Spring 2026

Disco Dave

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 1

A Disco-Loving Walrus Learns That There’s More Than One Way to Shine

Dave the walrus loves everything about disco: the sparkling lights, the booming beats, and all the funky dance moves he’s eager to try. But when he finally gets his moment on the dance floor, things do not go well. Crashes, slips, and every kind of tumble leave Dave feeling discouraged and unsure if he will ever keep up with the groove he loves so much.

Just when he is ready to hang up his bell bottoms and platform shoes for good, something unexpected sends the entire disco community into an uproar. Dave realizes there may be another way to join the fun, one that fits him perfectly. This upbeat and humorous story helps children explore problem solving, confidence, and finding creative ways to participate when things don’t go as planned.

Key Features

  • Builds Confidence and Persistence: Helps children ages 4 to 9 understand that learning new skills takes time and that it’s okay to try again.
  • Encourages Creativity and Self-Belief: Shows kids that there is more than one way to enjoy their passions and express themselves.
  • Promotes Social-Emotional Skills: Supports conversations about coping with disappointment, adapting to challenges, and exploring new solutions.
  • Engaging Read-Aloud Experience: Playful text and lively illustrations make this a joyful pick for families, classrooms, and libraries.
  • Reader’s Note for Adults: Includes expert guidance on talking with children about flexibility, problem solving, and emotional growth.
  • Trusted Publisher: From Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and emotional well-being.
Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-4858-2
On pre-order until 03/03/2026
$18.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 1
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2026
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2026-03-03
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039140, JUV031020, JUV002160
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 8 x 10
Guided Reading Level TBD
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Note to adults, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Author: Jody Jensen Shaffer

Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award-winning poet and the author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction for children. Jody’s poetry and fiction have been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. She lives in Liberty, MO.

Illustrator: Yana Kozak

Yana Kozak is a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator living in France. She loves to create funny, emotional characters who are exploring the world.

Reviews

Foreword Reviews

“The illustrations are outta sight, with colors, patterns, and hairstyles that will entertain children and their radical reading helpers alike.”—Foreword Reviews