The Extra Button: A Story of Courage, Kindness, and the Love We Carry

By C.S. O'Donnell

The night before his first day of school, Mikey's worries feel much too big. Then Grandma opens her treasured button jar, where every button holds a family story.

Together, they choose a small wooden bear. Grandma stitches it inside Mikey's coat, close to his heart, giving him a comforting reminder that he is never alone.

When the school day becomes noisy and overwhelming, Mikey touches his bear and finds the courage to keep going. Soon, he notices that another child may need a little courage too. With one extra button and a generous heart, Mikey discovers that bravery grows when it is shared.

The Extra Button is a warmly illustrated picture book about first-day worries, emotional regulation, kindness, friendship, family traditions, and the lasting bond between a grandparent and grandchild.

Perfect for:

Children preparing to start schoolYoung readers experiencing anxiety or separation worriesSocial-emotional learning at home or in the classroomGrandparents, parents, teachers, and school counselorsMeaningful back-to-school, birthday, and holiday gifts

Includes a special page about the button-tin tradition, inviting families to discover the stories held inside their own button jars, tins, and boxes.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HDT92WRF
• ISBN13: 9798192040317
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"