Most Popular Books by Serena Valentino

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...

The eleventh book in the New York Times best-selling Villains series follows the downfall of Disney’s slickest, quickest, and smarmiest villain: Gaston. 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 lived in the shadow of his friend, the prince. He agreed with the prince’s ideas, went along with the prince''s schemes, and hid his own talents so that his best friend could shine. But the prince paid a price for his wicked ways. As he grew more beastly and the world began to forget him, Gaston was no longer forced to pretend. He was determined, never again, to be second-best to anyone. No one says no to Gaston. The mysterious Odd Sisters know an opportunity to meddle when they see it. And once they do, it just might lead to the downfall of everyone’s favorite guy. New York Times best-selling author Serena Valentino brings readers back to the tale of that beauty, her beast, and the man who was truly forgotten all along.

Why exactly is the wicked Queen so nasty, particularly to Snow White? Perhaps it has something to do with the creepy-looking man in the magic mirror who''s not just some random spooky visage...

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. Ruler of the Underworld is not the title Hades would have chosen for himself, but when he and his brothers made a deal to split the world in three, Hades drew the short straw. And a deal is a deal. But eternity proves a long time to be shoved into a role he never wanted, and with each passing day of being treated as a villain, he grows more vengeful. When he discovers he wasn''t invited to the celebration of his nephew Hercules'' birth, Hades reaches his limit. So he does what he does best: Hades cuts a new deal. But when you''re a god, making a deal with the Odd Sisters has the potential to rewrite more stories than just your own . . .

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.

This was supposed to be her happily ever after... It’s a familiar tale: A kind and beautiful young girl, reeling from loss. A doting father, frantic to bring a mother’s love back into his daughter’s life. And the selfish, cruel woman who insinuates herself into that family?a woman so unfeeling, so cold hearted, that when her new husband dies, she makes the girl a servant in her own home. But who is that evil stepmother, that icy lady of the house? How did she become so closed off that, in the face of a child’s grief, she thought only to seek wealth and power for herself and her abhorrent daughters? Before that fateful ball, before the glass slipper and the prince, there was another story?a story of love and grief, of hope and of dreams dashed. It is the story of Lady Tremaine. Even the coldest of villains are sometimes wives and mothers, women who loved and lost and hoped for something grander for their lives . . . once upon a dream. The latest novel in Serena Valentino’s deliciously devious Villains series introduces the most famed and hated wicked stepmother of them all?but turns everything you know about her on its head.

The third novel in Serena Valentino''s (Fairest of All, Beast Within) "VILLAINS" trilogy, featuring the story of the Little Mermaid from the perspective of the sea witch Ursula

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?

The tale is told as if it''s happening once upon a dream: the lovely maiden meets her handsome prince in the woods. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the maiden finds out that she is a princess—a princess who has been cursed by a dark fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into an eternal sleep. Though her three good fairies try to protect her, the princess succumbs to the curse. But the power of good endures, as her true love defeats the fire-breathing dragon and awakens the princess with true love''s first kiss. The two live happily ever after. And yet this is only half the story. So what of the dark fairy, Maleficent? Why does she curse the innocent princess? What led to her becoming so filled with malice, anger, and hatred? Many tales have tried to explain her motives. Here is one account, pulled down from the many passed down through the ages. It is a tale of love and betrayal, of magic and reveries. It is a tale of the Mistress of All Evil.

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.

“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.

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.

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. Ruler of the Underworld is not the title Hades would have chosen for himself, but when he and his brothers made a deal to split the world in three, Hades drew the short straw. And a deal is a deal. But eternity proves a long time to be shoved into a role he never wanted, and with each passing day of being treated as a villain, he grows more vengeful. When he discovers he wasn''t invited to the celebration of his nephew Hercules'' birth, and Hades reaches his limit. So he does what he does best: Hades cuts a new deal. But when you’re a god, making a deal with the Odd Sisters has the potential to rewrite more stories than just your own . . .

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 tale is told as if it''s happening once upon a dream: the lovely maiden meets her handsome prince in the woods. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the maiden finds out that she is a princess--a princess who has been cursed by a dark fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into an eternal sleep. Though her three good fairies try to protect her, the princess succumbs to the curse. But the power of good endures, as her true love defeats the fire-breathing dragon and awakens the princess with true love''s first kiss. The two live happily ever after.And yet this is only half the story. So what of the dark fairy, Maleficent? Why does she curse the innocent princess? What led to her becoming so filled with malice, anger, and hatred? Many tales have tried to explain her motives. Here is one account, pulled down from the many passed down through the ages. It is a tale of love and betrayal, of magic and reveries. It is a tale of the Mistress of All Evil.

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...