A vehicle to encourage listening, social skills, self-esteem, self-determination, and self-advocacy, The Listening Gift is a read aloud picture story book. Drawing on a sense of connectedness with the natural world of animals, The Listening Gift is the story of Hollyhock, a young girl who wishes she is more like other people. Seeking an animal teacher, she sets out on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. On a moon lit night when pumpkin warmness slips into silvery coolness, she meets many animals but none answer yes to her question, Are you my teacher? Until a smiling Bobcat appears and answers, "Who else would I be?" Hollyhock discovers that through the gifts she’s always possessed the stories of others live.