year old may not get the meaning "But that's not what see drew." Okay! so what did she draw then? why wasn't it what she had meant to draw? what did that mean? The story should be answering that. I am all for parent discussions with the kids to help them understand and interpret the meaning of a story, but don't make me explain the whole book including the little details to my child, otherwise I could have done that myself and the book wasn't necessary.
2. The religious element. NOW, Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with it, itself. I just don't feel it was used to its full potential to elevate the story at all. It seemed like it was an after thought. God was only mention maybe two times and although I believe the message regarding God was meant to be that he is there to help or he is acting through you, it wasn't even really explained or implemented that would allow a child to understand why its even mentioned. I only really understood what was trying to be said because of the book synopsis.
I understand that maybe the Author didn't want to over do it so that the book would still cater to those that are not religious (like myself) but honestly the way it was mentioned briefly made me more uncomfortable then if it was made a predominant point of the story.
Commendations!
1. The strategies the crayons teach Avery to use to help her learn to regulate her emotions. It was excellent to see that the Author has used real ones. I have used the "Smell the flowers, Blow out the candles." plenty of times. It certainly works. (Just confused about the "Creative - like a balloon!" statement.)
2.The Colour Wheel at the end was excellent. My Son really enjoyed it and responded to it. Feelings matched to colours are used a lot in schools, daycare etc., so he knew what this meant and talked to me about different colours and what feelings he associates with them. That part was the most fun and discussion we had out of the entire book.
3. The illustrations. They are beautiful and really aid in telling the story and portraying the message where the story telling feel a little flat. They are bright, bold and colourful. Just the way a children's book should be. The representation of different children at the school was lovely to see.
Overall my star rating would be a 3. It's intention and message was lovely, for me it just wasn't executed the best it could have been. I believe certain elements needed to be simplified more, where other areas just needed a little more to them to make the message clear.
Thank you for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will add a link to Amazon once it allows reviews on the book (currently it won't let anyone.)
Book Buddy's Rating System - 👎 No! I did not like this one,👍Yeah, It was okay to good ,👍👍I loved this one!
●By Toni Collier & Whitney Bak ●Illustrated by Natalie Vasilica
My Little Book Buddy gave this one: 1 Thumbs up!👍
Comments: "Blue is sad and Red is very angry!", "The girl goes to school" , "Oh No! the crayons broke!"
The intention behind this book is perfect. Teaching children how to recognise and arm themselves with strategies for big emotions and feelings is extremely important in early childhood, that way they can be confident in regulating their own emotions especially when they are an adult.
However..... the execution is where this lovely book feel short for me.
As a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum these types are books are what I live for. My son especially is very visually stimulated and learns best from visual aids. He loves books and reading and I use this opportunity to find books with messages like these to:
1. Entertain him of course (it has to be fun!)
2. Help to give him an understanding about his emotions, the world around him and life lessons.
He is at the end of the age range this book caters too, 4-8 years, but mentally he is more in the middle of this age range, so a perfect candidate. But I am also looking at this from an Early educator background and a Library Assistant who selects books for story times.
Now I believe this story is a little too complicated for these ages, maybe the older ages 7 - 8 would benefit from it but honestly I feel there are elements in this story that could be simplified in order to reach many children's understanding levels. As well as areas that actually needed more explanation.
What's the story about?
"Avery has big emotions and bubbling anxieties about changes in her life. When her crayons break as she scribbles furiously, she discovers that they have personalities and feelings too! And they can show her how to use her love of coloring to manage scary, overwhelming feelings and embrace curiosity and joy. As Avery follows the crayons' advice, gets creative, and chooses bravery and positive thinking, she discovers that God can use her to make beautiful things, even with broken crayons."
So whats the main issues?
1. The crayons all have names, and while this is cute it actually just complicates the story. As the crayons are talking to Avery they are also addressing each other, instead of just saying "Hey Red." They are using names that are only quickly dropped into the story as they are talking, not even introduced. With way too many character names even as an adult I was lost. It complicated things, meaning my son lost interest pretty quick, and when children lose interest they are not taking anything in, especially a book with an important message.
2. The pictures Avery draws at the start when she is scared about starting at a new school don't come out as she intended, while visually you can see the issue a 4, 5 or even 6 year old may not get the meaning "But that's not what see drew." Okay! so what did she draw then? why wasn't it what she had meant to draw? what did that mean? The story should be answering that. I am all for parent discussions with the kids to help them understand and interpret the meaning of a story, but don't make me explain the whole book including the little details to my child, otherwise I could have done that myself and the book wasn't necessary.
2. The religious element. NOW, Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with it, itself. I just don't feel it was used to its full potential to elevate the story at all. It seemed like it was an after thought. God was only mention maybe two times and although I believe the message regarding God was meant to be that he is there to help or he is acting through you, it wasn't even really explained or implemented that would allow a child to understand why its even mentioned. I only really understood what was trying to be said because of the book synopsis.
I understand that maybe the Author didn't want to over do it so that the book would still cater to those that are not religious (like myself) but honestly the way it was mentioned briefly made me more uncomfortable then if it was made a predominant point of the story.
Commendations!
1. The strategies the crayons teach Avery to use to help her learn to regulate her emotions. It was excellent to see that the Author has used real ones. I have used the "Smell the flowers, Blow out the candles." plenty of times. It certainly works. (Just confused about the "Creative - like a balloon!" statement.)
