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Hen insists on doing everything alone. When Fox comes calling, Hen’s friends start to worry . . . but should they? Hen isn’t a little chick anymore. She’s spread her wings and can get a job done just the way she likes it! She can grow wheat herself, she can wheelbarrow it home by herself, and she can turn it into delicious bread all by herself. No need to bother offering Hen a helping hand of any sort, thank you. She’s got it covered! But then comes Fox...and Fox loves to eat all kinds of tasty things. So when Pig, Horse, and Cow discover that Fox has paid Hen a visit, should they step in and offer assistance that Hen hasn’t asked for? This delectable social-emotional learning tale celebrates the strong-willed and independent, putting a quirky spin on the classic stories Henny Penny and The Little Red Hen.

The story of how one small creature can have a powerful effect for her and her friends using the power of restraint, kindness, and respect. 2023 Nominee, Patricia Gallagher Children’s Choice Award "Could there be a more Oregon picture book than one starring a slug who does yoga? Oregon author Stephanie Shaw's quirky protagonist stars in a story in which her sly sweetness carries the day when her animal friends' speed, strength and size all fail against a protective gardener. Mixed-media illustrations by Fiona Lee enhance Sylvia's elegant solution." —The Oregonian "Shaw's evocative descriptions of the flora and fauna will engage young readers and the author's note gives factual information about slugs and their value to the garden's ecosystem. Lee's mixed-media illustrations have a sophisticated palette with an aesthetic that grown-up fans of Anna Rifle Bond will appreciate. The balance between boisterous action and meditative zen makes this title a standout among yoga picture books. A fun, frolicking tale, and welcome addition to picture book collections, that sneaks in an etiquette lesson without feeling overly didactic." —School Library Journal "Confident in her own brand of quiet strength, Sylvia's way teaches kids that there are different kinds of strength. And that often, the best way to solve a problem is not with physical strength, but with patience and words. Stephanie Shaw and Fiona Lee's depiction of this unlikely hero is sure to find fans among yoga and garden enthusiasts. Lee's expressive art is a perfect complement to Shaw's simple and satisfying story. The earthy color palette allows Sylvia's 'slime' trail of silvery, shiny gloss to take center stage, keeping even the youngest readers entranced. Throw in some fun yoga poses, and this book makes a delightful, interactive read-aloud." —Good Reads with Ronna "This cute story is brought to life by adorable pictures (the people and animals are very expressive) and even the shiny slime trail Sylvia leaves behind." —Youth Services Review Sylvia is as small as your pinky finger and as slow as a. . . slug! She can't run or jump or fly like her animal friends. They hatch a plot to sneak into the bountiful garden. But Sylvia has her own way of doing things—one that will make all the difference.

Drawing inspiration from the natural world around her, a weaver woman with a magical touch crafts exquisite fabrics. And from the fabric she fashions a wondrous dress, with a bodice that sparkles of starlight and lace like the foam of an ocean wave. The weaver envisions the food and clothing she will be able to buy for her children from the sale of the dress. But when she takes the dress to a local shopkeeper, the weaver is told her work is not saleable. And so she starts over again. Harkening back to the magic and lessons learned from classic fairy tales, this imaginative tale reminds readers of all ages of the importance of pursuing one's dreams and following one's heart.

Stephanie J. Shaw takes us into the inner world of American black professional women during the Jim Crow era. This is a story of struggle and empowerment, of the strength of a group of women who worked against daunting odds to improve the world for themselves and their people. Shaw's remarkable research into the lives of social workers, librarians, nurses, and teachers from the 1870s through the 1950s allows us to hear these women's voices for the first time. The women tell us, in their own words, about their families, their values, their expectations. We learn of the forces and factors that made them exceptional, and of the choices and commitments that made them leaders in their communities. What a Woman Ought to Be and to Do brings to life a world in which African-American families, communities, and schools worked to encourage the self-confidence, individual initiative, and social responsibility of girls. Shaw shows us how, in a society that denied black women full professional status, these girls embraced and in turn defined an ideal of "socially responsible individualism" that balanced private and public sphere responsibilities. A collective portrait of character shaped in the toughest circumstances, this book is more than a study of the socialization of these women as children and the organization of their work as adults. It is also a study of leadership—of how African American communities gave their daughters the power to succeed in and change a hostile world.

"Poetry and informational text showcase the work of community animal shelters. Ten different fictional animals represent the millions of pets brought to shelters every day. Suggestions on animal adoption, including how to prepare and appropriate pet selection, are included, along with resources list"--

Long ago Beaver did not look like he does now. Yes, he had two very large front teeth, but his tail was not wide and flat. It was thick with silky fur. Vain Beaver is inordinately proud of his glorious tail. When he's not bragging about his tail, Beaver spends his time grooming it, while the other woodland creatures go about their business of finding food and shelter for their families. Eventually Beaver's boasting drives away his friends and he is left on his own. But when his tail is flattened in an accident (of his own making), Beaver learns to value its new shape and seeks to make amends with his friends. Based on an Ojibwe legend.

W. E. B. Du Bois and The Souls of Black Folk

Read Along or Enhanced eBook: Apprenticed to a famous wizard, young Schnitzel is not known for his hard work. In fact, it's just the opposite. He's lazy and lacks motivation. So late one night, when a door-to-door salesman selling vacuum cleaners offers to help, Schnitzel sees an answer to his housecleaning woes. Little does he know, however, that this is no ordinary salesman and the vacuum is no ordinary dust-buster. In this retelling of the classic tale The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Schnitzel is about to find out why it's never a good idea to invite a cape-wearing, fang-toothed stranger in after dark. Fortunately for him, there's magical help ready to lend a hand.

In this clever twist on the Night Before Christmas story, a gingerbread boy cookie is carefully crafted and placed on a plate. He was made special to serve as Santa's nighttime snack, a homemade thank-you for all the presents he will deliver. The cookie wonders if he is brave enough to face up to his holiday duty. But instead of spending the evening contemplating his fate, the gingerbread boy finds himself facing two rambunctious puppies experiencing their very first Christmas. Their mischief includes a tug-of-war with presents, leaving a big mess. And it's up to the gingerbread boy to save the day…and Christmas!

A hilarious rhyming cautionary tale from established children's author Stephanie Shaw . The local fish are fed up with the cheek of Franklin and Stuart, two very hungry sharks and decide to abandon them until they can be polite again. Unfortunately the result is the same...fish for dinner!! Gesine Krätzner's wonderfully humourous illustrations make this an ideal bedtime read aloud story.