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Petitioning for Changes in Legislation to Protect Children and Families Important Changes That Need to Take Place NOW The Pavement Education Project supports NC Values in asking for changes in legislation to protect North Carolina children. Click on the photo to learn more and sign the petition.

Informing, engaging, and mobilizing communities for positive change in education PEP is not a book banning effort, but offers parents and citizens an opportunity to see what books are available in NC Schools. It is up to parents and communities to take action. Check My Child's School View the academic achievement of North Carolina students here. Choose the county, then the district. You may view academics as far back as 2015. The NC Parents' Bill of Rights SL 2023-106.enumerates the rights of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of their minor children. Enacted July 16, 2023. Effective August 15, 2023. ​ Catherine Truitt, NC State Superintendent requested a delay in implementation until January 1, 2024. School districts across the state are rewriting policies. The public needs to take notice of the changes. NC Parents' Bill of Rights What School Board Policy Changes Have Been Made in Your Child's District? Some NC school districts post the Parents Bill of Rights on the district webpage. Some districts do not post it anywhere. Even worse, some are writing board policy in direct conflict with the Parents Bill of Rights. Do your diligence and ask how your schools are adhering to policies regarding parent notification and the restriction of sexual identity concepts or materials before 4th grade. ​ Contact us if you see violations. GO REPORT INCIDENTS Stop the Viewing of Sexually Inappropriate Material on Public School Devices We need your help to stop North Carolina schools from ignoring the harm being done to innocent children when they access adult websites on school devices. This is happening in the classroom, on the bus and at home. Please take a few minutes to hear from one mom’s experience in Wake County. See the blog: Pornography on School-Issued Device If you know of a family that has been impacted by this issue, please have them contact us . With enough complaints, legal action might proceed. It’s time to hold the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the Board of Education, and District School Boards accountable for violating obscenity laws and for not protecting minors from sexual content on school devices. Contact Us/Join Our Team

North Carolina Book Locations Choose your school district to see book locations. If you don't see your district, contact us. We could use your help. ​ You must be 18 years of age to view the links on district pages. Alamance-Burlington School System Alexander County Schools Asheboro City and Randolph County Schools Asheville City Schools Buncombe County Schools Burke County Public Schools Cabarrus County Schools Caldwell County Schools Carteret County Schools Catawba County Schools Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Chatham County Schools Cleveland County Schools Cumberland County Schools Davidson County Schools Durham Public Schools Edenton- Chowan County Schools Franklin County Schools Gaston County Schools Guilford County Schools Harnett County Schools Henderson County Schools Iredell-Statesville Schools Jackson County Schools Lee County Schools Macon County Schools McDowell County Schools Moore County Schools Mooresville Graded School District New Hanover County Schools Onslow County Schools Orange County Schools Pender County Schools Perquimans County Schools Person County Schools Rutherford County Schools Surry County Schools Transylvania County Schools Wake County Public Schools Wilson County Schools ACTION STEPS Contact

WHAT CAN I DO? TAKE ACTION. Protect your Child From Harmful Content Challenge a Book Address the School Board OPT Out of Reproductive Health Lessons Join our Team Groups Concerned About Education in NC OPT Out of APPS Linked to ebooks REPORT INCIDENTS of Students Accessing PORN on School Devices What is Social and Emotional Learning? CONTACT/ JOIN OUR TEAM

Resources for Parents What Can I Do? Take Action Evaluating Books for Schools OPT Out or OPT in of Reproductive Health Lessons Online School Board Policy Manuals by District Plugged In by Focus on the Family exists to help families make appropriate entertainment choices in movies, TV, music, games, books, and youtube channels. OPT Out of Apps and eBooks Recommended Reading... Books We Love Local Groups in North Carolina What is Social and Emotional Learning? Check the Books in My Child's School Reading, Books, and More Research the Schools in Your District Using Follett CONTACT /JOIN OUR TEAM

