Brave Like a Lion!

Name: Brave Like a Lion!
Price: 32.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9780593857595

How a Puppeteer Found Her Voice

Megan Piphus, Niña Mata

$32.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Dial Books for Young Readers,US
28 July 2026

General fiction (Children's&YA); Hobbies, quizzes & games (Children's&YA); Personal & social issues: self-awareness & self-esteem (Children's&YA)

In this empowering picture book by a groundbreaking Sesame Street Puppeteer, a shy girl finds her voice with the help of her favorite puppet.

In this empowering picture book by a groundbreaking Sesame Street Puppeteer, a shy girl finds her voice with the help of her favorite puppet.

Animal puppets, hand puppets, even shadow puppets! May loved them all.

At home, May loves to play pretend with her puppets, leading them fearlessly on all sorts of adventures. But at school, May is shy. When a class project offers the perfect chance for May to speak up, she has a unique idea for how to use her voice. With a little practice, a lot of imagination, and the help of a special friend, May is ready to let out her inner lioness!

Based on the real-life story of Emmy-winning author Megan Piphus, the first full-time Black woman puppeteer on Sesame Street, and lovingly illustrated by award-winning artist Nina Mata, this tale of authentic self-expression will inspire young readers to embrace their own unique voices.

Back matter features illustrated step-by-step instructions to make a puppet!

By: Megan Piphus
Illustrated by: Niña Mata
Imprint: Dial Books for Young Readers,US
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 286mm, Width: 224mm, Spine: 9mm
Weight: 425g
ISBN: 9780593857595
ISBN 10: 0593857593
Pages: 40
Publication Date: 28 July 2026
Recommended Age: From 3 to 7 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Megan Piphus taught herself puppetry and ventriloquism at age ten by watching VHS tapes. Since 2020, Megan has played the role of Gabrielle, a 6-year old black girl Muppet, on Sesame Street. After training for a year to learn Muppet style puppetry with the cast of Sesame Street, Megan became the first full-time Black woman puppeteer to perform on Sesame Street in September of 2021. Megan is a mom of two young boys-Leo and Ty. Nina Mata is the New York Times Bestselling Illustrator of I Promise by LeBron James and She's Got This by Laurie Hernandez. Nina's family emigrated from the Philippines when she was 6 years old, and settled in Queens, New York. Because her parents worked and went to night school, Nina spent a lot (like a whole lot) of time drawing. She studied Illustration at The Fashion Institute of Technology of NY. Nina currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, their daughter, and Tabi, the cat.

Reviews for Brave Like a Lion!: How a Puppeteer Found Her Voice

“An encouraging story of a child finding ventriloquism and using it as a tool to express herself [with] illustrations that are nothing short of adorable…. Fit for a storytime with preschool-aged kiddos who are learning how to express themselves and use their voices.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “A peppy creativity-oriented story…[with] jewel-toned mixed media images that hum with excitement. It’s a reassuring peek at one student navigating timidity by embracing star energy.”—Publishers Weekly ""Warm and encouraging...Drawn from the author’s childhood, this uplifting story pairs beautifully with the included puppet making activity."" —School Library Journal