A heartwarming, inspiring and empowering new children's book series.
About Mac and Friends
Our Story
In a world where kids are often told who to be, Mac and Friends invites children to embrace who they truly are. With colorful characters, heartwarming adventures, and empowering lessons, this series helps children build confidence, optimism, and self-love at an early age.
Inspired by the author's late bulldog Mac, her two children, and t
In a world where kids are often told who to be, Mac and Friends invites children to embrace who they truly are. With colorful characters, heartwarming adventures, and empowering lessons, this series helps children build confidence, optimism, and self-love at an early age.
Inspired by the author's late bulldog Mac, her two children, and their house full of rescue pets, the series turns practical coaching tools and emotional regulation techniques into captivating lessons kids can understand — about self-worth, kindness, and resilience.
Our Pack
Members of Mac’s pack include Lolo the nervous terrier, Bali the white cat who gives unconditional love, Ozzy the grumpy orange tabby cat and Bootsy the free-spirited, glitter-loving tuxedo kitten. And of course there's Mac - with a heart even bigger than his paws - leading the way.
Each one brings their own unique personality, strengths,
Members of Mac’s pack include Lolo the nervous terrier, Bali the white cat who gives unconditional love, Ozzy the grumpy orange tabby cat and Bootsy the free-spirited, glitter-loving tuxedo kitten. And of course there's Mac - with a heart even bigger than his paws - leading the way.
Each one brings their own unique personality, strengths, and quirks to the team, showing children that differences make us stronger and that true friends lift each other up. Together, they model the power of community, encouragement, and belonging.
Our Differentiator
Our Differentiator
A unique hallmark of the series is the “Coaching Corner” — an author-created section in every book. This page offers simple, practical, proven tips to help parents, caregivers, and educators better support the young people in their lives.
With actionable language and developmental insights, adults gain confidence in navigating big convers
A unique hallmark of the series is the “Coaching Corner” — an author-created section in every book. This page offers simple, practical, proven tips to help parents, caregivers, and educators better support the young people in their lives.
With actionable language and developmental insights, adults gain confidence in navigating big conversations and nurturing emotional growth. Additionally, a portion of all Mac and Friends book series proceeds supports animal rescue organizations.
Meet the Humans
About the Author: DeAnne Aussem
DeAnne is a global leadership expert, professional coach, speaker and founder of ThriveWell Partners. After decades of supporting leaders and teams around the world thrive at work and in life, she now brings those lessons to children through imaginative storytelling. A passionate advocate for optimism, resilience, authenticity, and of course animals, DeAnne writes with the intention to spark joy, confidence and self-awareness in every reader.
About the Illustrator: Emilia Thompson
Emilia is a painter, illustrator, and recent college graduate who loves making artwork about cats and other cute animals. When she's not painting or experimenting in the print studio, you may find her starting a new crochet project, on a mission to get boba with her younger sister or quietly studying an artwork at the nearest museum.