Alabama author shares story of ‘hedgehog with heart’ in new children’s book

Jennifer Hallman wants young people to have confidence and show kindness while celebrating their individuality, and she instills all of that in an imaginary hedgehog in her debut children’s book, “How Mae Got Moxie.”

The book won First Place in the 2025 Alabama Media Professionals Communications Contest for Children’s Fiction Published in 2024 and has been enjoyed in classrooms since February.

The book was produced entirely in Birmingham. Hallman collaborated with Birmingham-based illustrator Rachael Smithson to bring Mae’s world to life. Editing and publishing were led by Village Editorial, a women-run publishing house, and printing was completed in Homewood at Rocky Heights Print & Binding, making the entire process a celebration of homegrown talent and community spirit.

The official launch was held recently at the Birmingham Museum of Art, where Hallman read from the book, did a book signing and – as she has done at other events – had a kids’ art experience to make “kindness cards” for patients at Children’s of Alabama hospital.

“How Mae Got Moxie” is available online at moxymae.com and at select retailers across Alabama. Hear more about the book and Hallman’s journey in the video below.