Author Visits with Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD
An inspiring, heart-centered author visit that kids will remember long after the last page is turned. Storytelling meets social-emotional learning — helping children explore big feelings, build confidence, and celebrate what makes them perfect as they are.
Choose the Format That Works for You
Classroom Read-Aloud
An intimate read-aloud of The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden with discussion questions, character activities, and a Q&A with the author.
School Assembly
An assembly-style experience featuring the story, interactive engagement, and a message about emotional resilience and self-worth.
Library & Community Event
A community storytelling event open to families, with a read-aloud, activities, book signing, and a conversation about Julie’s writing and author journey.
A Visit Kids Will Remember
Interactive Read-Aloud
Julie brings the story to life with energy, expression, and audience participation that keeps every child engaged.
SEL Theme Discussion
Deep-dive conversations on self-worth, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience — the heart of every Bailey & Buttons story.
Engaging Q&A
Kids ask questions, share feelings, and connect with the author in a warm, safe environment.
Hands-On Activities
Interactive exercises that reinforce the book’s themes and give children tools they can use every day.
Optional Classroom Follow-Ups
Extended learning activities for teachers to continue the conversation after the visit.
Free Educator Resources
Julie provides access to free downloadable activity guides for both Younger Learners (Grades K–2) and Older Learners (Grades 3–5).
Barnes & Noble • Clackamas, Oregon
Helping Build a Culture of Reading
Dr. Julie McDonnell recently joined educators at Building a Culture of Reading in Your Classroom 2026 at Barnes & Noble in Clackamas, Oregon.
Drawing on more than 30 years in education, Julie brings together storytelling, literacy, social-emotional learning, and meaningful conversations that help children feel seen, valued, and excited about reading.
- 30+ years of experience as an educator
- Author visits designed for Grades K–5
- Stories supporting self-worth, resilience, and belonging
- Programs for classrooms, assemblies, libraries, and community events
Stories Come Alive
Voices from the Community
We absolutely loved having Dr. Julie McDonnell visit our school! She did an incredible job
tailoring her presentations to meet the needs and interests of both our younger and older
elementary students. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully she tied her message to our
school’s core values, making the experience both meaningful and memorable for our students.
One of the highlights of the day was when a 4th grade student sought me out afterward and said,
“Please tell the author that I loved the message in her book.” We are so grateful for the
positive energy, authentic connection, and inspiration she brought to our school community!
Dr. Shannon Smith
Assistant Principal — Eureka Elementary — Rockwood School District, Missouri
Julie McDonnell recently visited Ballwin Elementary to share her wonderful book, The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden, and her presentation was a tremendous success. Our students were captivated by her story of becoming an author and were inspired by the powerful message at the heart of her book: that we are all special just the way we are. Every child needs to hear and embrace this message. Her presentation was engaging and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on students. It was a wonderful experience for our school community, and our students absolutely loved it.
Carrie Santel
Reading Specialist — Ballwin Elementary — Rockwood School District, Missouri
We were thrilled to welcome Julie to our school for an author visit. Students of all ages were captivated by her engaging storytelling, interactive presentation, and the adorable props she incorporated throughout. Julie has a remarkable ability to connect with students, keeping them involved, entertained, and excited about her work. Julie was a pleasure to work with. She was responsive, flexible, and accommodating throughout the planning process. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and passion for inspiring young readers and writers left a lasting impression on both students and staff. We highly recommend Julie to any school seeking an engaging and memorable author visit and look forward to having Julie visit our school again!
Julie Backer and Katie Catanzaro
Reading Specialists — Uthoff Valley Elementary — Rockwood School District — Fenton, Missouri
Our 3rd grade team had the privilege of booking Julie to come for an author visit during our week focusing on ability awareness in October. The message of self-acceptance in The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden was so profound for our third graders and fit perfectly into our social-emotional curriculum. Through realistic and accessible examples, our students engaged before, during, and after the presentation and read-aloud so thoughtfully and willingly. This was one of those books we couldn’t keep on our bookshelves during the school year!
Third Grade Team
Long Elementary School — Lindbergh Schools, Missouri
Stories of Emotional Resilience, Self-Worth & Self-Acceptance
Each book in the series is crafted to help children explore big feelings, build inner confidence, and embrace what makes them uniquely wonderful.
Book 1
The Flowers in Grandma’s Garden
Available Now!
Book 2
My Rose-Colored Glasses
Available Now!
Book 3
What Ruffles Your Feathers?
Future Release
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade levels are best suited for Julie’s visit?
Julie’s visits are designed for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Custom visits can also be tailored for specific grade levels and groups, including pre-K classrooms.
How far will Julie travel?
Julie is based in St. Louis, Missouri and regularly visits schools in the greater St. Louis area. She also accepts select out-of-state bookings — please contact us to discuss travel arrangements.
Can we purchase books in advance for signing?
Yes! Bulk discounts are available for schools purchasing 10+ copies. Contact us for pricing. Books can also be ordered directly through Amazon.
Does the visit support SEL standards?
Absolutely. The visit supports CASEL’s (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) core SEL competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making.
How do we book a visit?
Fill out the contact form or email us directly at support@creatingourownlight.com . We’ll follow up within 2 business days to discuss availability, format, and logistics.
Let’s Bring Bailey & Buttons to Your School
Fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch within 2 business days to discuss availability, format, and logistics. Julie is ready to bring the magic of storytelling and SEL to your students.