Kelly Dean’s Books
Stories that help children feel seen, supported, and understood.
✦ Featured Book
Harlee Handles It
The Slip-Up Spiral
It’s not the fall… It’s what you do next.
When Harlee tries to be perfect at dance, softball, and school all at once, one slip-up sends everything spiraling. A story about resilience, self-compassion, and bouncing back.
✦ Flagship Series
The Draya Universe
Every dream has a guide. Every heart has light.
Meet Draya the Dragonfly — the magical mascot at the heart of Kelly Dean’s Dreamland Adventures series. With hope, courage, kindness, and belief as her guide, Draya leads young readers through a world of imagination, wonder, and heart.
From picture books to early readers — the Draya Universe is a world built on hope, courage, kindness, and the belief that every child deserves to feel seen.
✦ About the Author
Kelly Dean
Kelly Dean is an author, educator, registered nurse, and advocate for children and families. Inspired by her work in education, healthcare, parenting, and youth sports, she creates relatable stories that help young readers navigate friendships, big feelings, confidence, inclusion, and change. Her characters make mistakes, ask for help, try again, and remind children that they deserve to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
✦ The Characters
Meet the Characters
Every story has a hero. Here are the kids who prove it — one challenge, one chapter, one comeback at a time.
✦ More Books
More Books by Kelly Dean
Stories for every reader — from picture books to middle grade to adult.
Kelly Dean Books
Six titles spanning middle grade, picture books, youth sports, and more.
Built Beyond the Box
For the woman ready to reclaim herself beyond the roles, expectations, and many hats.
Messy Lexie: A Paw-Some Mess
A colorful picture book about big messes, brave hearts, and one very enthusiastic dachshund.
✦ Watch
Book Trailers
What Ava Knows: A Salty Secret
Every family has secrets. But what Ava knows might change everything.
Built Beyond the Box
For the woman ready to reclaim herself beyond the roles, expectations, and many hats.
The Messy Lexie Series
Calendars, books, and one very enthusiastic dachshund — the whole Messy Lexie world in one place.
Harper in the Hallways: You Belong Here
A story about belonging, finding your place, and knowing you matter exactly as you are.
Dean’s Playbook: The One Who Showed Up
A story about what it really means to show up — for your team, your family, and yourself.
Harlee Handles It Series
Relatable stories for young readers navigating friendships, big feelings, and what it means to try again.
✦ SEL Workbooks & Resources
All About Me Activity Book
Harper & Harlee Edition — for Girls 8–12. Glam · Grit · Friendship · Creativity · Fun. 30+ activities to help kids discover, express, and become themselves.
Reviews
Ms. Bennett
3rd Grade Teacher
What I appreciate most is that these aren’t just ‘feelings’ resources. Lexie helps kids build an actual plan, and Harlee gives us a character we can point back to when we talk about nerves, mistakes, and bouncing back.
M. Castillo
Teenagers still need help naming what they’re carrying. They just don’t always want us asking twenty questions about it. These stories give us a more natural place to start.
Newsletter
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Kelly Dean’s Books | Children’s Stories & SEL Resources for Parents, Teachers, and more 