Richard Faith’s new children’s book turns difference into courage

Children’s author and environmental advocate Richard Faith has released The Lion That Meowed, a picture book about a lion cub who cannot roar after an injury but still must choose whether to lead. The Sept. 2, 2026 release leans into themes of resilience, self-worth and standing up for others when fitting in is not the point.

Why it matters: - The Lion That Meowed gives parents and educators a simple story to discuss difference, confidence and courage with children. - The book’s central message is that circumstances may be beyond a child’s control, but the response still shapes character. - The release arrives as children head back to school, when new classrooms, friendships and social pressure can sharpen feelings of not fitting in. - The story also extends Richard Faith’s broader focus on environmental awareness and moral responsibility.

What happened: - Richard Faith released The Lion That Meowed on Sept. 2, 2026 through Jongleur Books. - The children’s book follows Leviathan, a lion cub born unusually large who is expected to become king of the jungle. - A hyena attack leaves Leviathan with a throat injury, and an old turtle named Doc tells him he will never roar like other lions. - Leviathan grows into the largest lion in the African wilderness, but his meow makes him a target for ridicule. - When hunters enter his territory, Leviathan must decide whether to stay hidden or step forward to protect his subjects.

The details: - The book is illustrated by Todd Hobin. - The story is part of Faith’s Old Doc Turtle series, which blends whimsical storytelling with lessons about resilience and environmental awareness. - Faith says the book’s lesson is simple: “Things happen. How you react determines who you are.” - Faith is a Boston native and former U.S. Marine. - He said his outlook was shaped by an experience in the 10th grade, when his brother, Michael Faith, was stabbed at South Boston High School in December 1974 during the school desegregation era in Boston. - Faith later said the broader lesson from that period was that people cannot control all circumstances, but they can control how they respond. - The book carries ISBN-13 979-8190777338. - The book is available from Amazon.

Between the lines: - Faith is using a children’s story to translate a personal philosophy about resilience into a format young readers can absorb quickly. - Leviathan’s voice becomes a stand-in for any visible difference that can invite teasing, exclusion or self-doubt. - The hunting plot turns the story from a lesson about self-acceptance into one about responsibility, leadership and action. - Faith’s background as an environmental advocate helps position the book as part of a larger mission, not just a standalone title. - The timing and theme suggest the book is aimed at both home reading and classroom discussion.

What’s next: - Faith’s Old Doc Turtle series is under development as an animated series. - Faith is also the author of the Megamerse science-fiction series. - Mother Nature Festival Live Inc., where Faith serves as executive director, is continuing work tied to climate and soil initiatives. - The organization has teamed up with Dr. Lee Newman of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry on a national biofertilizer field project meant to help mitigate climate change and rejuvenate agricultural soils.

The bottom line: - The Lion That Meowed uses an injured lion cub to deliver a clear message: difference does not erase worth, and courage often starts when self-doubt ends.