Braver than Before: Saving Toby
About the Book
After losing his lifelong companion, Toby, an aging horse, faces an uncertain future when the son of his owner threatens to take him to auction.
Determined to save his friend, Woody the donkey rallies an unlikely band of companions in a daring rescue across the Virginia countryside in search of safety.
Along the way, the troop faces predators — human and animal — and must overcome daunting obstacles that test their courage and loyalty.
Told through the eyes of the animals themselves, Braver than Before: Saving Toby is a heartwarming tale of friendship, resilience, and second chances.
Available everywhere books are sold on October 27, 2026
Meet Nancy
Nancy Kfoury is a psychologist fascinated by the relationships that exist between animals and humans and the impact that those interactions have.
She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband Jorge, two dogs, Zoe and Frannie, and her 19-year-old cat Willie.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, painting, skiing, and spending time with her grandchildren. Braver than Before: Saving Toby is her first novel.
Meet the Characters
Discussion Questions
Jinx starts out preferring to be alone. How does he change by the end of the story?
Why do the animals risk so much to save Toby from the auction?
The animals work together across many species. What does this teach about teamwork and trust?
How does Megan's accident shape who she becomes by the end of the book?
What does Woody's sacrifice for Danny teach us about courage and loyalty?
Why might the author have included the trees helping save Woody and Danny?
Pick one character. How do they change from the beginning of the book to the end?