COOL Academy
Children’s Book Series
Fostering Emotional Resilience, Self-Acceptance, and the Courage to Shine Your Light
💛 Who Is This For?
Are you a parent, teacher, or caregiver who wants to help children grow emotionally strong, confident, and kind?
Then you’re in the right place!
The Bailey & Buttons series supports kids in exploring feelings, friendships, and self-worth—with warmth and honesty.
🌸 Why Is This Important?
Today’s kids face big emotions: pressure to fit in, fear of making mistakes, feeling left out, and unworthiness.
In The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden, Bailey learns that her worth isn’t found in being perfect but in embracing who she truly is. With her grandma’s gentle wisdom and a lesson from nature, she discovers a deeper truth: she’s not defined by mistakes or others’ opinions—she’s already enough, perfect just as she is.
These books offer wisdom and guidance to help kids build resilience, confidence, and emotional awareness.
“It’s perfect just the way it is.”
I’m Dr. Julie McDonnell, a former teacher with 30+ years in education and a proud Mimi to my grandkids, Nadia and Callan. I’ve always believed picture books can heal, uplift, and inspire. I love helping children discover their unique gifts and talents and watching them shine.
As a certified life coach, I combine my educational background and passion for personal growth to write stories that support emotional resilience and self-acceptance.
Bailey & Buttons is my heart’s offering to children—and those who guide them.
✨ Why Me?
These stories help children believe in their light, speak their feelings, and grow with confidence.
Whether you’re reading at bedtime or sharing in the classroom, thank you for being part of this journey.
Your love and presence make all the difference.
With love,
Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD
🌟 Let’s Shine Together
The Bailey and Buttons Series…
Stories of emotional resilience, self-worth, and self-acceptance.
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![The Flowers in Grandma's Garden]()
The Flowers in Grandma's Garden
Volume 1 in the “A Bailey and Buttons Story” Series
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My Rose Colored Glasses
Volume 2 in the “A Bailey and Buttons Story” Series
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What Ruffles Your Feathers?
Volume 3 in the “A Bailey and Buttons Story” Series
Testimonials
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![Mandy Morris Testimonial]()
"Julie not only holds the light within her, she shines it for others to find warmth too. What a blessing for her magic to be sprinkled into children’s libraries and hearts."
Mandy Morris
Entrepreneur, 2x #1 International best-selling author, and philanthropist
To Learn More about Mandy, go to mandymorris.love
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"An absolutely soul-stirring and uplifting story that directly speaks to the heart of young readers and adults alike. It beautifully explores the themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of seeing beauty in all things, even when they seem imperfect. The narrative’s simple yet profound message makes it an ideal conversation starter at home and in the classroom."
Tim Waters
Third Grade Teacher, Parent, and 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Semifinalist
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"This heartwarming story uses a touching relationship between a grandchild and grandparent to beautifully instill a lesson in self-worth. With charming illustrations and Bailey and Buttons' adventures, it’s perfect for both classroom and home!"
Marilyn Jones
Reading Specialist, Mom, proud Mimi
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