New Fiction for Kids

Game Changers by Mike LupicaMike Lupica delivers a New York Times bestselling middle grade series!

Ben McBain is every football team's dream player. He's a jack-of-all-trades guy that can handle almost any position. When the game is on the line, Ben's number is the one being called for the final play. But Ben wants to be the starting quarterback and the one thing standing in his way is the coach's son.

Shawn O'Brien looks the part. He has been groomed by his father, a former professional quarterback. But despite his size and arm strength, Shawn is struggling.

Ben is torn between being a good teammate and going after his own dream. As Ben finds out, Shawn isn't the easiest person to help. And when Ben gets an unexpected opportunity, the entire game will change for the both of them.

Best-selling author Mike Lupica kicks off a winning new series about sports and friendship that will captivate readers.

Hokey Pokey by Jerry SpinelliWelcome to Hokey Pokey. A place and a time, when childhood is at its best: games to play, bikes to ride, experiences to be had. There are no adults in Hokey Pokey, just kids, and the laws governing Hokey Pokey are simple and finite. But when one of the biggest kids, Jack, has his beloved bike stolen—and by a girl, no less—his entire world, and the world of Hokey Pokey, turns to chaos. Without his bike, Jack feels like everything has started to go wrong. He feels different, not like himself, and he knows something is about to change. And even more troubling he alone hears a faint train whistle. But that's impossible: every kid knows there no trains in Hokey Pokey, only tracks.

Master storyteller Jerry Spinelli has written a dizzingly inventive fable of growing up and letting go, of leaving childhood and its imagination play behind for the more dazzling adventures of adolescence, and of learning to accept not only the sunny part of day, but the unwelcome arrival of night, as well. 

Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly GiffIt's 1944, W.W. II is raging. Jayna's big brother Rob is her only family. When Rob is called to duty on a destroyer, Jayna is left in their small town in upstate New York with their cranky landlady. But right before he leaves, Rob tells Jayna a secret: they may have a grandmother in Brooklyn. Rob found a little blue recipe book with her name and an address for a bakery. When Jayna learns that Rob is missing in action, she's devastated. Along with her turtle Theresa, the recipe book, and an encouraging, ghostly voice as her guide, Jayna sets out for Brooklyn in hopes of finding the family she so desperately needs.

Road Trip by Gary PaulsenDad and Ben haven't been getting along recently and Dad hopes a road trip to rescue a border collie will help them reconnect. But Ben is on to Dad's plan and invites  Ben's thuggish buddy, Theo. The family dog, Atticus, comes along too and the story is told by Ben and Atticus. When their truck breaks down, they commandeer an old school bus, along with its mechanic, Gus. Next, they pick up Mia, a waitress escaping a tense situation. Only sharp-eyed Atticus realizes that Theo is on the run—and someone is following them.

Start the New Year With These New Non-Fiction Books for Kids

The McElderry Book of Mother Goose by Petra MathersMother Goose gets a makeover in this vibrant new collection of childhood classics.This innovative Mother Goose collection combines family favorites with less well-known rhymes in a bright, new package. Here Little Miss Muffet and her tuffet meet Gregory Griggs and his twenty-seven wigs, and the cat and the fiddle are not the only music-makers—there’s also Terrence McDiddler the Three-Stringed Fiddler.

     From “Hickory, Dickory Dock” to “Higgelty, Piggelty Pop,” Petra Mathers and her vivid, quirky illustrations capture the timeless joy and cleverness that are inherently Mother Goose. This modern collection of Mother Goose classics promises to enchant and delight a new generation of nursery rhyme readers.

From the Good Mountain by James RumfordWhat was made of rags and bones, soot and seeds? What took a mountain to make?
For the answer, travel back to the fifteenth century—to a time when books were made by hand and a man named Johannes Gutenberg invented a way to print books with movable type.
Written as a series of riddles and illustrated in the style of medieval manuscripts by an award-winning author and artist, From the Good Mountain will intrigue readers of all ages. On every page there is something surprising to learn about how the very thing you are holding in your hands came to be.

The Story of Silk by Richard SobolJoin author and photographer Richard Sobol as he picks up his camera once more and travels to a small village in Thailand for an in-depth exploration of the story of silk and the labor-intensive process of making it. From nurturing the silkworms to weaving the fabric and photographing the children as they proudly model the finished product, this first-person narrative, illustrated with richly detailed photographs, chronicles the amazing process of creating one of history’s most desired textiles.

Snakes by Nic BishopYIKES!!! Join naturalist Nic Bishop for a closer look at scaly, scary snakes!

Snakes are scaly, scary, silent predators. They use powerful venom or crushing strength to overwhelm their victims. Then they swallow them whole!

