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Courage Hats
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!
Perfect for:
• Parents and caregivers
• Teachers and librarians
• Anyone looking for an empathy read
• Kids moving to new schools or houses
• Parents encouraging kids to be brave in the face of new experiences
• Fans of unlikely friendship stories
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!
Perfect for:
• Parents and caregivers
• Teachers and librarians
• Anyone looking for an empathy read
• Kids moving to new schools or houses
• Parents encouraging kids to be brave in the face of new experiences
• Fans of unlikely friendship stories
48 pages, Hardcover
Published March 22, 2022
2 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hoefler
14 books19 followersKate Hoefler received her BA in English and creative writing from Ohio University, and her MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan, where she studied as a Colby Fellow. She is the author of Real Cowboys, Great Big Things, and Rabbit and the Motorbike (with more forthcoming). She makes her home in the rolling hills of Ohio with her two children, a young dog, and an old cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 24, 2022
Inventive and beautiful and buoying. A special book.
December 5, 2022
Just a little off. Didn't like "that's the world" phrase. Why is Mae's only suitcase a tea set? Why was it a human and bear when there are so many different animals represented in the pictures?
May 30, 2025
This is quite cute. I love there are different critters sharing the world with humans. Wonderfully illustrated and a lovely story.
May 4, 2022
"Not everyone loves a train. That's the world. But sometimes, you have to take one anyway."
Mae doesn't like that the train goes deep into the woods. Bear doesn't like that the train goes "deep into people places." They both decide that "Courage is something that comes from your heart--but if you can't find it there, you can wear it on your head first." So Mae wears a hat the makes her look like a bear and Bear wears a hat that makes him look like a person. And, of course, they end up sitting on the train together and becoming friends. Then they can take their hats off.
"A friend you make in a deep place is an important friend."
Mae doesn't like that the train goes deep into the woods. Bear doesn't like that the train goes "deep into people places." They both decide that "Courage is something that comes from your heart--but if you can't find it there, you can wear it on your head first." So Mae wears a hat the makes her look like a bear and Bear wears a hat that makes him look like a person. And, of course, they end up sitting on the train together and becoming friends. Then they can take their hats off.
"A friend you make in a deep place is an important friend."
October 16, 2025
A world where they are scared of or intimidated by those who are different, trying to blend in, and realizing there is nothing to be afraid of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2022
This story not only is charming, it makes the reader think. There is much to see on the pages and also much to consider.
A young girl and a young bear are each afraid of being near the other, but without realizing it they are. The illustrations are clever and add much to the depth of this story.
A young girl and a young bear are each afraid of being near the other, but without realizing it they are. The illustrations are clever and add much to the depth of this story.
April 17, 2022
This was a charming, slightly quirky story of a girl and a bear who take a train ride. They are nervous about the unknown and make paper hats to wear. They soon become friends with the thing they were afraid of. We don't know where they are headed until the end of the story, as they head off hand in hand. A wonderful story about being nervous about doing something for the first time, being brave, and being a friend. I love the people/animal interactions throughout.
May 31, 2022
Very simple story about acknowledging your fears and sitting with them until you feel better. There was very little rhyme or reason to this. The artwork and text work well together but nothing to write home about.
March 28, 2022
What a sweet story about courage and friendship.
April 9, 2022
A unique voice and concept with beautiful illustrations.
April 19, 2022
There were parts of this I loved. But overall I felt it missed the mark.
June 28, 2024
"Not everyone loves a train. That's the world.
But sometimes, you have to take one anyway..."
Mae and Bear don't know one another (yet), but each is about to embark on a nerve-inducing solo train journey through areas full of (respectively) the unknown: bears and people. Summoning courage, they each make a disguise-style "hat" to better blend in. And sure enough, in a swaparoo setup that reminds me of "Blueberries for Sal" (if Sal and the bear cub had been the anxious sorts), Mae spots a "big grown-up" to sit with, and Bear spots a "small cub" to sit with, and their journeys begin--first as fellow passengers, and soon as friendly co-adventurers.
But what will happen when the hats (as all hats must eventually do) come off? And where is this train going, exactly? Never fear: you will find out when you read it!
There are so many things I love about this book. Not JUST the setting (full disclosure: just last week, I pumped my arm at a train engineer for a chance to hear the train's horn--woot!), not JUST the gorgeous and evocative art (I mean, just L👀K at the train's movement in the spread with the trees!!), and not JUST the funny premise (lord knows, I'm a fan of a dubious disguise!)--but especially the underlying universal truth that no matter how "solo" we *think* our journey is, there are *always* others on it, too--if we but choose to notice them.
It's a lovely book, as reassuring as a well-timed handhold.