2.The Colour Wheel at the end was excellent. My Son really enjoyed it and responded to it. Feelings matched to colours are used a lot in schools, daycare etc., so he knew what this meant and talked to me about different colours and what feelings he associates with them. That part was the most fun and discussion we had out of the entire book.
3. The illustrations. They are beautiful and really aid in telling the story and portraying the message where the story telling feel a little flat. They are bright, bold and colourful. Just the way a children's book should be. The representation of different children at the school was lovely to see.
Overall my star rating would be a 3. It's intention and message was lovely, for me it just wasn't executed the best it could have been. I believe certain elements needed to be simplified more, where other areas just needed a little more to them to make the message clear.
Thank you for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will add a link to Amazon once it allows reviews on the book (currently it won't let anyone.)
Book Buddy's Rating System - 👎 No! I did not like this one,👍Yeah, It was okay to good ,👍👍I loved this one!
August 25, 2023
This gorgeous cover alone reeled me in. Add in one of my very favorite quotes as the title and I’m already in love with this book! With the help of some new friends, Avery discovers that she (each of us) doesn’t have to be perfect to be useful and that no mess is ever too big for God. These little crayon friends are FULL of amazing life advice for littles!! Broken Crayons Still Color was a homerun for me – great lessons, gorgeous illustrations, Biblical truth, and I admit – I fell in love with the little talking crayons!!! A digital copy of this beautiful book was provided to me by NetGalley and Toni Collier and Whitney Bak, illustrated by Natalie Vasilica in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
“You can do hard things, even when you’re scared”
Avery is the protagonist to this lovely story. She Ioved to draw using her crayons. She gets a brand new set before her first day at school. Unfortunately they break and this sends Avery into a spiral.
“You’re not a mess, even if you have messy feelings”
The crayons come to life and remind Avery that she can go anything if she puts her mind to it. That it’s ok to be scared.
The crayons personify the feelings children will have. They try and help Avery to work through her feelings by drawing pictures. Avery’s parents and the crayons also speak about how God is always watching over her when she needs it.
Lovely story which can be used as a bedtime story or a PSHE lesson about feelings and regulating emotions.
Avery is the protagonist to this lovely story. She Ioved to draw using her crayons. She gets a brand new set before her first day at school. Unfortunately they break and this sends Avery into a spiral.
“You’re not a mess, even if you have messy feelings”
The crayons come to life and remind Avery that she can go anything if she puts her mind to it. That it’s ok to be scared.
The crayons personify the feelings children will have. They try and help Avery to work through her feelings by drawing pictures. Avery’s parents and the crayons also speak about how God is always watching over her when she needs it.
Lovely story which can be used as a bedtime story or a PSHE lesson about feelings and regulating emotions.
October 9, 2023
"You're not a mess because you have messy feelings." And "Let's keep big feelings from becoming bad actions."
Those are 2 very strong sentences that everyone could live with.
This book was perfect for my 6 year old. She laughed at the funny crayons and felt sad when Ruby was sad. She loved how the pictures looked like when she draws and colours.
She was connected to the story because she breaks her crayons and it makes her sad too. And she rips the box when the crayons don't fit either.
The book gives parents a way to talk about the hard times for kids without getting heavy with them.
The colour chart at the end of the book should be printed and sold for people to put up around their house and classrooms.
Those are 2 very strong sentences that everyone could live with.
This book was perfect for my 6 year old. She laughed at the funny crayons and felt sad when Ruby was sad. She loved how the pictures looked like when she draws and colours.
She was connected to the story because she breaks her crayons and it makes her sad too. And she rips the box when the crayons don't fit either.
The book gives parents a way to talk about the hard times for kids without getting heavy with them.
The colour chart at the end of the book should be printed and sold for people to put up around their house and classrooms.
October 13, 2023
⭐️ rating: 4/5
I read this book to my young child, who loved both the story and the bold, colorful, beautiful illustrations. The story is relatable to children who are beginning school and who experience big feelings. We both loved that the authors brought the crayons to life and explored the simple but important concept that having feelings is normal. I especially enjoyed that the authors encourage children to use art as a healthy outlet to express their feelings. Art can be therapeutic and teaching children ways to manage their feelings through art is a wonderful message to convey in a children’s book.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I read this book to my young child, who loved both the story and the bold, colorful, beautiful illustrations. The story is relatable to children who are beginning school and who experience big feelings. We both loved that the authors brought the crayons to life and explored the simple but important concept that having feelings is normal. I especially enjoyed that the authors encourage children to use art as a healthy outlet to express their feelings. Art can be therapeutic and teaching children ways to manage their feelings through art is a wonderful message to convey in a children’s book.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2024
Avery has big emotions and bubbling anxieties about changes in her life. When her crayons break as she scribbles furiously, she discovers that they have personalities and feelings too! And they can show her how to use her love of coloring to manage scary, overwhelming feelings and embrace curiosity and joy. As Avery follows the crayons' advice, gets creative, and chooses bravery and positive thinking, she discovers that God can use her to make beautiful things, even with broken crayons. The intended audience is 3-7 years and 1st-2nd grade. I selected this book because students will be able to learn to express their emotions and explore creativity and see that everyone feels frustrated and overwhelmed at times.
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