With breathtaking full-page images, Sibert Medal-winning photographer Nic Bishop introduces the terrifying and beautiful world of snakes. The simple, engaging text presents both basic information and captivating details about the appearance, habits, and remarkable abilities of these amazing reptiles. An index and glossary are included, along with an author's note detailing his research and the fun stories behind the photographs.

NEW HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen

Ho! Ho! Ho! With more than 9 million books in print, America's favorite dinosaurs can't wait to celebrate Christmas!

From decorating the tree to wrapping presents, little dinosaurs love to celebrate Christmas-and everything about it. With ornaments on the branches and carolers singing at the door, the spirit of Christmas is finally here and filling the hearts of families everywhere. But when the stockings are hung on the chimney, and the cookies are left out for Santa, how can little dinosaurs go to sleep? It's so exciting! How can they possibly calm down and behave?

Children will laugh out loud as dinosaurs secretly lick candy canes, take sneaky peeks at gifts, and disrupt the traditional family feast.

With holiday surprises around every corner, the award-winning team of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague create an engaging, fun gift sure to be read again and again, year after year. How do dinosaurs say Merry Christmas? The same way they say Happy Chanukah: With an abundance of love, joy, memory, and gratitude.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen

With more than 9 million books in print, America's favorite dinosaurs can't wait to celebrate Chanukah!

From the warm glow of holiday candles in the menorah to the fun of family gatherings, little dinosaurs love to celebrate the Festival of Lights. But sometimes the excitement of Chanukah, its treasured rituals, and the tradition of gifts can tempt a youngster to misbehave. . . .

Come along on a joyful romp filled with tumbling dreidels and melting gelt as America's favorite prehistoric pals spread a little mischief this season. Children will laugh out loud as dinosaurs fidget, fuss, and stomp through every occasion, while their human parents shift from shock to weary patience.

Filled with warmth and cheer, this new book by the bestselling team of Jane Yolen and Mark Teague makes a perfect gift to be read again and again, year after year. How do dinosaurs say Happy Chanukah? The same way they say Merry Christmas: With an abundance of love, joy, memory, and gratitude.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean

'Twas the day before Christmas and Santa was ill.
In the cold winter wind he had caught a bad chill.
Will Christmas be canceled? Will it come to that?
"Never!" cried Santa.
"Let's call Pete the Cat!"

In this rockin' new spin on the traditional tale "The Night Before Christmas," Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

The holidays are filled with joyful noise. But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.” Irresistibly cute, soft colored pencil illustrations of bunnies, bears, and more paint a magical holiday picture indeed.

New Fiction For Kids

Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave by Deron R. Hicks
Twelve-year-old Colophon Letterford has a serious mystery on her hands. Will she discover the link between her family’s literary legacy and Shakespeare’s tomb before it’s too late? Antique paintings, secret passages, locked mausoleums, a four-hundred-year-old treasure, and a cast of quirky (and some ignoble) characters all add up to a fun original adventure. Readers will revel in a whirlwind journey through literary time and space in real-world locales from Mont St. Michel to Stratford-Upon-Avon to Central Park!

Chickadee by Louise Erdrich

In 1866, Omakayas's son Chickadee is kidnapped by two ne'er-do-well brothers from his own tribe and must make a daring escape, forge unlikely friendships, and set out on an exciting and dangerous journey to get back home.

Sophia's War by Avi

Lives hang in the balance in this gripping Revolutionary War adventure from a beloved Newbery medalist.In 1776, young Sophia Calderwood witnesses the execution of Nathan Hale in New York City, which is newly occupied by the British army. Sophia is horrified by the event and resolves to do all she can to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she becomes a maid in the home of General Clinton, the supreme commander of the British forces in America. Through her work she becomes aware that someone in the American army might be switching sides, and she uncovers a plot that will grievously damage the Americans if it succeeds. But the identity of the would-be traitor is so shocking that no one believes her, and so Sophia decides to stop the treacherous plot herself, at great personal peril: She’s young, she’s a girl, and she’s running out of time. And if she fails, she’s facing an execution of her own.

     Master storyteller Avi shows exactly how personal politics can be in this riveting novel that is rich in historical detail and rife with action.

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

The word "gifted" has never been applied to a kid like Donovan Curtis. It's usually more like "Don't try this at home." So when the troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he's finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up by one of the administrators, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction (ASD), a special program for gifted and talented students.

It wasn't exactly what Donovan had intended, but there couldn't be a more perfect hideout for someone like him. That is, if he can manage to fool people whose IQs are above genius level. And that becomes harder and harder as the students and teachers of ASD grow to realize that Donovan may not be good at math or science (or just about anything). But after an ongoing experiment with a live human (sister), an unforgettably dramatic middle-school dance, and the most astonishing come-from-behind robot victory ever, Donovan shows that his "gifts" might be exactly what the ASD students never knew they needed.