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Reading Resources Understanding Lexile Levels The Lexile Framework is an approach to measuring a child’s reading ability and the evaluation of the complexity and difficulty of a text. Teachers use Lexile measures when charting growth of their students, planning instruction, and sharing information with parents. We all want students to read fluently with good comprehension. We also expect the complexity of text and understanding to increase as a child progresses throughout their educational career and into adulthood. Educators should guide students to “good fit books with just the right amount of challenge”. Traditionally these books would be a healthy balance between the student’s Lexile score and books that would be 50-100L above their measured score. ​ ​ To help citizens understand the Lexile system, the lowest Lexile number is 0L and the highest is 2000L. Any letters written before the numbers give information about the text and complexity. ​ BR = Beginning Reader AD= Adult Directed Books ( books for adults to read to children) HL=High Interest but Low Complexity IG=Illustrated Guides GN=Graphic Novels ​ ​ Understanding the Numbers and Codes Lexile.com provides many resources including identifying the Lexile score of most books, tools to support instruction, word lists, and a Find a Book tab. This is a very helpful site, but please remember this site does not look at developmentally appropriate content, content that might be harmful, or standards or morals that you and your community may find objectionable. The Pavement Education Project recognizes that children need books and reading materials that they find interesting. They also should have regular books and materials within their Lexile reading range that will challenge their development. https://hub.le xile.com/find-a-book/search ​ https://lexile.com/parents-students/ ​ https://hub.lexile.com/find-a-book/search ​ https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/testing-and-school-accountability/lexiler-and-quantiler-measures/lexiler-framework-reading ​ https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Pages/Lexile-Framework.aspx ​ The Focus on the Family website called Plugged In has reviews and recommendations for books, movies, games, etc. Facebook groups like Book Reviews for Christian Families can also help you search for books for your kiddos. The webpage Lexile Find a Book can be a helpful tool when looking for titles, but remember, it does not screen for objectionable content. When purchasing books, Amazon and other book vending sites often include Lexile Scores in the product description on the left. Don’t forget to take a look at what your children are self selecting in the library and are using in the classroom. Look at the content and lexile levels. Knowledge is power! Our website hopes to include recommended reading lists in the not so distant future. Let us know if you would like to be part of a team of readers and reviewers. ​ Where Can I Find Good Fit Books for My Child? Contact Us Using Follett, the Online Card Catalog to Locate Books Most North Carolina school districts uses the Destiny Follett management system to catalog books in school media centers. Students and teachers use it to search and access books and possibly other resources. Some districts may include eBooks, audiobooks, etc. as part of their subscription. Some of the features of the Destiny Follett system include easy search by author, title, or subject. The interest level and a basic reading level of the book is listed as well as the call number (or address of the book's location in the library). Recently, we are seeing descriptions of the books included. The system makes it fairly simple for the librarians to add new books. The site is accessible for students from school or home. Once they login to the district portal with their student ID, they can begin searching. The My Stuff tab at the top (only visible when logged in) allows students and parents to see what is currently checked out to them. We do not know if the setting can be adjusted to show all past books checked out to a particular student but we think that information could be beneficial for parents. The system allows for the creation of collections of books by topic (for students or teachers) by the media specialist or librarian. Unless the collection was created by the media specialist in that specific library, not all the books pictured might be available. However, book titles and descriptions shown could make it possible for them to be searched in other systems, like Sora, Libby, etc., and checked out perhaps through the public library system.The Destiny Follett system allows for parents, citizens, and the community to see what is available on the shelves of the library. We encourage parents to request the districts's policy in regards to adding books to the library. Does the policy allow anyone to donate books to the library? What books would be acceptable for donation? Will the librarian replace favorite classics like The Hungry Caterpillar or The Scarlet Letter if they are so worn that they need to be discarded? Some districts have unspoken policies that exclude books printed before the year 2000. Some of the classics and books you remember will may no longer be available to future students. Knowledge is power. Familiarize yourself with the library system. ​ ​ Did You Know? According to the Follett website, nearly $2 trillion in ESSER Funds are still available in 2024 to support schools and students. The website states Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds provide a significant boost to your learning initiatives. Follett is here to provide guidance on using ESSER Funds effectively using our unique analytical tools that can diagnose the strength and gaps in your collection. S ocial transformative books have been required as a funding qualification for recipients. If your state or district accepts ESSER funds, what is expected of them? https://www.follettlearning.com/esser Would You Like to Search a School or School District in our state? Go to gofollett.com or contact us. https://www.follettlearning.com/education-technology/library-management-system/destiny-discover Contact Us Books We Love! UNDER CONSTRUCTION Graphic Novels Graphic novels are in the schools, public libraries, and colleges. The New York Times includes graphic novels as a category on its booklists. Struggling students and erudite academicians laud the benefits of the new genre. The Scholastic magazine, a chief proponent and distributor of graphic novels, defines the literary form as “any book in a comic book format that resembles a novel in length and narrative development.” Graphic novels incorporate benefits and shortcomings of both novels and comic books. ​ HISTORY Graphic novels are akin to or the next iteration of the children’s comic book. The comic book, at its conception and infancy, had a wide variety of themes including superheroes. Yet, some people were concerned that comic books potentially would corrupt the young readers and retard their reading progress. These concerns led to the Comic Code Authority (CCA) tasked with ensuring the proper values were depicted in the comic books (Lloyd Sealy Library) . The themes of the comic books and their values were strongly compatible with the superhero theme and, thereby, undergirded the success of the superhero morality plays of the good hero overcoming and conquering the evil villain. Comic books soon became a lucrative literary venture. ​ In 1986, Will Eisner introduced a new genre -- birthed from the comic book --the graphic novel. The expanded “comic book” was a collection of stories about a neighborhood in the Bronx. The format appealed to a new expanded reading audience. However, it was Art Spiegelman who brought the new literary format into popularity (Lloyd Sealy Library) . It resembled a novel in length and story line; however, the graphic novel’s story was driven by pictures and supplemented with only sparse text. Graphic novels not only differed from traditional comic books in their length but also subject matter. The topics ranged from classical literature to backstreet pulp fiction. Often, a graphic novel, then and now, departed from the innocence of the superhero’s overcoming