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This biography of the woman who wrote and directed some of the most acclaimed films of her era looks at her enduring influence and how she explored issues such as sexism, labor exploitation and race relations.

"For a long time, no one pulling the strings in the comedy world thought that an over-fifty woman from rural Tennessee could make it in the industry. But Leanne Morgan has defied the odds, reaching millions with her musings on hormones, low-rise britches, Weight Watchers, and her opposites-attract relationship with her husband, Chuck. In her charming southern accent, Morgan brings readers inside her quest to find her voice after spending many years trying to figure out what that meant. Along the way, we learn how she grew up as a butcher's daughter, landed a husband with health insurance, honed her stand-up technique selling jewelry at house parties, embraced the glories of aging, and surrendered to the comfort of wearing big flesh-toned panties"-- Provided by publisher.

"The story of an unlikely hero who fulfilled his destiny... Fans will be fascinated by Kristian Nairn's experience on Game of Thrones, from his unlikely audition to his on-the-job training as an actor to his ascendance as one of the most beloved and pivotal characters on the show. Nairn details the camaraderie that develops as the actors face the elements on set, not entirely unlike the ones their characters must endure on screen, as well as the life-altering effects of worldwide stardom. Nairn's personal story-raised by a single mother during the Troubles in Ireland, coming of age as a gay man in Lisburn and Belfast, navigating intolerance, and seeking out his scene-is an epic, often rollicking, sometimes heartbreaking journey all its own. Nairn finds his voice and his confidence performing as a drag queen called Revvlon, and eventually DJing at the legendary nightclub Kremlin. Through the pitfalls and revelations of his creative pursuits, Nairn comes to understand who he really is, and that he is enough-a message that will resonate for anyone who has struggled to find their place"-- Provided by publisher.

Ever since the untimely death of their parents, Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley have made a business of threading together the stories that rest in the swirls of ginger, cloves, and cardamon that lie at the bottom of their customers' cups. Their days at the teashop are filled with talk of butterflies and good fortune intertwined with the sound of cinnamon shortbread being snapped by laced fingers. That is, until the Council of Witches comes calling with news that the city Diviner has lost her powers, and the sisters suddenly find themselves being pulled in different directions. As Anne's magic begins to develop beyond that of her sisters', Beatrix's writing attracts the attention of a publisher, and Violet is enchanted by the song of the circus--and perhaps a mischievous trapeze artist threatening to sweep her off her feet--it seems a family curse that threatens to separate the sisters is taking effect. With dwindling time to rewrite their future and help three other witches challenge their own destinies, the Quigleys set out to bargain with Fate. But in focusing so closely on saving each other, will they lose sight of themselves?

"Max is not exactly a perfect kid. From sunup through his school day and right until bedtime, he's goofy, disorganized, and generally uncontainable--much to the frustration of those around him. But when a little enthusiasm and creativity are in order, you can count on Max to save the day!"--Provided by publisher.

"Edna the very first chicken is hatching her very first eggs! With long, sharp teeth and claws, one of her chicks, Sinclair, is an unusual chicken. But when Gorgosaurus threatens his family, Sinclair might just prove to be the best chicken ever. Heartfelt and humorous, this delightful picture book celebrates dinosaurs, chickens, the importance of family, and the joy of accepting who we are."--Amazon.

Children watch in amazement as the bicycle food deliverers of Tokyo stack their noodle bowls like architects, zip through the city like acrobats, and deliver delicious noodles to students, office workers, and families.

Jack wants to apologize for hurting Zoe's feelings. He just can't seem to find the right words. Turns out there's more to an apology than just saying "I'm sorry."

Everything in the meadow, from hugging the trees to stargazing with friends, fills Wolfgang with joy. His ambition, though, is to become the great spirit of the Dark Castle. So Wolfgang strives to perfect his spooking skills, practicing day and night. When Wolfgang wins the honor of haunting the shadowy halls, he is very good at it...but if being a great spirit means leaving his beloved meadow behind, is it good for him?