New Children's Picture Books

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

A fish has stolen a hat. And he'll probably get away with it. Probably.

Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace

Oh, to be a ballerina! It's a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you happen to be a vampire like Vampirina. First of all, you have to find a class that meets at night. Then you have to figure out how to perfect your form when you can't see yourself in the mirror? And then there's wearing pink (not the most flattering of colors if you happen to be undead) and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worse of all... STAGE FRIGHT!!!

Alfie Is Not Afraid by Patricia Carlin

A boy and his brave puppy are ready to camp out in their backyard! The boy's not scared because if things go bump in the night, he knows Alfie will protect him: from space invaders, boa constrictors, and even alligators! Alfie's not afraid of anything! Right, Alfie? ....Alfie? In her picture book debut, Patricia Carlin introduces readers to Alfie and his boy, a lovable duo who will leave everyone howling with laughter.

Lovabye Dragon by Barbara Joosse

When a lonely dragon follows a trail of princess tears, a beautiful friendship is born. They march and sing, roar and whisper, hide and seek, then settle into snug companionship at bedtime. Barbara Joosse’s fiercely protective and gently loving dragon cavorts across the pages, endearingly illustrated by Randy Cecil. At the end of the day, who can resist curling up in the embrace of a lovabye dragon?

Fall in love with some of these Autumn children's titles

Family Fun Tricks and Treats
Disney Editions is proud to join in the celebration and feature our highly successful series of FamilyFun books. Continuing in the magazine's spirit as a creative guide to all the fun things families can do together, the books in this trusted series are packed with hundreds of family-tested recipes, party ideas, crafts, and much, much more. Whether you're looking for the perfect Christmas cookie or the creepiest Halloween decorations; planning your kids' birthday party or searching for creative crafts to fill an afternoon, these invaluable resources will become the most paged-through books on your shelves.All of the books provide step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions for parents and kids. These books prove that there is no greater authority on new and fun ways to spend time with your family than the experts at FamilyFun.

How do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro
ApplesHave you ever eaten part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick Apples

Have you ever eaten a part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick

The Penny Whistle Halloween Book by Meredith Brokaw & Annie Gilbar
Make this Halloween a safe, spooky, and happy one with these bewitching ideas From carving a not-so-traditional pumpkin to dressing a miniature mermaid, here are hundreds ways to scare up the best Halloween ever. You'll find plans for nine unforgettable parties appropriate for toddlers through teens, including:

* Inspiration and Instructions for Unusual Costumes
* Ghoulish Games
* Devilishly Clever Decorations
* Diabolically Delicious Recipes
* A Pumpkin-Patch Worth of Jack-O'-Lanterns

Turn your home into a happy haunting ground with "The Penny Whistle(TM) Halloween Book."

Apples by Ken Robbins
Crunchy and tasty, sweet and tart, in colorful shades of red, yellow,
and green -- sometimes all three -- everyone loves apples In this lively and vibrant book, young readers will learn how apples grow, from the planting of a tree, to the pollination of buds by bees, and on to the harvest. And then comes the fun part as apples are used to tease the taste buds in so many ways -- in pies and strudel, in cider and applesauce, but most of all, in that one simple crunch when one bites into an apple's crisp sweetness. Ken Robbins's hand-colored photographs will make you want to take a bite yourself

Summer Beach Books For Kids

Life in the Ocean: The story of oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola

Sylvia Earle first lost her heart to the ocean as a young girl when she discovered the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico in her backyard. As an adult, she dives even deeper. Whether she’s designing submersibles, swimming with the whales, or taking deep-water walks, Sylvia Earle has dedicated her life to learning more about what she calls “the blue heart of the planet.” With stunningly detailed pictures of the wonders of the sea,Life in the Ocean tells the story of Sylvia’s growing passion and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around the world. This picture book biography also includes an informative author’s note that will motivate young environmentalists.

Beachcombing: exploring the seashore by Jim Arnosky

Young sunbathers can learn all about the wonders at the water's edge with Jim Arnosky's fascinating guide. With friendly notes and detailed illustrations of everything from ghost crabs to shark teeth, this award-winning author and wildlife expert outfits kids with the knowledge they need to become avid beachcombers. Take it along on a family vacation or school trip, or make the beach come alive at home with this personal tour of the shore.

Why Do Oceans Have Tides? by Marian B. Jacobs

"Why?" is a question that every child asks. Here we present clear, scientific answers to questions about the world that surrounds your students. The answers to such questions as "Why is the sky blue?" and "Why does the ocean have tides?" tie in to physical, natural, and life science curricula while providing explanations for universal phenomena.

Seashore Life by Jenna Kinghorn

Offering a close up look at seashore life--both in the ocean and on the beach--this pocket-sized guide helps kids identify sea animals, plants and shells. Full-color illustrations.