about the author
Jonelle Mccaffrey
Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jonelle moved to Sarasota, Florida, in the 1970s, where she raised her two children on the beaches of the west coast of Florida. In the 1990s, she relocated to Orlando and now resides in Deltona, near her family. After 50 years in cosmetic retail management, she retired and began writing positive reinforcement children's books, inspired by her love of God, children, and animals. As a 2x cancer survivor, she also gives speaker talks on survival, changing careers, and encouraging others to write their stories. Her hobbies include traveling, nature photography, music, and horseback adventures.
about the Book
Merry Fairy, Baby Hootie,
Daisy Become Friends
Merry Fairy, Baby Hootie, and Daisy Become Friends by Jonelle McCaffrey is a quietly profound debut picture book that teaches empathy, friendship, and self-worth without ever feeling like a lesson. When Merry Fairy, a fairy who feels she doesn't belong, and Baby Hootie, a young owl eager to prove himself, sneak out on a moonless night and collide mid-flight, they tumble into the tail of Daisy, a kind-hearted pasture horse who catches them and gently guides two stubborn, hurting souls toward understanding each other. Inspired by the author's son Jonathan Jeffrey, who passed away in 2017, the book carries a tenderness that runs deep, and its central message, that everyone wants to be loved and understood, lands with warmth and sincerity. A perfect read-aloud for children ages 3 to 7, and a gentle reminder for adults, too.
about the Book
Merry Fairy Goes Home
Merry Fairy Goes Home is a warm and gently paced children's story that weaves themes of friendship, belonging, and overcoming fear into a charming woodland adventure. When Merry Fairy returns home to her beloved tree, she encounters the frightened Fairy Fina, swept away from her best friend by a thunderstorm, and the story unfolds as a heartfelt lesson in community and courage. The forest ensemble, from the chattering Squirrelly Squirrels to the soaring red birds and the nurturing horse Daisy, gives the narrative a cozy, cooperative spirit that young readers will find reassuring. Fina's journey from tearful anxiety to joyful confidence is handled with a light touch, and Merry Fairy's gentle encouragement models the kind of patient, positive friendship children benefit from seeing. The story wraps up with a satisfying sense of found family, leaving readers with the message that facing fears is always easier when you don't have to face them alone.
about the Book
baby hootie goes home
Baby Hootie Goes Home follows Baby Hootie Owl as he takes flight back to his family after healing from a mid-air mishap with Merry Fairy, returning not just physically mended but genuinely humbler and eager to contribute. McCaffrey handles his transformation with a light touch, letting actions speak louder than lessons, and the story lands a satisfying full-circle moment when Hootie discovers the crops his family is protecting belong to Daisy's farm. With language accessible to early readers and themes that carry real weight, including family, gratitude, and the idea that growing up means looking out for others, this is a warm, wholesome, and quietly wise story that entertains and nurtures in equal measure.
Our books
A heartwarming collection of children's picture books by Jonelle McCaffrey designed to nurture confidence, kindness, and belonging in young readers.
A tender children’s book about empathy, belonging, and friendship for readers ages 3 to 7.
A cozy woodland story about overcoming fear through community and reassuring friendship.
A young owl learns true gratitude and the importance of helping his family and community.
Author, Speaker, Publishing & Legacy Mentor.
In this interview, Janelle introduces her storytelling program, "Come Sit, Let's Read a Story," alongside her character friends: Airy Fairy, Baby Hoodie, and Daisy. She explains that these characters help children discover values like confidence, curiosity, hope, kindness, courage, and wisdom through their stories, inspiring young minds to dream, imagine, and believe in themselves. Janelle emphasizes that the impact and legacy of these characters are measured by the lives they touch, both young and old. She also offers her services as a speaker for companies or specialty groups, available for both live and virtual events, covering a range of topics including storytelling in your own way, surviving cancer without guilt, and leaving your legacy.
Book Trailer
Our blogs

A Little Owl with a Big Heart: Baby Hootie Goes Home by Jonelle McCaffrey
A Little Owl with a Big Heart: Baby Hootie Goes Home by Jonelle McCaffrey

Finding Your Way Home: Merry Fairy Goes Home by Jonelle McCaffrey
Finding Your Way Home: Merry Fairy Goes Home by Jonelle McCaffrey

Where Friendship Begins: Merry Fairy, Baby Hootie, and Daisy Become Friends by Jonelle McCaffrey
Where Friendship Begins: Merry Fairy, Baby Hootie, and Daisy Become Friends by Jonelle McCaffrey
The latest press release

Beloved Children’s Book Series Introduces Young Readers to a World of Friendship, Courage, and Belonging
Beloved Children’s Book Series Introduces Young Readers to a World of Friendship, Courage, and Belonging

A Young Owl Finds His Way Home in the Newest Addition to Jonelle McCaffrey’s Beloved MerryFairy Series
A Young Owl Finds His Way Home in the Newest Addition to Jonelle McCaffrey’s Beloved MerryFairy Series

Debut Picture Book Introduces an Enchanting New World Where Friendship Changes Everything
Debut Picture Book Introduces an Enchanting New World Where Friendship Changes Everything

A Frightened Fairy Finds Her Courage in the Latest Installment of Jonelle McCaffrey’s MerryFairy Series
A Frightened Fairy Finds Her Courage in the Latest Installment of Jonelle McCaffrey’s MerryFairy Series
What they say about us?
See what parents and young readers love about Jonelle McCaffrey's heartwarming stories.
This is a delightful and heartwarming story about friendship, kindness, and teamwork. The characters are lovable, and the message about making new friends is simple and meaningful for young readers. The colorful illustrations make the story even more engaging and fun.
I also got this one for my godson, and it’s such a sweet addition to his little library. A perfect book for teaching children about friendship and sharing.
Merry Fairy Goes Home is a sweet and magical story perfect for young children. The message about love, belonging, and finding your way home is heartwarming and easy for little ones to understand. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, making the story even more engaging.
I bought this book for my godson, and it made such a special gift. A lovely bedtime story that families will enjoy reading again and again.Such a sweet and meaningful book! The story about animals becoming friends is beautifully told and carries a wonderful message about kindness, friendship, and being your best self. The characters are charming, the message is uplifting, and it’s the kind of book kids enjoy while parents appreciate the values behind it. A lovely read that encourages empathy and confidence — highly recommend!


