Julie McDonnell Author

Long before children learn algebra, science, or history, they begin forming beliefs about who they are, what they're capable of, and where they belong. Those beliefs have the power to shape a child's entire universe. 🌠

As we count down to the start of the new school year, one retired educator is empowering kids nationwide to challenge their limiting beliefs and discover the limitless possibilities that emerge when they learn to see themselves for who they truly are and what they bring to the world. 👦🏿👦🏽👦🏻🌎👧🏻👧🏽👧🏿

We're excited to announce that Dr. Julie McDonnell Author will be joining us as one of the featured authors and panelists at PR From The Heart's Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026 (presented in partnership with SMART Reading)—taking place on Saturday, August 8th at Barnes & Noble. 🤗

Dr. Julie will be sharing her highly new children's book, My Rose-Colored Glasses (published by Miriam Laundry), as part of the event's morning session (beginning at 11AM PT)—featuring special story times and book signings for children and families. 👪🏻📖👪🏿

Plus, Julie will be a prominent part of our interactive author panel for parents, educators, and librarians (beginning at 2PM PT), where she’ll take us inside the pages of the newest installment in her award-winning Bailey and Buttons series while sharing the keys to raising emotionally resilient kids in an increasingly challenging world, solutions to the confidence crisis facing our children, and how we can inspire today's kids to see this new school year with perspective, hope, and optimism—plus much more! 💫

For our friends and neighbors in Portland: Join the discussion, meet Dr. Julie in person, and get your copies of the Bailey and Buttons series—My Rose-Colored Glasses and The Flowers in Grandma's Garden—personally signed. ✍🏻

The first 100 pre-registered attendees will receive a FREE children’s book, courtesy of PR From The Heart. 🎁

Seats are limited for this immersive day of storytelling, connection, and conversation with leading voices in the world of children’s literature—including Tony Buttino Sr., Daytime Emmys Award–Winning Co-Creator of Reading Rainbow and Co-Author of Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series (published by Globe Pequot), Aron Nels Steinke, Eisner Award-Winning Author & Creator of the Mr. Wolf's Class Graphic Novel Series (published by Graphix/Scholastic) and Amelie Anastasia, the 12-year-old philanthropist behind the forthcoming release, Shelter Dogs (published by Little House of Dreams Publishing). Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/4vyqTOv. ⏳

Stay connected to PR From The Heart as we continue the unveiling of the complete lineup for this year’s Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026, with a brand-new featured author and panelist reveal arriving later this week. 📣

Thank you for helping us to walk home the children of Portland and our little neighbors across the world. 👦🏿👦🏽👦🏻🙏🏻👧🏻👧🏽👧🏿