Most Popular Books by Serena Valentino

The eleventh book in the New York Times best-selling Villains series follows the downfall of Disney’s slickest, quickest, and smarmiest villain: Gaston. He knew he was the best. He knew he was everyone''s favorite guy. You may think this tale as old as time has been told before. You may know about the Beauty, and the Beast, and the curse they broke together. But some stories have more than one ending. Some stories have more than one villain. Such is the story of Gaston. Growing up, young Gaston and the prince were brothers in all but blood. Their boyhood adventures led them throughout the many rooms of the castle, and into the deep woods beyond. The woods that were home to the legendary Beast of Gévaudan, a terrifying creature whose presence loomed larger than life in their imaginations. Then one fateful night, a violent tragedy changed their lives—and their friendship—forever, setting each of them down a very different path: the first, of greed and entitlement, the second, of determination to right the wrongs of the past. The prince, as we know, paid a price for his wicked ways. And Gaston, fueled by the magic of three meddling witches, grew ever more haunted by a singular mission: to become the hero who killed the Beast.

The tale is as old as time: a cruel prince is transformed into a beast. A lovely maiden comes into this monster''s life. He is transformed by her compassion, and the love he feels for her in return. The two live happily ever after. But any tale, especially one as storied as Beauty and the Beast''s, has been told many different times, and in many different ways. No matter which version one hears, the nagging question remains: what was it that transformed the prince into the beast we are introduced to? This is one version, pulled down from the many passed down through the ages. It''s a story of vanity and arrogance, of love and hatred, of beastliness, and, of course, of beauty.

Throughout the Villains series, the Odd Sisters have meddled in the lives of the Wicked Queen, The Beast, Ursula, Maleficent, and Mother Gothel, changing the course of fate for the greatest villains ever known. Now, it''s time for their reckoning. This latest novel by the author of the wildly popular Villains series goes deeper into the lives of the twisted, diabolical Odd Sisters, finally revealing the dark truth about who they are and where they''re from . The Odd Sisters will appeal to fans who can''t get enough of the mischievous sisters, as well as draw new readers to Serena Valentino''s darkly fascinating take on the Disney Villains.

Examines the life of Snow White''s stepmother, the Wicked Queen, to find out just what it is that makes her so evil that she would want to cut out her teenage step-daughter''s heart and have it delivered in a locked keepsake box.

"Adapted in part from Disney''s The Little Mermaid"--Title page verso.

The tenth book in the New York Times bestselling Villains series takes a dive into the Underworld, exploring how Hades turned from god to villain. The myth has been told for centuries: Brothers Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades waged a years-long war against their father Cronus and his tyrannical Titans. Upon their mighty victory, Zeus split the world into three. For himself, he claimed the Sky and what fell below it. To his brother Poseidon, he assigned dominion over the Sea. And his oldest brother, Hades, would rule the Underworld. While Hades tries to make the best of a lonely situation, eternity proves a long time to be forced live in a role—a domain—he never wanted. And the part of the story no one tells is that when your family treats you like a villain, it is far too easy to become one. Years of being ignored and shamed by his family reach a fiery head, when three perfectly alive witches find their way into the land of the dead. Bored and lonely, Hades befriends these mysterious Odd Sisters and makes a bargain that will change the course of fate. But when you’re a god, making a deal has the potential to rewrite more stories than just your own . . .

“Sure, you know the story of those wretched Dalmatians. But don’t I deserve a chance to tell my own side of the story? It is fabulous, after all. ”You may think you know the tale: a happy young couple, one hundred and one Dalmatians, and the woman determined to turn them into a perfectly spotted fur coat. But who is that monster, that scene-stealer, that evil thing? Who is the woman behind it all? Before the car crash, before the dognapping, before furs became her only true love, there was another story. This is the story of Cruella De Vil—in her own words. Even the cruelest villains have best friends, true loves, and daring dreams. After all, nothing is as simple as black and white. In this first graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times best-selling Villains series, Arielle Jovellanos brings Serena Valentino’s darkly captivating world to life with beautiful and haunting illustrations in a stunning new visual format.

The fourth novel in Valentino''s successful Villains series brings the story of Maleficent from Disney''s "Sleeping Beauty" to the forefront--a tale of love and betrayal, of magic and reveries.ries.

From the New York Times best-selling author of Disney''s Villains series comes a ghostly new stand-alone novel that reimagines The Legend of Sleepy Hollow through the eyes of a modern teen. The two-hundredth anniversary of the Headless Horseman''s legendary haunting of Sleepy Hollow is approaching, but Kat van Tassel wants nothing to do with the town''s superstitious celebrations. As a descendant of the original Katrina van Tassel, Kat knows she''s expected to fulfill her ancestor''s legacy by someday marrying her longtime boyfriend and running the prestigious family estate. But Kat dreams of a life outside Sleepy Hollow. Then Kat meets Isadora, a new girl in town who challenges Kat to reexamine those expectations, opens her eyes to the possibility that ghosts are real, and makes her question who she truly wants to be . . . and be with. When Kat is given the original Katrina''s diary, a new legend begins to take shape, one that weaves together the past and the present in eerie ways. Can Kat uncover a two-hundred-year-old secret, and trace its shocking reverberations in her own life, in time to protect what she truly loves? Fans of Serena Valentino will delight in this supernatural coming-of-age tale that finally gives the women of Sleepy Hollow a chance to tell their side of the story.