the menacing, evil villain to more edgy subjects. ​ RESEARCH Current research of graphic novels overwhelmingly touts the benefits. Educators report that graphic novels promote reading for the reluctant and poor readers, for the non-native English speakers, the unmotivated readers, and the beginning readers (Reader’Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels). They claim pictures help reading comprehension, and therefore, are valuable tool for developing cognition. Graphic novels are not just for the reluctant or poor reader but are also popular with older fluent readers. Graphic novels make complex literary classics comprehensible. The story line is more easily understood with visual images, rather than words. The Readers’Advisory Guide to Graphic Novels asserts that the genre promotes visual literacy for the 21 st century’s media demands. In addition to the academic advantages, emotionally, there is no shame associated with graphic novels as attested by the popularity with more skilled and older readers. ​ FORMAT CONCERNS However, like the parents who were concerned about comic books of the 1950s, parents have their reservations about graphic novels. Though many may concede that graphic novels appeal to and motivate reluctant readers and help them comprehend subject matter, many parents are apprehensive, even cynical, of graphic novels’ net benefits for developing skilled readers and thinkers. Words are the tools of thinking. Relying on pictures for context promotes guessing for word meanings. Vocabulary is developed through reading and writing. A picture-driven story undermines both basic cognitive skills. Graphic novels cultivate passive, feckless learning habits. The mind is developed much like muscles. Effective learning requires resistance. Synapsis and memories are made stronger when effort is applied. Processing information from the words “requires constant voluntary attention” (Rossiter & Silberstein, 2001), whereas pictorial information processing is passive. Graphic novels reduce literature to an arid, anemic story line. The art of good literature is lost in the pictorial Cliff Notes approach. Divergent thinking is starved by the lack of literary devices. Learning is hard work and a lengthy process. One must ask at what point is the reluctant reader weaned from pictures to text. When will the underlying problem of poor reading strategies be addressed for the reluctant reader? ​ CONTENT CONCERNS Sexually explicit pictures found in school library graphic novels incite emotional responses rather than reasoned ones. Being led by emotions (visceral responses) makes the reader easily manipulated. Often age-inappropriate, or sexually graphic novels have a low reading level (see Lexile Levels) and are accessible to younger children. Formats for comic books, graphic novels, and novels have cognitive relevance, but content should be the primary consideration for evaluating a book, not the conveyance. Content of graphic novels can be pornographic yet readily accessible for the youngest or poorest reader. Content is packaged to reach a certain audience. Judge the book by its format but then look inside and examine the content. ​ Contact Us UNDER CONSTRUCTION What is Manga? What is Anime? Anime and Mental Health Awards and Medals What is the Difference Between YA and Adult Books? Who Wins an Award and Why? It can be puzzling. Writers, librarians, and parents don't always agree. ​ YA ( industry abbreviation for Young Adult) novels are marketed for childr en 12-18 years of age. They are written about teenage characters with story lines meant to appeal to this age group; the category has ha d crossover into the adult market over the last several years. There lies much of the difficulty. ​ Young Adult books are meant to be the next level of reading material after middle-grade fiction as teens transition to adult fiction. They are often coming of age stories. They are engaging and ma y have some level of romance between the characters, such as kissing but they should not contain actual sexual content. The readers and reviewers at the PEP are noticing more and more books labeled YA in middle and high schools with detailed sexual content, including bondage, violence and erotica. Parents must be alert to these sexualized books. We have quite a few listed on our website. Many have received awards of one kind or another. ​ How did that book win that award? The American Library Association gives out many awards to authors and illustrators. One of the most notable is the Randolph Caldecott Award. The Caldecott winners must have outstanding illustrations and appeal to children ages 5-14. In the past, Caldecott winners and honor books were mostly picture or juvenile books that were chosen by parents and teachers to be read to younger students and children. They become favorites, not just because of the pictures but because the stories are entertaining, interesting, and age appropriate. According to the guidelines, in addition to the exceptional illustrations, the book should not be didactic in nature. If you have children, you are probably familiar with these books. Past Caldecott Winners and Caldecott Honor Award Winners ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Over the last decade there has been change. This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Mamaki won a 2015 Caldecott Honor Award. Take a look at it and see if you would agree. Other graphic novels targeting middle and high school are also receiving recognition. My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf is an example. Backderf is a two time Eisner award nominee. His book My Friend Dahmer was recognized as a great graphic novel for teens by the ALA and won an Alex award in 2013. Obviously some graphic novels are not meant for children and the content may not be worthy of recognition. ​ The John Newbery Medal is another prestigious award given yearly by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Two favorites from the past were Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (1992) and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (1991). More recent winners have been challenged due to controversial content and language more than obscenities, but not always. ​ Several new awards have made an appearance on books in elementary and middle schools. Most students, parents, teachers, and librarians assume if a book won an award, it must be a good book. A closer look reveals books with agendas promoting values that are uncommon within most North Carolina communities. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Here are just three examples of books frequently found in middle schools. George, Looking for Alaska, and Out of Darkness. George by Alex Gino i s a recipient of the following : Children's Stonewall Award, Lambda Literary Award, and Ch ildren's Choice Book Award. The first two awards are for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience and content. ​ Looking for Alaska by John Green won the Printz award, an award that recognizes the "best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit". While it was a quick easy read, It violated NC Statutes on Obscenity. It als o contained a glorified suicide. Out of Darkness by Ashley Perez is another example of an award winning book not appropriate for minors because it contains detailed depictions of incestual rape. ​ The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. These books all received the award over the last several years: Lawn Boy ; Gender Queer; Red, White, and Royal Blue ; and The Kite Runner. Take a look at excerpts under the book tab. We question whether these books are appropriate for young adults in a public school setting. They all violate NC Statutes regarding obscenity. ​ The Pavement Education Project encourages you to be aware of the books your child selects from the media center, on class recommended reading lists, and books located in classroom libraries. We believe an award no longer ensures a book is fit for reading by a child, teen, or young adult. Furthermore, The American Library Association may no longer have the values and standards you and your family hold dear. ​ Resources: American Library Association. https://www.ala.org Young Adult Library Services Association. https://www.ala.org/yalsa/

