During a heartfelt public presentation for Hedgehogs & Hearts, author Jennifer Hallman shared the emotional story behind How Mae Got Moxie — a children’s book inspired by courage, creativity, and the belief that small acts of kindness can truly change the world.

Where It All Began

The journey started when Hallman’s best friend, Juliet, was diagnosed with cancer. Wanting to bring encouragement to the people helping care for her friend, Hallman began painting handmade kindness cards for doctors, nurses, drivers, waitresses, and strangers they encountered throughout treatment.

At first, there were only forty cards.

Then there were hundreds.

Eventually, there were more than 8,000.

What Hallman discovered along the way was powerful: when people feel seen and appreciated, they often pass that kindness forward.

Those experiences became the emotional foundation for How Mae Got Moxie.

Meet Mae the Hedgehog

The story follows Mae, a young hedgehog artist who loves creating colorful kindness cards for others. Before starting at a new school, she sews a bright heart onto the sleeve of her jacket and proudly carries cards in her pockets to share with classmates.

But after feeling different and out of place, Mey slowly begins hiding the very things that once made her unique.

Through conversations with her mother, Mae learns what “moxie” really means: being bold enough to stay true to yourself, even when it feels easier to blend in.

Why a Hedgehog?

Hallman explained that hedgehogs became the perfect metaphor for the story.

Hedgehogs are tiny, gentle animals covered in protective spikes. When they feel nervous, afraid, or threatened, those spikes rise to shield them from harm.

In the same way, people often protect themselves emotionally when they feel insecure or rejected.

The book uses Mae’s spikes, colorful clothing, and emotional journey as symbols for vulnerability, courage, and self-expression.

The Creative Partnership Behind the Book

One of the most touching parts of the event was hearing illustrator Rachel share how she became involved in the project.

The two actually met through one of Hallman’s kindness cards while Rachel was working at a local breakfast restaurant in Alabama.

Rachel had never illustrated a children’s book before, and she had never even drawn a hedgehog. But when Hallman asked her to help bring Mae to life, she said yes.

Together, they spent twelve weeks building the visual world of the story page by page — filling it with hidden details, nostalgic references, emotional symbolism, and colorful imagination.

A Book Built in Birmingham

One thing Hallman emphasized repeatedly was her commitment to making this project deeply rooted in Birmingham, Alabama.

The book was:

• Written in Birmingham
• Illustrated in Birmingham
• Edited in Birmingham
• Printed in Birmingham
• Shared directly with local schools and families

That local investment is already paying off.

How Mae Got Moxie has been read to more than 4,000 children, is sold in 15 stores, and has already won an award for Best Children’s Fiction Published in Alabama.

The book is also advancing to a national competition later this year.

More Than a Storybook

What makes Hedgehogs & Hearts special is that it extends far beyond the pages of the book itself.

The event featured:

• Build-your-own hedgehog craft stations
• Kindness card workshops
• Get well card creation for children in hospitals
• Interactive conversations about emotions and self-worth

At its core, the project encourages children to embrace creativity, kindness, and individuality — while reminding adults of the same truths.

The Message at the Heart of It All

Throughout the presentation, Hallman returned to one simple phrase:

It’s a message woven throughout Mae’s story, stitched into every kindness card, and reflected in every colorful illustration.

In a world where fitting in often feels safer than standing out, How Mae Got Moxie reminds readers — children and adults alike — that the bravest thing we can do is share our hearts anyway.