About

Kari Layton

The Creative Mind Behind Crabby Crayon

Kari Layton creates magical stories that teach the value of diverse ideas. Explore her acclaimed Crabby Crayon series and follow her blog for insights on young readers.

Meet Kari Layton 

As a grandmother, and former teacher, Kari Layton loves challenging children to think critically.  She is passionate about creating books that challenge young minds to consider deeper concepts such as the nature of truth, the challenges of conformity, and the importance of diverse ideas. Through characters like Crabby Crayon, Kari hopes parents will share the joy of thinking deeply with their own children using these child friendly storylines. Her goal? To empower future generations to think critically and be intellectually open—one colorful adventure at a time. 

Learn More

Crabby Crayon’s Stories

Crabby Crayon and
the Too Blue Day

Buy Now

Crabby Crayon and
the Truth About Blue

Coming Soon
Join Crabby’s Adventures
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  • Books by
    Kari Layton

    Crabby Crayon and the Too Blue Day

    When Crabby colors everything blue, things lose their unique identity. Through teamwork and friendship, Crabby's friends help bring color back into the world.


    Buy Now
    Barnes & Nonle
    <p>Books by <img src="https://karilaytontheauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/heading.png" style="width:100px;"> <br>Kari Layton</p>

  • Books by Kari Layton

    Crabby Crayon and the Truth About Blue

    Crabby grapples with the question "What is blue?" With the help of friend Green, Crabby understands that blue comes in many shades and learns to embrace different ideas.
    Coming Soon Coming Soon
    <p>Books by <img src="https://karilaytontheauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/heading.png" style="width:100px;"> Kari Layton</p>

Kari Layton's Times Square Feature Showcases "Crabby Crayon" Series!

Kari Layton, a passionate grandmother and former teacher, was recently featured on Times Square for her children’s books, “Crabby Crayon: And the Too Blue Day!” and the upcoming “Crabby Crayon And the Truth About Blue” Kari’s work aims to challenge young minds to think critically about deeper concepts like truth, conformity, and the value of diverse ideas. Through her character, Crabby Crayon, she hopes to inspire parents to share the joy of deep thinking with their children, empowering future generations with intellectually stimulating adventures.

What Readers Say

"A delightful story highlighting the way each of us matters in this world. My 2-year-old grandson loves this book!"
- Colleen F. (grandmother and entrepreneur)
"When Crabby Crayon colored everything blue, I was worried because not everyone likes blue.  But I liked the ending because there were lots of colors and that makes everything prettier."
- Riley B. (age 6)
"When Crabby Crayon made everything blue, I was scared because I like lots of different colors. But the ending was great because all the colors came back and made everything beautiful."
- Emily S. (age 5)
"I felt sad when Crabby Crayon colored everything blue because blue is not my favorite color. But I loved how it ended with so many colors, making everything look so nice and happy."
- Jacob M. (age 9)
"A delightful story highlighting the way each of us matters in this world. My 2-year-old grandson loves this book!"
- Colleen F. (grandmother and entrepreneur)
"When Crabby Crayon colored everything blue, I was worried because not everyone likes blue.  But I liked the ending because there were lots of colors and that makes everything prettier."
- Riley B. (age 6)
"When Crabby Crayon made everything blue, I was scared because I like lots of different colors. But the ending was great because all the colors came back and made everything beautiful."
- Emily S. (age 5)
"I felt sad when Crabby Crayon colored everything blue because blue is not my favorite color. But I loved how it ended with so many colors, making everything look so nice and happy."
- Jacob M. (age 9)

Blogs

Explore Kari’s blog full of insights, activities, character guides, and more to bring the magic of Crabby to your own colorful creations!

Journey of Colors

Explore Kari’s blog full of insights, activities, character guides, and more to bring the magic of Crabby to your own colorful creations!

Journey of Colors

Explore Kari’s blog full of insights, activities, character guides, and more to bring the magic of Crabby to your own colorful creations!

Journey of Colors

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Get Involved with 
Crabby Crayon’s Message

Contact us for classroom resources, event inquiries, and more ways to share Crabby’s spirit within your community.

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Spread More Color!

Have a question for Kari or need classroom resources? Fill out the contact form. Crabby wants to spread more color everywhere!