Today's Read Team 
Lady & Bee Books, the creative publishing brand founded by author and owner D. L. Barr, has officially launched its first children’s book, Lady & Bee: A Sweet Friendship Adventure, on March 12, 2025. This milestone marks the beginning of a heart-driven literary journey designed not only to captivate young readers but also to give back in a deeply personal and impactful way.
The story follows the adventures of Lady, a shy ladybug with artistic dreams, and her cheerful companion Bee, a bumblebee full of optimism and charm. Alongside their friend Ollie, the trio embarks on a delightful exploration of creativity, courage, and friendship. The book’s narrative blends enchanting storytelling with subtle life lessons, making it suitable for early readers and ideal for bedtime reading or classroom storytelling.
What sets Lady & Bee: A Sweet Friendship Adventure apart is the strong emotional and philanthropic foundation upon which it was created. Inspired by her personal experiences as a NICU mother, D. L. Barr has committed to donating 5% of all book sales to support families with children in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Her firsthand understanding of the emotional and financial challenges associated with premature birth and extended NICU stays led to the establishment of this initiative, with a 2025 fundraising goal of $10,000.
“As a NICU mom, my journey with my children inspired me to write this book not just for joy, but as a heartfelt bridge to support other families facing similar challenges,” said Barr. “With every page turned and every book sold, we create a ripple of hope and love, empowering us to give back to NICU families in need. Together, we can transform our shared experiences into meaningful change.”
Lady & Bee Books is more than a publishing label; it’s a reflection of Barr’s values, love for storytelling, and unwavering commitment to helping others. The characters and themes within the book are inspired by Barr’s two daughters, Ava and Acacia, whose influence can be seen in the joyful tone and message of perseverance throughout the story.
The book has already garnered praise from early readers and reviewers. On Amazon, Lady & Bee: A Sweet Friendship Adventure maintains a five-star rating, with readers highlighting its heartwarming content, vibrant illustrations, and message of kindness. The support from parents, educators, and child literacy advocates has positioned the book as a meaningful addition to the children’s book landscape.
Barr’s journey as an author is closely tied to her role as a mother and advocate. Through Lady & Bee Books, she hopes to raise awareness not only of the realities many NICU families face, but also of the power of storytelling to build community and inspire compassion. The company’s official website, ladyandbeebooks.com, serves as a central platform for learning more about upcoming releases, the author’s mission, and the philanthropic programs tied to each title.
Visitors to the website can also find details about future installments in the Lady & Bee series. With each new release, Barr plans to continue her dual mission of delivering joyful, character-building stories while channeling proceeds toward medical support networks and NICU families across the country.
In keeping with its core mission, Lady & Bee Books encourages schools, bookstores, and parent groups to consider the book not only as a literary resource but as a small act of giving. Each purchase is part of a broader effort to support community care and make storytelling an act of service as much as entertainment.
As the book continues to gain momentum, Barr remains focused on ensuring that the message of compassion, kindness, and friendship remains at the forefront of everything Lady & Bee Books stands for. With a growing audience and positive reception, the debut title is well on its way to establishing a loyal reader base and achieving its charitable goals for 2025.
For more information, including updates on future book launches and ongoing fundraising efforts, visit ladyandbeebooks.com or follow the brand on Instagram at @ladyandbeebooks. To read reviews or purchase the book, visit the Amazon product page.