"A modern schoolyard fable about the nature’s magical ability to encourage imagination, play, and joy—and to always grow back. One day on the grey school playground, Sam notices something new. Against all odds, a little flower has sprouted in between the concrete and rubber turf. Sam adores the tiny bud. She sings to it, admires it, and watches it bloom into a bright yellow flower too large to hide. Soon the other students come to see it, too. They bring it offerings of water, play games with it, and protect it from harm. Under their care, the flower thrives, illuminating the gloomy playground and eventually—magically—changing into one perfect fluffball that dances in the wind. Finally, the adults take notice. And, worried the weed will take over the entire yard, they decide it has to go. Ignoring the students’ protests, the custodian heads out during class to pull it out. At first, the flower holds tight. Its roots have grown strong with the students’ care and love. But then the teachers join in, and finally the principal too. The students wish a million wishes for the flower to stay, but the roots break free, and the flower’s fluff floats off into the air. The weedflower is no more … until one afternoon in early spring one hundred tiny buds pop up in the middle of the playground."-- Provided by publisher.

Help! This little girl has lost her best friend. He's a dinosaur (not the extinct kind). He's enormous (bigger than a panda!). He was last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud (maybe that wasn't a good idea?). She's tried to lure him with snacks and put up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. If only it weren't such a clear day--if only it were raining, or snowing, or the leaves were falling, or something. Would it help if she drew a picture? With delicate visual sleights of hand and an underlying sweetness, author-illustrator Helen Yoon invites us to see through a child's eyes. - From the publisher.

Peppa Pig and her family participate in eco-conscious practices before they celebrate Earth Day with a visit to the Botanical Gardens.

Juno slowly adjusts to his new home by helping a family of mourning doves who have chosen a most inconvenient spot for their nest.

"A mother shares Lakota cultural experiences with her daughter, introducing her to waci (dance) as a way to celebrate life. Wacipi (powwow), where dancing occurs, is a setting for Indigenous song, dance, regalia, food and crafts. A warm, family story for all ages, Waci! Dance! visually embraces the joy of being together and caring for each other. (A glossary and author note are included.)"--Provided by publisher.

A debut picture book about a curious student who finds herself in trouble for talking in class--even though she just wants to share all that she's learned. "Did you know that flamingos don't have teeth?" Questions, facts, and dreams--Ruby René could talk for hours. Once she got going, it was hard for her to stop. It didn't matter if it was history, science, or the lunch menu--Ruby René had so much to say! But when her teacher called home because she found her sharing distracting, Ruby vowed to keep quiet. Until...she finds the perfect outlet for her gift of gab. With charming text by debut author/educator Ashley Iman and colorful illustrations by Gladys Jose, Ruby René Had So Much to Say is a celebration of owning your voice, honing your skills, and turning challenges into opportunities.

"A joyful and rhyming picture book showcases a colorful South American bus, the collective spirit of its people, and the vibrant power of community when trouble comes"-- Provided by publisher.

"Addie Ant travels from one garden bed to another on her first solo adventure. As she forges her own path, she gets lost along the way and finds help from her trusted garden pals, Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly, and Cleo Cricket, in finding her way back home. A celebration of friendship, this sweet book is a collaboration by renowned, musical artist Maren Morris and former schoolteacher and close friend Karina Argow. Artist Kelly Anne Dalton brings the delightfully written characters to life with colorful and charming illustrations. Join Addie Ant in a vast and magical garden adventure full of insect friends, growing vegetables, blooming flowers, and the inspiring abundance of nature."--from Amazon.com.

"A debut picture book that explores the importance of pronouncing names properly and celebrates cultural identity. Saajin loves his name--he loves it so much that he sees it spelled out in the world around him in his snacks, in the sky and sometimes he even sings it aloud. On his first day of school, Saajin is excited to meet his new classmates, but things take a turn when the teacher mispronounces his name as Say-jin and he is not sure how--or if he should--correct her. After trying to live with the different version of his name for a while and some thoughtful conversations with his family about the meaning behind it, Saajin realizes the importance of reclaiming his name and embracing his identity. This empowering story, accompanied by energetic and vibrant art by Samrath Kaur, will resonate with any reader who has ever felt misunderstood."-- Provided by publisher.

A real, wily dragon winds through streets in China, eluding the traps set by a group of children during the Chinese New Year celebration.