eBooks These sexually explicit ebooks are available through Libby and Overdrive. All that is needed is a library card nu Many schools also have subscriptions to ebooks that may include these titles. Libby is a reading app for borrowing digital books and audiobooks from the library's OverDrive collection. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah Maas All Boys Aren't Blue by George M Johnson Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan S Foer Looking for Alaska by John Green George by Alex Gino Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Perez Identical by Ellen Hopkins Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo l8r, g8r by Lauren Myracle Little and Lion by Brandy Colbert Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Real Live Boyfriends by E. Lockhart Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Speak by Laurie Anderson The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Thirteen Reasons Why: A Novel by Jay Asher This One Summer by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki ttfn by Lauren Myracle When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds CONTACT US

SEL Social Emotional Learning CASEL is the Company that sets standards for Social Emotional Learning. Students are called human capital, and an equity lens is applied to transform an entire school by dividing students into groups by race, gender, income, etc. The expressed goal is to achieve “equal” outcomes (equity) for designated groups, especially “marginalized” ones such as minorities or those with LGBT identities. Equal opportunity is now passe’ for the current educational culture. ​ Founders, Funding and Educators of SEL include, but are not limited to the following: John Fetzer of the Fetzer Institute, a New Age enthusiast and devotee of Alice Bailey who was the controversial occultist that founded the Lucifer Publishing Company (aka Lucis Trust); Linda Darling-Hammond, board member emeritus of CASEL and associate of communist terrorist turned educator William Ayers; Kamilah Drummond-Forrester, an educational consultant who wrote “Teaching (white children) to be aware of their racial identity would allow them to better understand the privileges that accompany that identity,” adding that this would help them dismantle the “concept of ‘ whiteness’”. Millions of dollars from the Gates and Dell Foundations, et al. are spent to replace the values and beliefs that are compatible with individual liberty. The goal appears to a transformed global student that is easily manipulated by a one world government. ​ Framework of CASEL is Backwards. SEL is at the core with the government and schools supplanting the responsibility of parents to raise their children fundamentally in the way they see fit. Family beliefs and values will be replaced by the values of the government in teaching these five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills and social awareness. See diagram below. Is SEL a school course? No. It’s a transformative methodology rooted in a worldview with goals of molding students' beliefs and behaviors, manipulating impressionable minds, and creating activists for progressive social causes. Although the intent appears to be therapeutic, the results appear to be counterproductive. In application, SEL is woven into many classes and school activities and its use will: ​ Promote data collection on students with assessments that are recorded in a student’s permanent data records. Many responses are private information best suited between a counselor and patient. Impersonate mental health services. Designed to shape a child’s developing brain to accept world views regarding sexuality, racial attitudes, and other social issues. Operates under the guise of providing a mental health benefit and used on the ENTIRE student population of a school, not just kids with behavioral issues. Promote psychological evaluations by unqualified school staff. Selective interventions may be prescribed by staff with limited training. These records may adversely impact a student’s record and impact future college admissions and/or job applications. Disclose student data that could be used against parents regarding personal choices they make for their children. This is an issue of Private Policy Concerns. Example: Based on his/her responses to assessments on issues such as gender, sexual orientation, etc. a student may be removed from a home. Seek to replace the family in teaching values and social norms. This is a form of cultural Marxism where sacred family beliefs may be classified as unkind or unacceptable instead of a matter of morality. This may be seen as spiritually, mentally, and emotionally abusive as a student may be forced to choose between two leaders in authority (parent vs. teacher) resulting in even more anxiety for the child. Impact education on sexuality by undermining traditional values and beliefs taught by abstinence-based/risk avoidance programs. SEL brings obscene sexual behavior into the classroom by teaching elements of the Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) curriculum which embraces high risk behaviors that align with the LGBT movement. It may include normalizing anal and oral sex practices; implying sexual promiscuity, such as hooking-up; teaching sexual pleasure; eroticizing the use of condoms; etc. Require students to accept false concepts such as sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI). The endless gender identities are not based in science and present false concepts as based in factual truth. Other false concepts presented by SEL are a student may be told she may be trapped in the wrong body, she can pause her puberty without adverse consequences, her parents don’t need to know, etc. Violate North Carolina’s sex education law as stated in #6. Controversial teachings on sex, sexuality, and gender in the name of sexual education are not compliant with current state laws. Promote activism, allegiance, and division. This is a form of social engineering where Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Marxist lessons are taught regarding oppression, oppressors, race, gender, and religion in ways that promote concepts that may violate the US Bill of Rights. Community organizing events and after school programs are often promoted. Advance revisionist programs. Remember Common Core Math? Math concepts were transformed to fully embrace SEL by progressive agendas. How well did that go for students and parents? Unfortunately, history and science classes aren’t exempt from revisions either. SEL is part of the Common Core State Standards used in every school district in North Carolina. There is a tremendous incentive to integrate SEL in the curriculum of every school as it is tied to federal funding, ​ Sales Pitch for SEL Behavioral problems in school are nothing new. Unfortunately, children are experincing an increasing level of anxiety with the onset of social media and the extensive use of electronic devices. Teachers and parents want children to be more attentive, less disruptive, and more civil to classmates and others. SEL appears to be sold to educators as the means to resolve problematic behaviors. Self-examination is one of the tools used in SEL tools that prompts students to perform frequent intropections. However it appears that the power of suggestibility from SEL-infused lessons may actually increase anxiety in a child. For example, how would the following questions impact your thinking? “How often do you keep your anger in check?” “How often did you remain calm, even when someone was bothering you or saying bad things?” This is just a sampling of the numerous questions from a Panorama SEL survey in an elementary school. ​ Malpractice? How is SEL used to improve behavior and help students cope with stress? Interventions and group work can be assigned based on SEL survey answers. The role of schools is shifting from academics to SEL with a nanny-state like focus on mental health. Is this a form of malpractice? It appears there is a movement to replace guidance counselors with mental health counselors in school- based health clinics. The American School Counselors Association (ASCA) which promotes DEI and other Marxist concepts appears to support this move. Managing mental health issues would best be done by referring a student to a professional clinical psychologist/therapist in a clinic off the school campus and after instruction hours. In October 2023, a wellness center for Clyde A. Erwin Middle school was opened for care. The Warrior Wellness Center is one of 34 school-based health centers operated by Blue Ridge Health in seven Western North Carolina counties. This development raises a number of questions. Are there duplications of services provided by local health departments? Although parental/guardian consent is required, is it a blanket consent? Will parents be informed when a child recieves treatment? When is it appropriate for a child to receive medical care without the presence of a parent/guardian? Who benefits financially from opening a doctor’s office on a school campus? What happened to the school nurse who used to provide medical care for students? ​ Second-Step Program in North Carolina. This SEL program is used by many individual school districts in North Carolina. More on that program will follow. ​ Statistics that shock. The problem with education in America is illustrated in a report by the Department of Education. Between 2000-2019 the percent growth of population in public schools for district administrators grew by 87.0 % during those years, far outstripping the growth in the number of students (7.6%) and teachers (8.7%). There has been a radical fundamental change in education with the administrative system/bureaucracy and other institutions/stakeholders draining resources that would benefit students. Collecting and managing data from SEL programs is just one of the many uses of funds that have no educational purpose. Who benefits? ​ What can parents do? Reinforce your belief system at home with your child. Caution your child about group think and emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and decision making. Demand parental rights and privacy for your child’s and family’s information. Write to your legislators. Speak out at school board meetings and to other parents. If possible, consider homeschooling or enroll in private school. But beware, SEL is being found in private schools too. ​ Resources: Karen Metzger; Parents on the Level; 2024 Alex Newman, Trading Academics for Far-Left ‘Social Emotional Learning’; 2021. Larry Arnn, Imprimis, Education as a Battleground; November 2022. UtahParentsUnited.org/SEL https://cdn.secondstep.org/static/pdf/funding-grants/federal-funding-for-purchasing-second-step-programs.pdf https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewDocSiteFile/39601 ​ Share your stories or photos of examples of SEL in your child's school. CONTACT US Contact Us/ Join our Team

