Julie McDonnell Author

✨ I’m so grateful for these thoughtful Amazon reviews!

I love how they beautifully capture the heart of The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden. From the smudges on Buttons to the unique flowers growing in Grandma’s garden (and yes — even the little bee 🐝), each detail carries meaning.

This story is a gentle reminder that we are all unique, we all have a place, and our true worth and beauty come from within. When children begin to see themselves through that lens, everything changes. 💛

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read and share your thoughts — it means more than you know.

https://flowersingrandmasgarden.com

What if the way we see something changes how we feel about it? 👓✨

Introducing My Rose-Colored Glasses: A Bailey and Buttons Story — Book #2 in the series! (summer 2026 launch)

Here’s a first look at some preliminary sketches by the incredibly talented Clarice Diamantino. I already love how she’s bringing Bailey, Buttons, Thomas, and Grandma to life.

This story gently explores:
• Perspective
• Fairness
• Big feelings
• And choosing to see with love, kindness, and curiosity

More behind-the-scenes coming soon…

Stay tuned 💕
art

Love filling orders of books and bears! Personalized messages, bookmarks, postcards, and wristbands that add the special reminder…You Are Perfect As You Are!

Flowersingrandmasgarden.com

✨ Grateful for these beautiful 5⭐️ reviews! ✨

Readers are sharing such heartfelt reflections on The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden, and my heart is full.

💬 What they’re loving:
🌸 “A beautifully written and illustrated story about a grandma’s love”
🌸 “Written with a lot of heart”
🌸 “A gentle, reassuring story that helps children understand they are enough”

One reviewer even shared that parents can learn something too — which means the world to me. 💗 This story was written to remind children (and the grown-ups who love them) that worth isn’t something you earn… you already have it.

📖 Want to read it?
If you’d like to read The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden and leave a review, you can download it for free on Goodreads here:
👉 https://goodnightreads.co/book-details?recordId=recTQFfr7uYNLp10B

Your reviews truly help this story reach more families who need its message. Thank you for being part of this journey 🌼

It’s here! My Read Out Loud episode on KidLit TV is LIVE! 🥰
Link is in the post! Please share!

Have you ever had one of those days where it feels like nothing you do quite measures up? 😔

One special story is helping kids see that being different is something to embrace—not erase. 🤗

Julie McDonnell Author shares her award-winning children's book, The Flowers in Grandma's Garden: A Bailey and Buttons Story (published by Miriam Laundry) on an all-new episode of KidLit TV's Read Out Loud—the final trolley stop of PR From The Heart's New Year Kickoff Celebration: https://bit.ly/4a3jFbg. 🎉📖🧸

If you're a children's author looking for dedicated PR support to share your inspiring story and new book with the media—and reach more parents, families, and educators in the new year—contact us to learn how PR From The Heart can support you: https://bit.ly/474Jbur. 💜

Thank you for helping us walk home the children of the world. 👦🏿👦🏽👦🏻🙏🏻👧🏻👧🏽👧🏿

Look who made the website! 🧸💙

I was so excited to see Buttons the Bear featured on the Custom Implementer website—the very place where Buttons came to life!

From an idea in my heart to a story children love, to now seeing Buttons showcased like this… I’m so grateful for the journey, the growth, and the courage to keep believing.

Dreams really do start small—and sometimes, they’re stuffed with love. ✨

“Have you ever seen something you created show up in the world like this?”

“What dream are you nurturing right now?”

https://customimplementer.com

https://flowersingrandmasgarden.com

https://creatingourownlight.com/shop

Feeling so grateful to receive another 5-star review for The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Knowing this story is resonating with readers means more than I can say.

If you’d like to read the book and share your own thoughts, you can download it for free here:
https://goodnightreads.co/book-details?recordId=recTQFfr7uYNLp10B

✨ Milestone moment! ✨

All three rounds of edits are officially complete for Book #2 - My Rose Colored Glasses: A Bailey and Buttons Story, and my heart is full. 🥰 So grateful for the thoughtful guidance, collaboration, and care throughout this process.

Next stop: the illustration phase—where the story truly begins to bloom 🌸

This journey is a reminder that growth happens one thoughtful step at a time.

Thank you to Miriam Laundry Publishing and the Publishing Mastermind Team for walking beside me on this path! 😊

Just received another 5 star review for "The Flowers in Grandma's Garden" on Amazon! If you would also like to read and review my book, you can download it for free at

https://goodnightreads.co/book-details?recordId=recTQFfr7uYNLp10B