Award-Winning Author · EME Life Coach · Educator
Stories ThatShine From Within
Dr. Julie McDonnell — educator, Certified EME (Emotions, Mind, and Energy) Life Coach, and award-winning author — writes heartwarming stories that help children discover their inner light, build emotional resilience, and embrace their own worth.
Amazon Rating
Award Honors
TV Features
As Seen On
THE COLLECTION
The Bailey & Buttons Books
Book 1
The Flowers inGrandma’s Garden
✓ Available Now
When Bailey has one of those days feeling frustrated, left out, and not good enough, a visit to Grandma’s flower garden changes everything. Through Grandma’s gentle wisdom and an unexpected lesson from nature, Bailey discovers that true beauty and worth come from within.
Self-Worth
Emotional Resilience Self-Acceptance |
Book 2
My Rose-ColoredGlasses
🌹 Now Available
Bailey and Buttons are learning to look for the good. Bailey faces moments that feel unfair, disappointing, and hard. With help from Grandma’s rose-colored glasses, Bailey discovers that a small shift in perspective can change how she feels and what happens next.
Perspective
Resilience Positive Thinking Empathy |
Meet the Author
Dr. JulieMcDonnell, EdD
With over 30 years in education as a teacher and district administrator, Dr. Julie McDonnell brings a deep understanding of children’s emotional needs to every story she writes. As a certified EME Life Coach, she helps children and families process difficult emotions and move forward with confidence and self-worth.
Her debut book, The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden, draws from her own experiences as a grandmother and educator — weaving EME principles into a story that resonates with children, parents, and teachers alike.
30+
Years in Education
4
Award Honors
K–5
Grade Levels
St. Louis, Missouri
Children’s Author
What Readers Are Saying
Hearts Touched, Stories Remembered
Julie not only holds the light within her, she shines it for others to find warmth too. What a blessing for her magic to be sprinkled into children’s libraries and hearts.
Mandy Morris
Entrepreneur, 2× #1 International Best-Selling Author & Philanthropist
A soul-stirring and uplifting story that speaks directly to the heart of young readers and adults alike. The narrative’s simple yet profound message makes it a perfect conversation starter at home and in the classroom.
Tim Waters
Third Grade Teacher & 2025 Missouri Teacher of the Year Semifinalist
This heartwarming story uses a touching relationship between a grandchild and grandparent to beautifully instill a lesson in self-worth. With charming illustrations, it’s perfect for both classroom and home!
Marilyn Jones
Reading Specialist, Mom & Proud Mimi
For Schools & Libraries
Bring Julie toYour School
Interactive read-alouds, activities, and heart-centered storytelling that kids will remember long after the last page is turned. Tailored for grades K–5.
In the Press
Media & Press Coverage
FOX 2 St. Louis — National Family Literacy Month Feature
KGW News 8 Portland — Dr. Julie McDonnell, Children’s Author
KidLit TV — Read Aloud Feature
Join the Author Community
Sign up for updates on new book releases, author visit availability, and free resources for parents and educators.