Hello This is your About Page. It's a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do, and what your website has to offer. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want to share with site visitors. My Story This is your About page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your site has to offer. Your users are genuinely interested in learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality. Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to provide any personal details you want to share with your followers. Include interesting anecdotes and facts to keep readers engaged. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement. Contact I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect. info@mysite.com 123-456-7890

Acerca de ¡ADVERTENCIA! Estos extractos pueden ser explícitos e inapropiados para los niños. el poeta x Por Isabel Acevedo Editorial ‏ : ‎ Quill Tree Books; Edición de reimpresión (7 de abril de 2020) Idioma ‏ : ‎ Inglés Tapa blanda: 384 páginas ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062662813 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062662811 ​ Extracto de la página 35 ...Estoy aprendiendo a acariciar... Extracto de la página 127 LIBROS EN CUESTIÓN

STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM INAPPROPRIATE LITERATURE 1. Monitor your child's reading assignments. Parents may request alternate materials if the text is objectionable or in conflict with your religious or moral beliefs. Your child's grades and standing should not be affected. ​ 2. Know what your child is choosing from the media center and choosing on ebook apps. Our searches identify books in school libraries but not all the ebooks available through Destiny Follett. Libby, Sora, NC Cardinal, and NC Kids Digital Library. View links at the bottom of the page. Learn more about NC Cardinal, NC Kids Digital Library, and Sora on the READING, BOOKS, AND MORE page. ​ 3. EMAIL the teacher, Principal and School Board Representative with your concerns about the materials your child is expected to read or use. An email provides a written record of your concerns and requests. Phone calls or written notes do not. ​ 4. EMAIL your Representative and Senator about what you see happening in your child's school and/or district. We have been told that an email is more meaningful, provides a record, and carries more weight than a phone call. View links at the bottom of the page. ​ Know Your School District Policies View Many School District Policies and Policy Changes Through the Online Webhosting Services of the NCBCA. The North Carolina School Board Association (NCSBA) provides online web hosting for many of North Carolina's school boards. It offers services such as manual updates and evaluations. It is a member organization. ​ What policy changes have been made in North Carolina to help districts follow the Parents' Bill of Rights directive that took effect in January 2024? ​ Click here to for easy access to many district policy manuals. ​ Challenge a Book Understand that book banning is not PEP's goal, however we have become increasingly aware of books and materials with sexually inappropriate texts and gender concepts are available to minors in school libraries and in some classrooms. Books that contain extreme violence, self- harm, suicide, and horror are also making there way into schools. You have a right as a parent to challenge inappropriate instructional and supplementary materials placed in your child's school whether it be in a media center, part of a classroom library, used for instructional purposes, or part of an assignment. The Process Reconsideration of Instructional Materials First - Print and complete the REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FORM from your child's school district. It may be found online at the school or school district website. If it isn't, contact the Principal or Media Specialist at the school. Letter and Artifacts Second - Write a personal letter to the Principal explaining your thinking. Submit your letter, the Request for Reconsideration form, and book artifacts such as photos, chapter, and page references with objectionable material BY EMAIL. Email will provide you a paper trail if needed. Principals and Review Committees Lastly - After the Principal's review, hopefully your book will be out of circulation or use. If not,the challenge will go through a series of committee reviews. The number and make up of the review committees will be directed by school board policy. In many districts it is SB policy 3210. It will be most likely be composed of school personnel, librarian, and parents. Ask who will be on the committee. They should read and review the book just as you did. Check back on their progress weekly. Now What? If the book is approved to remain on the shelves, continue to ask school personnel to send your book challenge to the next level, which will likely be a school board committee. If you do not receive the decision you wanted, contact your district Superintendent, State Superintendent, the NC Board of Education and legislators. Email them with your documents and steps you have taken to change the situation. Address the School Board with Your Concerns Most schools have an online sign up process for comment. Check the Board's website. The process in some districts takes place on location before the meeting begins. Check it out a few days before you plan to speak. You may be asked whether you will be responding to items on the agenda or policy changes. ​ ​Observe a board meeting to learn how the meeting is structured. ​ Most school boards allow 2-3 minutes for pubic comment. Prepare your remarks with that in mind. ​ ​Its not typical for the Board to ask or answer questions during Public Comment time. ​ State your key idea or point.​ ​​ Preparing facts and statistics are helpful. So are personal stories. ​ ​ ​ Be confident, this is your school district and you have every right to be heard even if others present do not agree with you. ​​ ​ OPT IN or OPT OUT of Reproductive Health Lessons Parents currently have the option to opt out from human sexuality instruction for their children. Schools will usually have you opt in or out of instruction when you register your child for school, or they will send home forms throughout the year for special programs, or training events. You must OPT OUT as of this posting. Anti-bullying, mental health, family diversity, social emotional learning (SEL) and sex education trainings are pathways of influence with your child. Opt out of everything or pull your child out of school during these instructional times when such material is being presented. Unless you have reviewed the curriculum and materials, parents have no way of knowing what is actually being taught and some curriculums approved for use in North Carolina are not faithfully following state statutes for NC children. ​ Do you know what comprehensive sex education really is all about? Take a look at the graphics to learn just a few concepts and values that of some CSE programs. ​ ​ from Siecus There are many curriculums that North Carolina school districts may choose for their students. The Parents' Bill of Rights prevents sexual instruction before grade 4. See PBR for complete text. There are many curriculums that are not in compliance with North Carolina State Statutes. Opt Out or wait to Opt In until you have thoroughly inspected all materials and digital resources that students may access. ​ SL SESSION LAW 2023-106 SENATE BILL 49 49 § 115C-76.25.Parent legal rights for their child's education. (a) Parents have legal rights with regards to their child's education, including the following: (1) The right to consent or withhold consent for participation in reproductive health and safety education programs, consistent with the requirements of G.S. 115C-81.30. (2) The right to seek a medical or religious exemption from immunization requirements, consistent with the requirements of G.S. 130A-156 and G.S. 130A-157. ​ Stop the Viewing of Sexually Inappropriate Material on Public School Devices. REPORT INCIDENTS. We need your help to stop North Carolina schools from ignoring the harm being done to innocent children when they access adult websites on school devices. This is happening in the classroom, on the bus and at home. Please take a few minutes to hear from one mom’s experience in Wake County. See the blog: Pornography on School-Issued Device If you know of a family that has been impacted by this issue, please have them contact us . With enough complaints, legal action might proceed. It’s time to hold the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the Board of Education, and District School Boards accountable for violating obscenity laws and for not protecting minors from sexual content on school devices. OTHER GROUPS CONCERNED ABOUT EDUCATION IN NORTH CAROLINA Our Mission Activities Overview: Empower and unify member teachers to provide unbiased sound content and to improve public school quality and literacy; provide affordable tutoring and online courses. Pender County Concerned Citizens- CONTACT US

