Award-winning children’s book How Mae Got Moxie, by local author Jennifer Hallman, has captured hearts—and now accolades—across the state. The colorful and heartfelt tale of a plucky little hedgehog named Mae recently won first place in the 2025 Alabama Media Professionals Communications contest in the children’s fiction category.
Jennifer Hallman
To celebrate, a special book launch event was recently held at the Birmingham Museum of Art, where the family fun included a reading by the author, a book signing, and a kid-friendly art experience inspired by the book’s themes of kindness and courage. Children created their own hedgehog and heart-themed art, helping to bring Mae’s message of moxie and self-expression to life through creativity and connection.
Since its February 2025 release, How Mae Got Moxie has made a significant impact in Alabama schools, reaching more than 4,000 students across 20-plus classrooms. Teachers have used the book as a springboard for conversations about kindness, self-confidence, and being true to yourself. Mae’s story—of learning to be brave, bold, and authentic—has resonated with young readers across the state, giving even the shyest children permission to embrace what makes them unique.
Jennifer Hallman
The book is a natural extension of Jennifer’s longtime mission to spread kindness through art. Through her platform, Moxy Mae, she has personally hand-painted and gifted more than 7,000 kindness cards. Her kindness card workshops, often held in schools or community events, invite children to make their own cards with encouraging messages—teaching them that small gestures can have a big impact. Most recently, at the Regions Tradition golf event, Jennifer helped attendees create more than 300 kindness cards for young patients at Children’s of Alabama.
Jennifer, a Birmingham native and former educator, created Moxy Mae to be a space where creativity meets compassion. What began as a single act of painting kindness cards during a season of personal transition has grown into a full-fledged movement—and now, a beloved children’s book. Jennifer’s background in education, art, and storytelling converge in Mae’s tale, which she hopes will leave a lasting imprint on kids everywhere.
Jennifer Hallman
The book was produced entirely in Birmingham, reflecting a deep commitment to local talent and collaboration. Jennifer teamed up with Birmingham illustrator Rachael Smithson to bring Mae and her world to life with vivid, whimsical imagery. Village Editorial, a female-run local publishing house focused on empowering voices, handled editing and production, while Rocky Heights Print & Binding in Homewood took care of the printing.
“The award is such an honor,” says Jennifer. “Mae’s story has resonated with so many children already, and I’m thrilled to see it recognized in this way. My hope has always been that Mae would help children see the value in being their true selves.”
How Mae Got Moxie is available online at moxymae.com and at select retailers across Alabama.