Jennifer Hallman was born in Virginia and moved to Alabama when she was 8-years-old. She credits an early connection to music with influencing her love of art and appreciation of color in all aspects of life. She now lives with her family in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

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Jennifer’s debut children’s book, How Mae Got Moxie, will hit bookshelves in February 2025. This colorfully illustrated book is a heartwarming tale of kindness, creativity, and self-discovery. It tells the story of a spirited hedgehog named Mae who faces the challenges of moving to a new school and making new friends. Through embracing her artistic side and spreading kindness, Mae blossoms into her truest, most colorful self and even makes friends along the way.

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In addition to writing children’s literature, Jennifer is also an accomplished photographer and artist. She also owns and operates Moxy + Mae, an online and pop-up storefront that features a curated collection of her favorite products from around the globe. Whether in her own artwork, her children’s books, or her selection of items for Moxy + Mae, Jennifer strives to show her zest for life and spread joy to people she meets along the way.

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How Mae Got Moxie was illustrated by Racheal Smithson who hails from south Louisiana where she was homeschooled and nurtured in art by her mother. With a degree in studio art from Northwestern State University, she has lent her talents to Anthropologie and Veranda. Racheal's love for illustration shines as she brings authors' stories to visual life. She resides in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband Daulton and poodle Dixie, indulging in cooking, hiking, DIY projects, and writing her fantasy novel.