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT View the academic achievement of North Carolina students here. Choose the county, then the district. You may view academics as far back as 2015. The 2022-2023 scores have not been added to the NC School Report Cards as of 9-20-2023. A new report on the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website includes test results from the 2022-23 school year. See the press report, Data Sets and Reports, and Resources below. The report shows students making gains in 2022-23 while the number of low performing schools increased. In order to fully understand the data, a closer examination of all student subsets will be needed. We leave it up to you to decide whether you are satisfied with the academic achievement of NC students. Did you look at the performance of subgroups? Are NC educators and the models being used, meeting the needs of all North Carolina children? You decide. ​ Students Make Gains in 2022-23, Continuing Recovery from COVID Losses ​ Accountability Data Sets and Reports ​ Resources ​ How are NC School Districts Spending Their Federal Dollars? Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training for Teachers in Wake County WCPSS recently introduced their equity plan. View the document. Will this expensive initiative improve academic achievement or is it meant to transforrm student thoughts and beliefs about themselves and their families? An opinion piece written by Joshua Peters in The Carolina Journal highlights some of the issues with the WCPSS Pathways to Excellence and Equity plan. ​ ​ ​ Contact

NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH The effects of inappropriate material, pornography, and Covid shutdowns have negatively impacted the mental health of the young. Review of statistics show our children have increased sense of hopelessness and persistent feelings of sadness that has increased 40% between 2009-2019 for U.S. high school students. ​ Some schools and school media centers in North Carolina are allowing sexually explicit content to be available to minors that puts students at HIGHER risk of anxiety, depression,isolation, sexual assault, and suicide. Why are we allowing this to happen to our children? ​ Sixteen states have passed resolutions stating viewing pornography is a mental health crisis. At a crucial stage in brain development, exposure to pornography can change neural pathways that permanently affect a child's views of sex, people and real relationships. Sadly, pornography can also cause children to harm other children. When young children see pornography, they tend to practice it on others.​ See if your child's school district is on our website by looking on the book locations page. Explore further by clicking on the links. We do not include books located in classroom libraries or reading sets. You will need to ask teachers and administrators. If you feel as we do, we ask you to call your school, Superintendent, and General Assembly representatives, and sign our petition. This needs to change. We can and must protect our child's innocence. ​ https://www.rainn.org/news/grooming-know-warning-signs https://protectyoungeyes.com/5-ways-pornography-harms-children-teens/ ​ https://brainheartworld.org/ RESEARCH ON READING EROTICA AND RELATIONSHIPS Little research has been done to learn the effects of reading erotica and viewing erotic images on children or minors. For one thing, no responsible parent would want or allow their child to take part in such a study. For another, presenting such material to a minor is unethical and illegal. The only research that gives us clues is the data collected on changes within the adult brain after viewing pornography. Additionally, there has been research on reading erotica depicting a sexually dominant woman compared to a sexually dominant man. We will continue to add resources as they become available. ​ Is Reading Erotica As Harmful As Watching Porn? Read More Grooming: Know the Warning Signs Read More Is There a Connection Between Violent Crime and Watching Porn? Read More The Association Between Exposure to Violent Pornography and Teen Dating Violence in Grade 10 High School Students Read More 15 Ways Porn is Connected to Real Sexual Violence Read More 5 Ways Pornography Harms Children and Teens Read More The Relationship Between Pornography Use and Harmful Sexual Behaviors Read More NORTH CAROLINA SUICIDE AND SELF INJURY DATA APRIL-JUNE 2023 Self-Inflicted Injury Update 8/9/2023 Suicidal Ideation in North Carolina 2020 NC Violent Death Reporting System ​ Ahttps://injuryfreenc.dph.ncdhhs.gov/DataSurveillance/SuicideData.htm JOIN OUR TEAM