The tale of the legendary golden flower is widely known. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the flower is coveted by an old witch to keep herself young and beautiful. And always the flower is used to save a dying queen, who then gives birth to a princess with magical hair. Not willing to lose the flower, the old witch steals the princess and locks her away in a high tower, raising her as her own. But the princess always finds out who she truly is and manages to defeat the old witch. And yet this is only half the story. So what of the old witch, Mother Gothel? Where does she come from? And how does she come across the magical golden flower? Here is one account that recounts a version of the story that has remained untold for centuries . . . until now. It is a tale of mothers and daughters, of youth and dark magic. It is a tale of the old witch.

Ah, puppies. But we''ll get to that part of the story soon enough.

A cursed prince sits alone in a secluded castle. Few have seen him, but those who claim they have say his hair is wild and nails are sharp--like a beast''s! But how did this prince, once jovial and beloved by the people, come to be a reclusive and bitter monster? And is it possible that he can ever find true love and break the curse that has been placed upon him?

"Adapted in part from the Disney film Cinderella"--Copyright page.

The Disney Villains are here to spread some holiday fear! No one despises the holidays more than a Disney Villain. This Christmas, Maleficent, Hades, Captain Hook, the Queen, Ursula, and Cruella are planning to ruin the holiday season once and for all! Join these dastardly Disney characters as they cause some Christmas chaos by sending their minions to ruin Christmas dinner, stealing the Lost Boys'' presents, disguising themselves as Santa Claus, and more!

The 9th book in the New York Times bestselling Villains series tells the tale of the rise and fall of the infamous pirate, Captain Hook—a boy who grew up. Before Peter Pan and Wendy. Before the Lost Boys. There was just a boy named James who wanted to get back to Neverland. As a baby, James Bartholomew fell out of his pram and was taken to Neverland. James is claimed by his parents just shy of seven days—after which he would have officially become a Lost Boy. Once he returns to London, he never stops thinking about Neverland. As he grows up, he hates his life in London, and everything to do with growing up and eventually becoming a gentleman. So he seeks a position on the ship of the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. On Blackbeard''s ship he learns to be a cutthroat pirate, and eventually becomes captain of his own ship, which James is determined to sail to Neverland. With the help of the Odd Sisters and a bit of magic, he just might get his wish. But returning to Neverland comes at a price—and now that he''s grown up, the whole world seems to be rooting for his demise…

Heroes and heroines have always helped kids make their dreams good. Multicultural and mythological, this tale features comic book art and a bilingual Spanish translation. From time immemorial, children like Julio have had bad dreams! But at Julio''s bedside, his dad comforts him: anyone can summon the help of brave avengers to conquer their fears. Every culture has its own legendary champions who can vanquish scary monsters or villains. So Julio learns one''s powerful imagination can turn any dreams into good ones. Take a trip through time and across the continents! From mythology and legend, superheroes and superheroines help children who deserve a sound night’s sleep! Together they confront the crowd of creatures that go bump in the night. The story labels nearly 100 characters so readers can learn more about them! Kids and parents deserve a super bedtime story! Leaping from history and fable onto spectacular spreads, courageous defenders are on your side. Families will marvel at guardians such as Artemis from Greece, Thor from Scandinavia, The Monkey King from Asia, and more specials guests too! Illustrating the world''s superheroes in a vibrant comic book style, this adventure has universal appeal with its bilingual Spanish translation. Teachers and librarians will see this sensational storybook will fly off the shelves as students admire the fantastic action in this Junior Library Guild pick! - - - “Good Dream, Bad Dream has a powerful message about inspiration, hope, and facing one''s fears, and is highly recommended for personal and public library bilingual children''s collections.” - Midwest Book Review "a visual feast for anyone who loves action-packed pages, graphic novel-style illustration, and a message that will help your grade school kids sleep a little sounder at night... it is a bilingual treat for those who can read in both languages, or would like to learn...As a parent of two girls, I appreciate seeing strong female characters defeating the bad guys, as shown above in the fierce Archer who holds back the pack of scowling Cyclops. Those who love details can peer closely at the pictures and see the names of mythical and storybook creatures worked into the illustrations. The underlying message in Good Dream, Bad Dream is that imagination is strong enough to fight back their fears–so comforting for kids who worry about bad dreams. And while I can’t guarantee a night free of worries, it’s a great message for kids to hear as often as possible." - Cool Mom Picks "This book could not have come at a better time. Lately, Diego has been struggling with bad dreams... Well now we can turn it around! Good Dream, Bad Dream is a perfect book for Hubby and me to read with Diego. We always turn to books to help us start conversations with our boys. Our seven year old loved it too because he really is into comics, can read in English and Spanish, and is going through the exact same situation as the main character, Julio... If you are looking for a good bedtime story, Good Dream, Bad Dream is perfect. Here at Mommy Maestra we really believe that books are great conversations starters for lots of important topics. Dreams shouldn''t just be brushed off! Bravo to Juan Calle and Serena Valentino for understanding children and showing just how important and powerful their dreams can be!" - Mommy Maestra

Annabelle is a rag doll who has been the cherished companion of countless girls and women. She doesn''t know who made her or even exactly what she is. But she does know the stories of those who have owned her.

Annabelle is a rag doll who has been the cherished companion of countless girls and women. She doesn''t know who made her or even exactly what she is. But she does know the stories of those who have owned her.

The next exciting title in the ''How to Be'' series is full of bite! You stand at a crossroads, ready to prowl the moonlit paths of the werewolf - wild, free and untethered by human restraints. If you dare to face your inner beast, an untamed adventure awaits. As you will inevitably return to human form, as surely as the moon waxes and wanes, you will also be guided as to mixing with humans and with other supernatural beings. At last, you will learn to blend with your human and your lupine essence...