Compares the structures and functions of trees to human bodies, shows the interconnectness and dependence of trees in a forest, and urges readers to communicate, share, and care for one another. Includes notes on the anatomy of a tree, ways to help save trees, and how to help in one's community.

A stubborn little bear is gently coaxed into eating breakfast, playing with friends, taking a bath, and going to bed.

"Granny thinks catsitting will be easy. She'll make her signature cupcakes, give the cat a good brushing, and together they'll share a sweet night's rest. But Kitty has other plans. After Granny loses her glasses and accidentally lets a raccoon inside, all bets are off--much to the cat's displeasure"--Inside jacket flap.

"What's the only way to make bread? You might use white flour in your bread, or whole wheat flour or corn flour. You might use water or milk, maybe an egg or two. You'll use a handful of this, a dash of that, a bit of this and a splash of that. Some dough will rise, some dough will bubble. Sometimes it will be sticky, sometimes it will be shaggy. But no matter what kind of bread you like to make, this delicious and delightful book is for you. What's the only way to make bread? Your way!" -- Jacket flap.

In this rhythmic cumulative tale Rosa Maria spends the week getting ready for her granddaughter's birthday party and trying to avoid attracting mice--unaware that the mice in her walls are preparing for a party of their own.

"A gorgeously illustrated, sparingly written story about the often complicated feelings brought on by anxiousness, perfect for helping young readers identify this complex emotion. The little girl in this picture book would love to dance, sing, and play with her friends, but she is struggling with anxious feelings that get in the way. Sometimes she feels scared and sometimes she feels shy. Sometimes the world seems too loud, too fast, and everything is so overwhelming she could just scream. There is no easy fix for feeling anxious, but by the end of this story she learns to ask for help and finds small ways to feel better. Written from a child's perspective, Anxious pairs evocative art with simple text to illustrate some of the ways anxiousness can be experienced, providing an empathetic and compassionate framework for helping readers understand this feeling. A note to readers adds context and explains in more detail what anxiousness can look like, provides suggestions for coping skills, and resources for professional help."-- Provided by publisher.

"When the world gets too loud and chaotic, a young boy's grandfather helps him listen with wonder instead. Kids laughing, sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing--for Thunder, the sounds of the school day often brew into overwhelming noise storms. But when Thunder's mosom asks him what he hears on an urban nature walk, Thunder starts to understand how sounds like bird wings flapping and rushing water can help him feel calm and connected. Gentle, inviting illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley emphasize Mosom's lessons about the healing power of the world around us."-- Provided by publisher.

"Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school. While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection. Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future."-- Provided by publisher.

"Can you beat Mr. Fox at his Game of No? The rules are simple: every time he asks a question, you must respond with 'NO.' If you accidentally say 'YES,' then it's back to the beginning of the book for you, where you must start all over again . . . Kids will giggle uncontrollably as they gamely aim to avoid Mr. Fox's clever traps--but just ask them if they'd like to read this book again, and they won't be able to resist: 'YES!'"--Provided by publisher.

"Ana cannot contain her excitement--her abuela is coming to stay with her and Mami for always! Abuela is sure to let Ana play whenever she wants instead of rushing her off to school, like her neighbor and babysitter, señora Mimí, sometimes does. In fact, as Ana's classmate points out, she won't need señora Mimí to babysit at all anymore! But señora Mimí is a good listener, and they have a lot of fun together feeding the squirrels and eating snacks. Maybe Ana isn't ready to say goodbye to señora Mimí just yet?"--Amazon.

A grandfather reflects on his loving relationship with his three grandchildren.

"Bob, an alligator who owns a popular restaurant for birds, now faces stiff competition from a new pizza shop in town and must cope with his resentment"-- Provided by publisher.

"A young child navigates grief after losing a beloved family pet and learns what it means for a loved one's presence to remain even after they are gone. Angus may be gone, but memories of him are still here: his tail wagging under the dinner table, his nails clicking on the floor, and his hopeful sniff when snacks are being prepared. Angus's presence is felt everywhere, until one day . . . it's not. In this poignant and beautiful picture book, a child journeys through grief and learns how to keep memories of a beloved dog close."-- Provided by publisher.