Contact Us Join Our Team Questions or C oncerns? Do you have a story you want to share? Contact us. Contact Us First name Last name Email Phone Comments or Concerns Submit Thank you for contacting us. We will be in touch. TEAM APPLICATION BELOW We are looking for parents, grandparents, and educators in every school district in North Carolina that are willing to advocate for excellence in education. If you would like to be part of our team, please complete our team application. Contact

NC STATE STATUTES Parents and Guardians send their children to school with expectations that they will receive a good education, and have access to appropriate materials and texts. They also expect an environment in which their child's physical and mental health is protected. Content defined as obscene is now included in libraries and classrooms by North Carolina Statute § 14-190.13. Content may show graphic images or have descriptions of sexual acts. Please take note of North Carolina Statute § 14-190.15. It allows a defense for schools, libraries, and museums to have a pass. No one ever thought such inappropriate literature would appear within the walls of a school. Furthermore , some book titles appear to be in violation of the newly ratified SB 49: The Parents' Bill of Rights. § 115C-76.55. of SB 49 addresses the requirement for age-appropriate instruction for grades kindergarten through fourth grade. It states that " instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality shall not be included in the curriculum provided in grades kindergarten through fourth grade, regardless of whether the information is provided by school personnel or third parties." It also prohibits the use of inappropriate inappropriate core and supplementary materials. Look at your child's school district and school on this website to see if there are inappropriate materials available to your child. Some books and materials available in schools may be in violation of NC General Statute 115C-81.30. Reproductive Health and Safety Education. This content and subject matter may lead children to question their own sexual identity. *The NC Department of Education is currently updating healthy living standards for K-8th grade. The PEP team is monitoring their work to make sure it is true to North Carolina Statutes. The Pavement Education Project team working with concerned citizens have identified a selection of books believed to be in violation of North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14. Criminal Law § 14-190.1. Obscene literature and exhibitions. Other North Carolina General Statutes regarding Materials Harmful to Minors. Read Subchapter VII Offenses Against Public Morality and Decency Article 26 for the entire statute, definitions, and related offenses toward minors. Contact your legislators with your concerns related to this statute and the intent of the law. The PEP website shows books, book lists, and related information under the BOOKS tab. North Carolina school districts, books, and links to excerpts are shown under the LOCATIONS tab. If you are interested in assisting with book searches in your NC school district, we can help you get started. Book banning is not the focus, but the appropriateness of such books in a public school setting is questionable. ​ OTHER IMPORTANT NC STATUTES ​ Recently ratified SB 808: An Act to Prohibit Gender Transition Procedures for MinorsGender Transition for Minors limits medical transitioning procedures or to prescribe, provide, or dispense puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to a minor. The statute makes provision for children that have disorders, under treatments for a variety of medical maladies, or suffer physiological abnormalities. The statute outlines penalties for violation of the statute. ​ HOUSE BILL 574: Fairness in Women's Sports Act also became law. It will "prohibit male students from playing on middle school, high school, or collegiate athletics teams designated for females, women, or girls". It also will "require a student's sex to be recognized solely based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth for purposes of athletic participation." ​ Changes in laws affecting charter schools were enacted in HB 219: The Charter School Omnibus. It clarifies requirements of charter application and renewal. It addresses enrollment in low performing schools. Admittance of out of state students and children of military families are also outlined. ​ PROPOSED NC STATUTES The Pavement Education Project team supports SB 90: The Children's Laws Omnibus . The statute would support appropriate sexual education focused on abstinence, refusal skills, and consequences of out of wedlock sexual activites. It would provide a process for selecting appropriate books for classrooms and libraries. The statute also would require contacting parents if a child is at risk for suicide. Please sign out petition here . ​ HB 187: Equality in Education would compel students, teachers, administrators, and school personnel to recognize the equality and rights of all persons and to prohibit pubic school units from promoting certain concepts that are contrary to that intent. The proposed law outlines what could not be taught in NC schools. It would protect free speech and allow for history of an ethnic group, impartial discussion, and instruction. EDUCATION-K-12 House Standing Comm EDUCATION-K-12 Senate Comm CONTACT/JOIN OUR TEAM

