Stories drawn with heart
Big kindness can come in a little paper bag.
Meet Nottle—and discover the books, characters, and illustrated worlds of Canadian author and illustrator Darren Cranford.
Featured book
Nottle’s First Day of School
A story about kindness, acceptance, and what truly matters inside.
Nottle, a little paper bag, is excited about his first day at a new school—but worries he won’t fit in among the colourful lunch bags and fancy lunchboxes. When teasing begins, Nottle answers in a way nobody expects: with generosity.
Written and illustrated by Darren Cranford, this warmhearted story helps young readers see that friendship isn’t determined by appearances.
Selected work
Illustration with character
Expressive characters, playful details, and visual storytelling made for young readers.
Looking for an illustrator? Darren has illustrated dozens of books for other authors and welcomes thoughtful publishing projects.
School visits
Read. Draw. Imagine.
Darren’s school visits combine an engaging reading of Nottle’s First Day of School with drawing, conversation, and an age-appropriate look at how stories and characters come to life.
- Interactive book reading
- Live drawing demonstration
- Conversation about kindness and belonging
- Questions about writing and illustration
A little something to make
Free Nottle colouring page
Bring a little of Nottle’s world home. Download and print this colouring activity for a quiet creative afternoon.
Download the colouring page
About Darren
A lifetime of telling stories in pictures
Darren Cranford is a Canadian author and illustrator with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Memorial University’s School of Fine Arts. Across a career spanning more than three decades, he has brought stories to life through illustration, storyboarding, art direction, and animation.
After illustrating dozens of books for other authors, Darren wrote and illustrated his own first children’s book, Nottle’s First Day of School. His work is grounded in character, craftsmanship, and the belief that kindness makes the strongest story.
Start a conversation
Books, visits, and illustration
For school visits, illustration inquiries, book events, or general questions, Darren would be happy to hear from you.
cranfordcreative@gmail.com