Milton Keynes author Rob Flannery has partnered with children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow to provide copies of his debut children’s book to families supported by the organisation.

Craig the Crayon Leaves a Mark, illustrated by Samie Iliffe, tells the story of a young boy coping with the loss of his favourite crayon. Aimed at children aged two to seven, the book is designed to encourage conversations around grief, separation anxiety and loss.

With support from Milton Keynes printing company Formara Print, copies of the book will be made available free of charge through Harry’s Rainbow as part of the charity’s resources for pre-school and early primary-aged children.

The partnership will also see 15 per cent of the book’s profits donated to Harry’s Rainbow as the charity approaches its 15th anniversary in 2026.

Rob Flannery said: “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 its programme.”

Odette Mould MBE, founder of Harry’s Rainbow, said: “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.”

Harry’s Rainbow supports children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling, providing peer support, resources and activities to help families navigate bereavement.

Craig the Crayon Leaves a Mark is available now through Rob Flannery’s website, with 15 per cent of profits being donated to Harry’s Rainbow.

Image: Author Rob Flannery and Harry’s Rainbow founder Odette Mould celebrate the launch of Craig the Crayon Leaves a Mark, which will support bereaved children across Milton Keynes.