Long before children understand life’s biggest lessons, they’re collecting thousands of little moments that quietly teach them how to respond when things don’t go as planned.

Those everyday moments plant the seeds of confidence, compassion, and resilience.

And so, one giving grandmother and storyteller is reminding families that sometimes the brightest outlook begins with seeing everyday moments in a brand-new light.

Retired Educator & Award-Winning Children’s Author Dr. Julie McDonnell, joins our John Masiulionis and Little Forrest on Episode #279 of PR From The Heart’s Children’s Books Spotlight Series to share how a career devoted to encouraging young minds evolved into stories that continue inspiring children far beyond the classroom, the inspiration behind her Bailey and Buttons Series (The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden and My Rose-Colored Glasses, published by Miriam Laundry Publishing), the importance of helping children reframe life’s everyday disappointments with a spirit of possibility, the power of picture books in creating meaningful conversations about big feelings, the cherished creative partnership she shares with her beloved husband, Jeffrey, and a sneak preview of her upcoming featured appearance at Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026 in Portland—plus much more.

We encourage you to support Dr. Julie’s work by getting your copies of the Bailey and Buttons Series and enjoying these empowering reads with your little ones: https://bit.ly/4yVgLAW.

And to our friends and neighbors in Portland: Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Julie in person and have your copies of The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden and My Rose-Colored Glasses personally signed. Reserve your seats for Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026, taking place Saturday, August 8th, at Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center. Seats are limited—and once they’re gone, they’re gone: https://bit.ly/4vyqTOv.

  The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden: A Bailey and Buttons Story
Text copyright © 2025 by Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD • Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Clarice Diamantino. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry Publishing. All rights reserved.

My Rose-Colored Glasses: A Bailey and Buttons Story
Text copyright © 2026 by Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD • Illustrations copyright © 2026 by Clarice Diamantino. Used with permission. Published by Miriam Laundry Publishing. All rights reserved.