Jewell Reinhart Coburn

Jewell (Julie) Reinhart Coburn, PHD, LHD, LLD, is an award-winning author with a high level of expertise in intercultural communications, and has established educational programs world-wide. She fosters networking potential among representatives from education, business, and government and seeks to advance understanding and cooperation among cultures. Her books are found in schools and libraries throughout the United States and abroad.

Dr. Coburn has lived in southeast Asia, East Africa, and Europe. She works with peoples of all ages and contributes actively to advancing the appreciation of values directly related to improving the human condition. She is the mother of four young professionals who, as youngsters, trekked with her to the far reaches of the globe.

Dr. Coburn is a graduate of Taylor University and President Emeritus of the University of Santa Barbara. She received multiple awards for her series, “The Search for Shared Values,” containing forty carefully researched stories from varying ethnic traditions. Her Cinderella series is based on her research of the origin of the fairy tale theme, first appearing in China and traced through Southeast Asia and on to France, contributing richly to the body of work in this genre.

For more about her travels and collaborations, please visit: The Stories Behind the Stories.

Other titles by Dr. Coburn include Authentic Voices: Women of Insight Talk about Real Life Challenges; and Let the Clock Run Wild: Wit and Wisdom from Boomers and Bobbysoxers.

Literary Awards

California Council on Literature for Children and Young People:
Beyond the East Wind: Legends and Folktales of Vietnam
Kmers, Tigers and Talismans: From the History and Legends of Mysterious Cambodia
Encircled Kingdom: Legends and Folktales of Laos

American Library Association (ALA): Recommended for grades K-8

Children’s Book Review: Recommended for all classes

School Library Journal: Recommended as important books for all children

Multi-Cultural Review: Recommended for all children

UNICEF: Published “ The Rooster and the Jewel” from Encircled Kingdom: Legends and Folktales of Laos

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Research & Projects Grants Foundation
Grants Recipient for Series titles

International Conference: Literature for Children – Sponsor: UCLA
Sea of Upturned Faces