"Snail is an epic explorer. Well ... kind of. He especially loves the quiet things about adventures, like reading maps, collecting souvenirs, and finding wonder around every corner. And Snail knows that not all adventures need to be far-away--they can also be near-away!--which is why he and Stump choose a vacation destination a mere stone's throw from home. Snail and Stump smell the smells, listen for the sounds, and take in the sights of their home. And then something astonishing happens when a group of parachute seeds blows into their neighbourhood. Snail and Stump offer to show the seeds the sights, and as the seeds ooh and ahh over their favourite haunts, the two friends find an even deeper appreciation for their home and are able to see it in a whole new light."-- Provided by publisher.

Tiny boys and girls play under a mushroom--setting up a little town, imagining they are flowers, and pretending all sorts of things.

"Crisp fall days are here, and Scooper and Dumper are in high gear, getting ready for the pumpkin parade. From hanging lights to moving hay bales, they're a terrific team. The night of the parade, they have everything together but the pumpkins. So they head over to Maybelle's farm. But rounding everything up isn't so easy. And what's that spooky noise in the cornfield? Could it be a ghost?"-- Provided by publisher.

To participate in next Halloween's festivities with his family, Finn the ghost must first learn to face his fears.

"Singer-songwriter, activist, feminist, and best-selling author Ani Di Franco has penned a lyrical narrative for her youngest audience: a picture book about the eye-opening act of voting. A young girl accompanies her mother to their local polling station and pays witness to the commonality of this experience. Her mother gently reinforces the great responsibility and importance of this act, while the girl moves through feelings of excitement, nervousness, and ultimately, invigoration. Rachelle Baker adds an authentic neighborhood feel in a range of bright, bold colors and familiar faces, establishing a realistic and relatable setting. An age-appropriate call-to-action for all young citizens"-- Provided by publisher.

There once was a man who loved his tidy home and who didn't like animals. Then one day, a cat appeared. The man and the cat both liked napping and watching the rain and eating dinner precisely at six. Well, maybe this one animal could stay. Next came a dog... -- Provided by publisher.

"A chimpanzee and a kinkajou took a walk one day through the wild. The kinkajou spotted buttercups, so he plucked them up and smiled. But when the chimp takes a big sniff of those buttercups... Ahhh-CHOO! The giant ChimpanSneeze sends the kinkajou flying, causing a chain of disasters for all their animal buddies. Can the kinkajou find his way back to his chimpanzee friend?"-- Provided by publisher.

Blue-footed boobies live on one rock. Red-footed boobies live on another. Blues and Reds keep apart... until one day a pair runs into each other and falls in love. Their families don't approve. Silly boobies! But when something wonderful happens, can everyone finally agree?

Explores the interconnectedness between plants and human beings.

"One night, the last tree in the forest decides it's time to uproot and leave. A little boy soon realizes what is happening ... All the trees have disappeared and holes can be seen where they used to be. Understanding the consequences this will have for animals, humans, and the environment, he sets off to counteract the damage that has already been done. A beautiful story about the importance, care, and preservation of trees, and the small steps we can all take to care for the planet"--Amazon

"Discover sex-positive guidance to help you have important talks with your tween or teen. Find out how you can tackle the sometimes difficult subject of sex in a way that encourages your child to open up, be honest, and not feel ashamed. This modern guide helps you confidently discuss 70 essential sex education topics. Each subject features an easy-to-understand explanation, as well as questions and prompts designed to help you start meaningful dialogues"--Page 4 of cover.

In July 1993, Disney's Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, did not immediately find success, with box office numbers falling far below what was envisioned. Yet somehow the Halloween movie released in the middle of the summer to little fanfare has become an enduring and widely loved classic. Nearly three decades after the film's initial release, it's a yearly holiday viewing tradition in households around the world, becoming a not-so-scary rite of passage for kids and their parents, many of whom grew up watching the film about the resurrected witchy trio with their own parents. Hocus Pocus is a movie that has few if any equals; it manages to span a generational divide, uniting boomers and zoomers in their nostalgic love for the boundary-pushing supernatural comedy that in some ways seemed a little too risqué for the millennial kids it was originally intended for. So how did a movie that didn't catch an initial spark end up casting such a spell on mainstream culture? Witches Run Amok answers that question and more, using interviews from the cast and creative team behind the heartwarming Halloween staple. The book is a love letter to Hocus Pocus's millions of devoted fans and a fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand how the Disney movie became a pop culture phenomenon.

