Julia Malucelli: Sharing Purpose-Driven Living with the Story of Queen Esther
All photos courtesy of Julia Malucelli
Julia Malucelli is bringing the timeless story of Queen Esther to children around the world, hoping that Esther’s courage will inspire them—especially young girls—to see themselves as God sees them: loved, valued and called for a purpose.
A Brazilian civil engineer, author and social-impact leader, Julia grew up in an entrepreneurial family. Inspired by her Christian faith, she decided to use her skills, resources and relationships to create a children’s book capable of reaching vulnerable communities around the world.
The book, Queen Esther, was illustrated by Ziraldo, one of Brazil’s most celebrated artists and authors. Ziraldo was widely recognized in Brazil and internationally for his work as a writer, illustrator and cartoonist. Among his best-known creations was Turma do Pererê, a comic-book series inspired by Brazilian folklore and featuring the character Saci-Pererê.
Julia believes there is a need for more high-quality Christian content for children.
“Here in Brazil, there isn’t much good Christian content for children,” she told YMI during a video interview. “There is a gap that we need to fill, so children are not shaped only by the values of the world but strengthened by the power of God’s Word.”
For Julia, Esther is a powerful role model for children, particularly for young girls who often grow up admiring princesses from fairy tales.
Esther, however, was not a princess waiting to be rescued. She was a young woman who demonstrated faith, wisdom and courage when her people were in danger.
“She was chosen for a purpose,” Julia said. “She had the wisdom of a woman who was deeply connected to God.”
More Than A Feverish Dream
The inspiration for a children’s book about Queen Esther came to Julia approximately three years earlier, when she became seriously ill with a bacterial infection.
Too weak to maintain her usual routine, Julia’s mother encouraged her to read or watch television while she recovered. At the time, a Christian television channel was airing a series about Esther. The programme led Julia to reread the biblical account, and she became captivated by the story.
“What touched me was the beauty of a woman making a difference and listening to the plans God had for her,” Julia said.
By the time she recovered, a dream had taken root in her heart: to write a children’s book that would help girls understand that, like Esther, they had been created for a purpose.
“I wanted girls to know that they are Esthers—that every little girl is born for a purpose.”
Although Julia had studied civil engineering and had no previous experience in children’s publishing, she decided to move forward with the idea.
“I didn’t know anything about the publishing industry or about writing children’s books, and I am not an illustrator,” she recalled.
Still, she began writing the story herself.
An Unexpected Meeting
Julia’s partnership with Ziraldo began through an unexpected encounter.
She met the illustrator during a business meeting with her administration team and a potential client. Ziraldo happened to be travelling with the visitor and joined the meeting, even though Julia’s professional activities at the time had no connection with literature or publishing.
Julia believed the encounter was providential.
“It seemed impossible not to be from God,” she said. “I didn’t know him, he lived in another city, and he was already in his mid-80s.”
Excited by the opportunity, Julia told Ziraldo about her vision for the children’s book. Initially, however, he declined the invitation.
She believed that, if the book was part of God’s plan, the right doors would open in the right time.
The Artist Says Yes
Two months later, Ziraldo contacted Julia and agreed to collaborate on the Queen Esther project.
To support Ziraldo and his creative team, Julia sent them a Bible so they could study the account of Esther. Several months later, Julia visited the studio and was surprised to discover that the illustrations had already been completed.
“It was fantastic. It was amazing,” she said, recalling how the images captured the spirit of Esther’s story.
There was another surprise awaiting Julia: she discovered the Bible gifted to the team had led one of them to become a Christian and had sparked a conversation on God and Christianity among them.
A Story Meant to Be Shared
The writing and illustration process took approximately five months to complete.
“Once God placed the project in my heart and gave me a clear vision of what to do, He began opening the doors I needed at the right time,” Julia said.
When the book was ready, Julia faced another important question: how could it reach the children who needed its message most?
She did not want Queen Esther to be available only in bookstores or private libraries. Her goal was to reach children in orphanages, schools, nonprofit organisations and vulnerable communities where families might not be able to purchase the book.
“I wanted it to reach those who could not buy it,” she said. “I wanted it to reach orphanages, organisations and schools in high-risk and low-income communities.”
This vision led to a partnership with Our Daily Bread Ministries, which became a distribution partner for the project.
A meeting was arranged with representatives of the ministry, and approximately three months later, the partnership was established.
At the time of the interview, around 60,000 copies of Queen Esther had been published and distributed in more than 20 countries.
Together with materials from Our Daily Bread Ministries, the books were delivered to schools and organisations serving children in vulnerable circumstances, including communities affected by poverty, violence and family instability.
While the ministry contributed to distribution, Julia also raised funds to support the project.
One of the main fundraising initiatives was a fashion bazaar where donated and second-hand clothing was sold at affordable prices.
After the event proved successful, it continued twice a year and became an important source of funding for the Queen Esther initiative.
Reaching Girls Around the World
The book is now available in more than 5 languages.
“Whenever God places a country in my heart, I put it in His hands,” Julia said.
Julia hoped the book could help girls understand that their dignity was not determined by their social background or circumstances.
She wanted them to know that they were loved by God and that their lives had meaning and purpose.
At the same time, she was entering a new season in her personal life. In May 2020, Julia welcomed her first daughter, Aria.
Although motherhood would bring new responsibilities, Julia remained committed to the Queen Esther project.
“I am going to focus on the project and on the baby,” she said. “But let’s see what God has planned.”
Asked what encouragement she would offer young adults who want to make a difference for God, Julia emphasised the importance of listening to His direction.
“The most important thing is to listen to God,” she said. “Do not allow distractions or difficulties to stop you. When something is for God, place it in His hands and keep that burning desire in your heart to make a difference.”
Like Queen Esther, Julia believes each person has been called to leave something meaningful behind.
“We are called to leave something good in this world.”
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