But sometimes, you have to take one anyway..."
Mae and Bear don't know one another (yet), but each is about to embark on a nerve-inducing solo train journey through areas full of (respectively) the unknown: bears and people. Summoning courage, they each make a disguise-style "hat" to better blend in. And sure enough, in a swaparoo setup that reminds me of "Blueberries for Sal" (if Sal and the bear cub had been the anxious sorts), Mae spots a "big grown-up" to sit with, and Bear spots a "small cub" to sit with, and their journeys begin--first as fellow passengers, and soon as friendly co-adventurers.
But what will happen when the hats (as all hats must eventually do) come off? And where is this train going, exactly? Never fear: you will find out when you read it!
There are so many things I love about this book. Not JUST the setting (full disclosure: just last week, I pumped my arm at a train engineer for a chance to hear the train's horn--woot!), not JUST the gorgeous and evocative art (I mean, just L👀K at the train's movement in the spread with the trees!!), and not JUST the funny premise (lord knows, I'm a fan of a dubious disguise!)--but especially the underlying universal truth that no matter how "solo" we *think* our journey is, there are *always* others on it, too--if we but choose to notice them.
It's a lovely book, as reassuring as a well-timed handhold.
February 2, 2022
A tender approach to building empathy and kindness in younger readers.
Mae is afraid of bears. Bear is afraid of people. They both need to ride the train to get to camp, so each makes and wears a mask to hide their fears: Mae's mask fashioned like a bear and Bear's like a person. As it happens, they end up on the same train where they sit next to each other (because they feel safe with the other's mask). To pass the time, they share tea and a snack, look out the window, and let their guard down to allow a friendship to form.
Hoefler's quiet text is poetic, contemplative, and (best of all) non-judgemental, telling the story simply and steadily. Illustrations by Jessixa Bagley were rendered in graphite and watercolor and reflect the quiet nature of the text. They are very inviting, making the reader want to look closely at the details - the masks created, the found in the family, the tense emotions that relax over time, and the changes in perspective.
This would be an excellent title to use whenever there is a big change coming about (ex. moving/relocation, new school, et.) to help youngsters relax and draw some courage from within themselves to cope with the change. Useful for parents, teachers, and counselors, this can be enjoyed on its own.
Highly Recommended for PreS-grade 2.
Mae is afraid of bears. Bear is afraid of people. They both need to ride the train to get to camp, so each makes and wears a mask to hide their fears: Mae's mask fashioned like a bear and Bear's like a person. As it happens, they end up on the same train where they sit next to each other (because they feel safe with the other's mask). To pass the time, they share tea and a snack, look out the window, and let their guard down to allow a friendship to form.
Hoefler's quiet text is poetic, contemplative, and (best of all) non-judgemental, telling the story simply and steadily. Illustrations by Jessixa Bagley were rendered in graphite and watercolor and reflect the quiet nature of the text. They are very inviting, making the reader want to look closely at the details - the masks created, the found in the family, the tense emotions that relax over time, and the changes in perspective.
This would be an excellent title to use whenever there is a big change coming about (ex. moving/relocation, new school, et.) to help youngsters relax and draw some courage from within themselves to cope with the change. Useful for parents, teachers, and counselors, this can be enjoyed on its own.
Highly Recommended for PreS-grade 2.
February 25, 2022
Mae boards a train, worried that it is headed "deep into bear places." Bear boards, too, concerned about the "people places" along their route. The two find friendship and solidarity in facing their fears together, each constructing a paper bag hat that resembles their discomfort and, thus, their seatmate. The temporary solution proves fortifying, and the two arrive at their shared destination ready to tackle what comes. Warm and cheerful illustrations convey the two travelers' wonder and bravery making this an empathetic pick for all sorts of challenging situations.
July 14, 2022
I am utterly biased about trains BUT this poetic presentation about fear of the unknown is outstanding. A child is afraid of bears and the woods. A bear is afraid of people and the city. Both of them disguise themselves in their Courage Hats - the child as a bear and the bear as a person. They comfort each other in these disguises and their friendship is solid by the time they discover their identities. Totally unique picture book. I've read thousands of them by now, and this is something special.
December 12, 2023
Mae meets a bear cub as she travels by train, which she doesn’t like to do; Bear is nervous to be surrounded by humans. Bears and humans don’t spend much time together normally… but what happens when these two travelers filled with trepidation overcome their fears? In a touching tale of creativity, friendship and exploration, this book tips its hat to the courage it takes to be kind.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
September 19, 2025
همه سوار قطار زندگی میشوند؛ بعضیها خوششان میآید، بعضیها نه. اما گاهی باید بروی، حتی وقتی میترسی.
