Bailey holding Buttons
The Bailey & Buttons Series

Stories That TeachHearts to Shine

A series of award-winning children’s books that nurture emotional resilience, self-worth, and the power of perspective — one story at a time.

🌸 Book 1 — Available Now 🌹 Book 2 — Available Now

Available At

Available at Amazon Barnes & Noble Curious Turtle Books, Toys & Games Main Street Books St. Charles
The Collection

The Bailey & Buttons Books

The Flowers in Grandma's Garden book cover
Book 1

The Flowers inGrandma’s Garden

By Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD
✓ Available Now

When Bailey has one of those days where nothing goes right, a visit to Grandma’s flower garden changes everything. Through Grandma’s gentle wisdom, Bailey discovers that true beauty and worth come from within.

Self-Worth Emotional Resilience Self-Acceptance
Mom's Choice Award Gold Readers' Favorite 5 Stars Readers' Favorite Gold Award International Impact Award Goodnightreads All-Star Award
Learn More → 🛒 Order on Amazon
My Rose-Colored Glasses book cover
Book 2

My Rose-ColoredGlasses

By Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD
🌹 Now Available!

Bailey and Buttons are learning to look for the good. With help from Grandma’s rose-colored glasses, Bailey discovers that a small shift in perspective can change how she feels and what happens next.

Perspective Resilience Positive Thinking Empathy
Learn More → 🛒 Order on Amazon
Coming Soon

The Story Continues

What Ruffles Your Feathers? book cover
Book 3 · Bailey & Buttons Series

What Ruffles Your Feathers?

Coming Soon

Bailey and Buttons are back for another heartwarming adventure. Be the first to know when Book 3 arrives — sign up for updates.

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Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD — Children's Author
Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD
About the Author

A Lifelong Educatorand Storyteller

Dr. Julie McDonnell is a children’s book author, educator, and advocate for Social Emotional Learning. With a doctorate in education and decades of experience in classrooms and schools, Julie brings both professional expertise and a mother’s heart to every story she tells.

Her Bailey & Buttons series is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of navigating life’s big feelings. Each book is designed to spark meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators.

EdD — Education Mom’s Choice Award Winner SEL Advocate School Visit Speaker
Meet Dr. Julie →
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Bring These Stories to Your Classroom

Bulk orders available for schools and libraries. Julie also offers author visits with interactive read-alouds and SEL activities for students of all ages.

Book an Author Visit → Bulk Order Inquiry