Book Galleries and Lists Inappropriate Books Found in NC Schools The books seen on our site have been read and reviewed by our team and other groups working together nationally. These books are available in school media centers and libraries in North Carolina. The PEP Team partnered with Rated Books to show a growing group of books that have questionable content and graphics. These books are also often available in classroom libraries or as digital media. ​ ​ We believe: Parents have a right to know what is available to their children in the schools and through media. Many books are age inappropriate, promote harmful ideologies, include explicit sexual and violent content, and should not be available to children for group or independent reading in public school without parental knowledge and consent. Most books are developmentally inappropriate for elementary, middle schools or high school students. Rubrics and rating scales should be used choosing books for children. Rated Books provides a method for evaluating books using a rubric or rating scale similar to the movie industry. Parents and guardians will find it helpful when determining if a book is suitable for their child. School staff must evaluate books with a more detailed and rigorous rating tool when purchasing books and addressing book challenges. See below. Red flag systems and secluded books behind a librarian's desk will not be enough to keep inappropriate literature out of a child's hands. It will require media specialists or staff to become book police, wasting precious time and resources in management. Parent must take action. The mental health of our young is at stake. We can no longer trust that the adults in charge hold or promote values similar to yours. ​​ Check my Child's School Book Galleries Rated Books Gender Ideology Obscene Gallery Obscene Gallery 2 PEP BY AUTHOR Book Search List Sexually Inappropriate Harmful to Minors Books 12/3/2023 ​ Book Search Lists PRINTABLE Search Lists PEP Book Search List Sexually Inappropriate Harmful to Minors Books PEP Book Search List Gender Ideology Picture Book List for Elementary Schools North Carolina Book Locations Check my Child's School If you do not see your child's school district, it may be in the works. We could use your assistance to complete the work. Join our team. Join our Team Evaluating Children's Books for Media Centers and Libraries School districts throughout our country struggle to find a tool that educators can use in decision making which books to purchase and when evaluating challenged books for their content and placement. While none is perfect, the policy and model used in Keller Independent School District, Texas is one of the best we have seen to date. ​ Rating scales used in North Carolina should adhere to NC § 14-190.1. Obscene literature and exhibitions. It can be viewed here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ View KISD documents here Other Rating Scales Click on the ICON to view. Entertainment Software Rating Board OPT in or OPT out..Student Access to Ebooks and Audio Books Through Public Libraries Many school districts offer access to ebooks located within nearby public libraries. Some use app links to Sora, Libby, or Overdrive. Most participating schools in NC use a program called Student Access. We believe this was a practice that began during Covid shut down with the intention of providing reading material to all students. Many districts have continued the practice, along with a program called NCKids Digital, funded by the NC General Assembly. NC Cardinal is a program of the State Library of North Carolina, supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act. These apps and programs are available to students on the school issued devices. We are concerned that filters are not in place and may leave students vulnerable. We are also concerned that some of the books included would introduce gender identity and ideology to students before 4th grade. Parents need to thoroughly explore the practices and policies of their district regarding these apps. If you believe your child is at risk, don't hesitate to OPT OUT of these programs. There are other apps that we will discuss at a later date. Sample from Henderson County Sample from Iredell-Statesville Schools Check the books in North Carolina Schools through the Book Locations/Schools Page Don't see your school district? Join our team and be part of a volunteer network. Contact Us/ Join Our Team

The Pavement Education Project is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 c 4 organization. Any donations will go towards projects that support educating and engaging North Carolina communities and families.

Reading, Books, and More The Resources listed here are for parents, grandparents, and citizens. We want you to have the information needed to understand the numbers that educators are talking about, how to search for a book yourself, look at some good resources, and what to avoid. Please email us if you have questions. Understanding Lexile Reading Levels Using the Online Card Catalog Using Follett, the Online Card Clatalog Books We Love! What are Graphic Novels? What is Manga? What is Anime? Anime and Mental Health Video Games and Gaming Books Sora and Public Libraries Books with Awards and Medals Contact Us

Books We Love Books We Read and Loved The lists of books we share here are books that someone on the PEP Team or partner teams have read and loved. Most books help us to understand the trials and tribulations that our fellow man (or woman). Some are self help books. Some books are merely for entertainment. If you have a favorite you think should be on our list, let us know. UNDER CONSTRUCTION We are always adding more books. OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL READS Animal Farm by George Orwell The Crucible by Arthur Miller Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Frankenstein: the 1818 Text by Mary Shelley The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom The Hobbit by J.R.R.Tolkien Lord of the Flies by William Golding Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass 1984 by George Orwell The Pearl by John Steinbeck The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway The Patriot's History Reader : Essential Documents for Every American by Larry Schweikart, Michael Allen, and Dave Dougherty A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte You Have a Brain A Teen's Guide to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. by Dr Ben Carson MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSICS The American Experience Storybook by Stephanie Meter The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Author) The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis Little Britches by Ralph Moody Number the Stars by Lois Lowry The Phantom Tollbook by Norton Juster Tanglewood Tales by Nathaniel Hawthorne Up From Slavery by Booker T Washington The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Curtis Excellent Reads for Elementary School Students Smoky Mountain Survival (The Campground Kids: National Park Adventures) Book 2 by C R Fulton The Campground Kids: National Park Adventures are great adventures for elementary age kids. Try all 7 books in the series. Goodnight, Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian This fine story is a WWII story about a boy evacuated to English countryside in care of grumpy old man. The Iron Giant by Ted Hughes (author) & Andrew Davidson (illustrator) A mysterious creature cruises the land, eating all kinds of farm items. The farmers are baffled—and terrified! Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley A heartwarming true story of a blind horse named Joey and the struggles he endured after his career as a show horse. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House in the Big Woods is the first book in Laura Ingalls Wilder's treasured Little House series, which is based on her life growing up as an American pioneer. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and details their passage from childhood to womanhood. Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry (Author), Wesley Dennis (Illustrator) On the island of Chincoteague, off the coasts of Virginia, lives an old band of wild ponies. Among them is Phantom, a rarely-seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Secret Garden is a story of an orphaned girl comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire Moors. She finds it full of secrets. Stuart Little by E B White Stuart Little is a story about a mouse born into a family of humans. He lives in New York City with his family and Snowbell the cat. This story is full of adventure. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls The story centers around Billy and his long dream of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle A Wrinkle in Time is the story of Meg, a high schooler who is transported on an adventure through time and space with her younger brother Charles. Perfectly Wonderful Picture Books 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle A delightful story about how every dragon leaves their home for marvelous adventures. Cicada Symphony by Sue Fliess (Author), Gareth Lucas (Illustrator) This beautifully illustrated story describes the life cycle of the cicada and helps readers understand this interesting insect. Dozens of Doughnuts by by Carrie Finison (Author), Brianne Farley (Illustrator) LouAnn is making a doughnut feast in preparation for her long winter's nap. But just before she takes the first bite, she is interrupted by lots of hungry visitors. If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall A fantasy, that will encourage your child's imagination to run wild and free. In Search of the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage This book is the tale of an Arctic expedition for an elusive creature. May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs by Stephanie Calmenson (Author), Jan Ormerod (Illustrator) This book teaches the right way for a child to approach a dog to ensure that the first connection is a success. Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli In this story, Sam is the best race-car driver ever -- until his friend, shows that she has racing talent as well. Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones by Claire Freedman A charming book about the animals snuggling down to sleep.