"For over half a century, Banco Popular was one of the most profitable banks in the world--until one day, in 2017, when the Spanish bank suddenly collapsed overnight. When investigative journalist Gareth Gore was dispatched to report on the story, he expected to find yet another case of unbridled capitalist ambition gone wrong. Instead, he uncovered decades of deception that hid one of the most brazen cases of corporate pillaging in history, perpetrated by a group of men sworn to celibacy and self-flagellation who had secretly controlled Popular and abused their positions there to help spread Opus Dei to every corner of the world. Drawing on unparalleled access to bank records, insider accounts, and exclusive interviews with whistle-blowers from within Opus Dei, Gore reveals how money from the bank was used to lure unsuspecting recruits--some of them only children--into a life of servitude. He also tracks the ascent of Opus Dei within the United States, exposing its role in bankrolling many right-wing causes, including the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade."-- Amazon.com.

"A gripping history of the Soviet dissident movement, which hastened the end of the USSR-and still provides a model of opposition in Putin's RussiaBeginning in the 1960s, the Soviet Union was unexpectedly confronted by a dissident movement that captured the world's imagination. Demanding that the Kremlin obey its own laws, an improbable band of Soviet citizens held unauthorized public gatherings, petitioned in support of arrested intellectuals, and circulated banned samizdat texts. Soviet authorities arrested dissidents, subjected them to bogus trials and vicious press campaigns, sentenced them to psychiatric hospitals and labor camps, sent them into exile-and transformed them into martyred heroes. Against all odds, the dissident movement undermined the Soviet system and unexpectedly hastened its collapse. Taking its title from a toast made at dissident gatherings, To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause is a definitive history of a remarkable group of people who helped change the twentieth century. Benjamin Nathans's vivid narrative tells the dramatic story of the men and women who became dissidents-from Nobel laureates Andrei Sakharov and Alexander Solzhenitsyn to many others who are virtually unknown today. Drawing on diaries, memoirs, personal letters, interviews, and KGB interrogation records, To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause reveals how dissidents decided to use Soviet law to contain the power of the Soviet state. This strategy, as one of them put it, was "simple to the point of genius: in an unfree country, they began to conduct themselves like free people. "An extraordinary account of the Soviet dissident movement, To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause shows how dissidents spearheaded the struggle to break free of the USSR's totalitarian past, a struggle that continues in Putin's Russia-and that illuminates other struggles between hopelessness and perseverance today"-- Provided by publisher.

George is a buff and lovable klutz who saves his animal friends from poachers.

"Meesh the Bad Demon is no stranger to saving the world--but she never thought she'd have to do it twice! Can she defeat the darkness once and for all in this sequel of epic proportions? When Meesh banded together with Fairy Princess Nouna to save the underworld, she never expected she'd have to... do it again someday. Though, as Meesh grows into her newly discovered destiny as the Guardian of the world, she figured there would be a few minor rescues, maybe some crime-fighting here or there. But before long, her new friend Chai's family is forced out of their home by an evil force who threatens to destroy all of fox-kind if they dare stay. Meesh suspects the same masked villain she faced before is behind all of this, but will she be able to stop them before it's too late?"--Publisher's website.

"This is the first manga edition in English of The Setting Sun, Osamu Dazai's classic novel, often considered his masterpiece. Set in the aftermath of World War II, this is the story of Kazuko, a strong-willed young woman from an aristocratic family that has fallen into poverty since the war. The book follows Kazuko's journey as she and her family struggle to survive and adapt to the harsh new conditions. In addition to having to move from Tokyo to the countryside, where she is forced to work in the fields to support the family, she has to deal with a difficult divorce, the birth of a stillborn child, and the return of her drug-addicted brother from the war. This gripping and inspiring portrait of one woman's determination to survive in a society that is in the grip of a social and moral crisis tells one story in a fast-changing world, with universal themes that resonates with readers today." -- Provided by publisher.