قطار تو را به جاهای ناشناخته میبرد، جایی که با دیگری یا بخشهای پنهان خودت روبهرو میشوی. در ابتدا ممکن است نقابی بر سر داشته باشی تا شجاعتت را به نمایش بگذاری، اما قلبت کمکم به آن میرسد.
در مسیر، دوستی پیدا میکنی که مثل تو احساس میکند، کسی که با توست وقتی همه چیز تازه و غریب است. این دوستیها در دل ترس شکل میگیرند و ماندگار میشوند.
حتی در سختترین سفرها، زیبایی هست: آسمان روی پشت قطار، حس پرواز، و لحظاتی که هیچگاه فراموش نمیشوند.
قطار تو را به جاهای ناشناخته میبرد، جایی که با دیگری یا بخشهای پنهان خودت روبهرو میشوی. در ابتدا ممکن است نقابی بر سر داشته باشی تا شجاعتت را به نمایش بگذاری، اما قلبت کمکم به آن میرسد.
در مسیر، دوستی پیدا میکنی که مثل تو احساس میکند، کسی که با توست وقتی همه چیز تازه و غریب است. این دوستیها در دل ترس شکل میگیرند و ماندگار میشوند.
حتی در سختترین سفرها، زیبایی هست: آسمان روی پشت قطار، حس پرواز، و لحظاتی که هیچگاه فراموش نمیشوند.
April 11, 2022
Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in January 2023. I love this awesome book about being just a little afraid of those you don't know. Our characters, on a train ride to summer camp, trick each other with the hats they put on...they're trying to appear to be someone else. But by the time their travel is over and they remove their hats, they each realize that there was no need for any fear. Just a sweet tale with a great lesson.
January 20, 2023
My kindergarten students loved this book as a read aloud. It gets the message of finding your courage across while also gently showing that no matter what your preconceived notions of a group are you can still find common ground and friendship. The illustrations are great and got my students really excited to point out the details in the pictures that give the full story. A lovely book with a great lesson!
April 11, 2023
Mae and Bear are both nervous to take a train, especially because it goes into bear places and human places, but they each make a special hat to turn into a bear and a human respectively. The hat gives them the courage they need to make the new journey. An adorable story about making friends and finding courage. Another book that demonstrates that if you smile, you can feel happier. All the feel goods.
January 9, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. In a nutshell, this is a very odd book about taking steps outside our comfort zones. The flow of the story just didn't seem to fit. *I did appreciate this book because it was about a fear of trains as well and we don't get many books about that. (I'm afraid of trains and that part, as small and insignificant as it was, I liked!)
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October 5, 2023This seemed like a story in translation, where sometimes details and intricacies and cultural nuances can get lost, but no, that doesn't seem to be the case. But this was unusual. Maybe it's magical realism. Maybe it's fantasy. Maybe it's science fiction. Maybe I'm over-thinking a picture book (again).
February 28, 2024
Sometimes, the world can be full of scary things, but if you have a friend, they’re not that bad and possibly full of fun and life that could easily be missed out of living in fear. You’re not alone, and everyone has something they’re afraid of! Such a beautiful story from text to illustrations. Very much deserving of the Magnolia Award!
April 11, 2022
"not everyone loves a train. That's the world. There may be bears. There may be people. But the friend you make in a deep place is an important friend." A journey on a train leads to a sweet friendship. Lovely illustrations and a poetic (though sometimes cryptic) story.
May 22, 2022
A child wears a homemade hat on a train ride and meets another passenger with his hat and they share a picnic and they make the visit pleasant while they ride on the train to their destinations and feel comforted.
June 3, 2022
Sometimes doing new things can be scary, so you might need to put on your courage hat to feel brave. A little girl and a little bear find out that sometimes a friend can help just as much.
Reviewer #11
Reviewer #11
June 8, 2022
This book made my heart sing! So sweet, so touching, so beautiful! It’s about finding ways to be brave and finding friends when and where you least expect them. And realizing that maybe what you were afraid of isn’t that scary at all.
October 10, 2022
Mae and Bear are both nervous to ride on a train. Their “courage hats” make a difference. They find courage from each other and realize in the end that the friends you make in deep places are important!
November 14, 2024
In the book, Kate Hoefler writes, “Courage isn’t always the roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet path, the small steps.”. This line encapsulates the book’s gentle, reassuring message about bravery in everyday moments.
January 31, 2026
This book was kind of random. May thinks the train Mill take her into the woods where bears are, and bear thinks the train will take him into the city where people are. So they make hats out of paper bags to the skies themselves. I think I liked it maybe?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews