What if the Cowardly Lion took a leap of faith? A story of courage, determination, and a dash of friendship. 

Courage is something that comes from your heart. But if you can’t find it there, you can wear it on your head at first.

Mae is a girl.

Bear is a bear.

But over the course of one life-changing, slightly nerve-racking train ride, they find out that this might be the only thing they don’t have in common.  

Kate Hoefler’s signature lyricism and Jessixa Bagley’s sweetly wry art combine for a gently whimsical, people (and bear) pleaser of a story about the fear of being different, the ways we overcome this fear, and the fact that often what’s different is a lot more familiar than we might think. With courage, determination, and a dash of friendship, Mae and Bear discover all the humor, warmth, and beauty found in togetherness and in the unknown.

IMPORTANT THEMES: This sweet, moving story about new experiences is just right for kids facing the first day of school or a big move, but it’s also more broadly about the importance of courage, trying things that scare you, making new friends, the beauty and importance of diversity, and dealing with the feeling of being an outsider.

TEACHES KINDNESS AND EMPATHY: This book emphasizes the importance of kindness, courage, empathy, and friendship. It’s a perfect classroom or library read-aloud, as kids will be excited to share their own experiences of trying new things and discussing things that scare them.

BE BRAVE: It’s all too common for kids to feel like outsiders at school, at camp, or anywhere else. This book shows it’s okay to be different—and that trying new things is worth it, even when they seem scary or unfamiliar.

SWEET ILLUSTRATIONS: Fall in love with these adorable characters, portrayed with humor and sweetness by illustrator Jessixa Bagley!