Our Why
Mental health conversations shouldn’t start in crisis they should start in childhood.
Darnel & Dionne mission is to erase the stigmatization of mental health by haelping children understand their emotions early. Through coloring, storytelling, and reflection, we create a safe and engaging space for kids to express how they feel and learn that every emotion is valid.
By normalizing emotional awareness at a young age, we’re building confident children who grow into emotionally healthy adults unafraid to talk, ask for help, and care for their mental well being.
Because changing the conversation early changes everything.
Why This Book Helps
Mental health challenges often begin early, yet many children lack the language to express their emotions.
Darnel & Dionne helps children identify, understand, and talk about their feelings through creative expression. By using coloring and storytelling, the book normalizes mental health conversations, reduces stigma, and gives parents and educators a simple tool to start meaningful dialogue.
Early awareness leads to lifelong emotional wellness.
The Research
1 in 5 children experiences a mental, emotional, or behavioral challenge
• 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14
• Many children struggle in silence because they don’t have the language to express how they feel
Our coloring book helps bridge that gap by:
• Teaching emotional awareness in a way children understand
• Using creative expression to help kids process feelings safely
• Normalizing conversations about emotions at home, in classrooms, and in care spaces
• Giving parents, educators, and caregivers a tool to start meaningful dialogue
By meeting children where they are—through coloring, stories, and reflection—we help reduce stigma before it starts and empower kids with the emotional tools they’ll carry for life.
About The Author
Kian Gumbs is a youth advocate, father, mentor, coach, and mental health advocate committed to helping children develop emotional awareness and confidence from an early age.
Through years of working closely with young people in schools, mentorship programs, and athletics as well as through the lens of fatherhood Kian recognized a recurring need children experience big emotions but often lack the language or tools to express them. When those feelings go unaddressed, stigma and silence can begin early.
To help change that narrative, Kian created Emotions Through Coloring with Darnel & Dionne, a mental health coloring book designed to help children identify, understand, and communicate their emotions through creative expression. The book serves as an accessible resource for parents, educators, and caregivers to start meaningful conversations in safe and supportive environments.
Kian believes that when children are taught early that their emotions matter, they grow into emotionally aware, resilient adults who are unafraid to prioritize their mental well-being. This work reflects a broader mission to erase the stigmatization of mental health and create lasting generational impact.
Dedication
To my grandparents, you were my first examples of love, strength, and perseverance.
Everything I create, every life I hope to impact, is rooted in the values you instilled in me.
This work is a reflection of your spirit,your patience, your wisdom, and your unconditional love.
I carry you with me always.