Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: October 7, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

What little girl doesn’t want to be like Minnie Mouse? Disney’s latest book will help accessorize that dream. “Minnie’s Purse” is a an adorable purse-shaped book! It will allow your kids to easily carry it anywhere they go. It is very glittery, which is a must for any girl 😉 If you like “Minnie’s Bow-Toons”, they you will enjoy this included. It includes some pull-down flaps and also two pages of stickers. The stickers is what sold the deal for my daughter.

“Sofia The First” is a relatively new kids show but already sealed her placed with any young girl. She is a true Disney Princess and just like Minnie, any girl would love to carry this book proud on their arm. My daughter already made it her point to tell me that she has a book for each arm. So she was running around the house with each book. Then after a few minutes we heard silence (which is always scary when you are a parent), we look on the couch and there she is reading the books. So these are great for any little girl. Plus like Minnie’s Purse, this also has two pages of stickers.

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Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Series: My Little Pony
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: LB Kids
Release Date: August 5, 2014

“My Little Pony: Tricks and Treats” is a kids books adaptation of the episode “Luna Eclipsed”. It features full color pictures takes from the episodes with some works on each, so it is easy to read. If you are a fan of the series and Halloween, this is a fun little treat for the kiddies.

Official Premise: It’s Nightmare Night in Ponyville! Join the ponies and their pals as they celebrate their version of Halloween. They dress up in silly costumes, collect lots of candy, and tell spooky stories about the evil Nightmare Moon!

Please the real selling point for my daughter, who is two, is that fact that there is a bunch of cool stickers at the end of the book including Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash and her favorite Pinkie Pie. So we went through this book a few times since and have been placing stickers throughout the story. Added fun for a simple and cute book.

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Series: The Art of Princess Mononoke
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Princess Mononoke” was the first Studio Ghibli film that I saw in theaters and one of my favorites. This film is so epic and just visually outstanding.  Even though, I am a huge fan of this film, I have never checked out “The Art of” this film. Luckily, Viz Media is re-issuing this in their line of Studio Ghibli artbooks. The book includes fantastic interviews, concept sketches, and finished animation cels from this animated classic.

I grew up watching films like “Castle in the Sky” and “My Neighbor Totoro” but “Princess Mononoke” was the first Studio Ghibli film from Hayao Miyazaki to break out with American audiences. This film really exploded by interest in animated kids outside of Disney films. There are literally hundreds of images from preliminary sketches to dynamic animation cels. If you love “Princess Mononoke”, Then I cannot recommend this book any more. Plus kudos to Viz for delivering this gorgeous full color art cover, which is simply gorgeous!

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Guess Who
Hardcover: 10 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: August 12, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Disney is not dumb at all. They released a free app for kids called “Disney Palace Pets”. Parents probably though…”Hey, it’s free”. But I have spent more money in Disney Palace Pets merchandise in the last few months than any other Disney product. There are not only the app but also action figures and other books as well. But let you tell you I love everything that comes out of this series. When I see my daughters face when you interacts with these characters, there is nothing better in the world.

Official Premise: Young Disney Princess fans will have hours of fun listening to the rhymes and guessing which adorable Disney Palace Pet is hidden behind each flap in this enchanting hardcover book that includes sparkly glitter on the cover. With their hug-me expressions, big eyes, and dainty curls, characters such as Aurora’s darling kitty, Rapunzels’ prancing pony, and Cinderella’s playful pup are sure to win everyone’s heart.

This new book,  “Disney Palace Pets: Guess Who Castle Cuties” features our favorite Disney Princesses and, of course, their pets. The text is simple and rhymes well. It also includes sturdy flaps to lift and find these little cuties. This is a not a flimsy book each. I have seen numerous flap books that rip right away but this one is holding up well. I have no idea how my daughter does it but she not only knows ever Princess but also their corresponding Palace Pets. A must have book

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Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 2
Series: Disney Princess
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Reader’s Digest
Release Date: August 26, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

What little girl doesn’t like Disney Princesses. “Disney Princess: Dazzling Moments” is a real win for any little girl because it is not just a storybook but it also comes with a snow globe…that’s right a snow globe. This book features stories from our favorites princesses Ariel, Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Jasmine, and Belle. The books also includes seven press-out cards that can be inserted to change the scene inside the snow globe.

The stories focus around Cinderella’s magical transformation, Aurora’s kiss with Prince Phillip, Tiana kissing the frog, the Beast becoming the Prince, Cinderella’s wedding, or Ariel emerging from the water in her beautiful gown to be reunited with Prince Eric. What I also like is that you are able to put in your own photographs of family or friends into the glitter globe. This to me makes the purchase worth it alone.

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Author: Richard Castle
Series: Nikki Heat (Book 6)
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Kingswell
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I think about “Castle”, I always flash back to 2009, where the first season only had 10 episodes and a slim chance of getting renewed. Luckily ABC made the right now as the show is entering its seventh season already, which is a major accomplishment for a TV show. It also developed two fantastic book series around the shows fictional character, Nikki Heat and Derrick Storm. “Raging Heat” is the sixth book in the Nikki Heat series and seriously, I can’t believe it but this series is not slowing down at all. These books are fresh and each are literally unable to be put down once you start.

Official Synopsis: In New York Times Bestselling author Richard Castle’s newest novel, an illegal immigrant falls from the sky and NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat’s investigation into his death quickly captures the imagination of her boyfriend the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jameson Rook. When he decides to work the case with Heat as his next big story, Nikki is at first happy to have him ride along. Yes, she must endure Rook’s usual wild conspiracy speculations and adolescent wisecracks, but after reuniting following his recent assignment abroad, she’s glad for the entertainment, the chance to bounce ideas, and just to be close to him again and feel the old spark rekindle. But when Rook’s inquiry concludes that Detective Heat has arrested the wrong man for the murder, everything changes.

I also just heard word that there are plans for a Derrick Storm spin-off series, I think that would be amazing. Hint hint though, don’t forget my girl now Nikki Heat, that would make a fantastic series as well. When you are reading these books, they really are so visual. I think that is since it comes from the writers of the TV series. They write it so well that they literally jump off the pages. After the cliffhanger of season six, I cannot wait to pick up with the next season in the next few weeks. What I also love about Richard Castle books is that I know that when each season ends we get a Derrick Storm book and when the season begins we get a new Nikki Heat book, so keep them coming guys!

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Doc Mcstuffins
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 9, 2014

Our Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars

“Doc McStuffins” is a favorite in our household. My daughter walks around with her Doc McStuffins check-up kit daily. “Doc McStuffins Doctor’s Helper” is the latest book in the series. It is cute but didn’t really wow me too much. I like the animation but I wasn’t really enjoying the background colors.  If your kids really enjoy Doc, then they may like this. There are so many new Doc books coming out, I would just wait till the next one. This book also comes with an eBook of the story as well.

Official Premise: The Doc is in, and this time she has a special helper! After Doc finds Ellie, a stuffed elephant toy, alone on the playground, she is determined to find her owner. But when Ellie begins wheezing, Doc needs to diagnosis her-stat! In this beautifully illustrated hardcover jacketed picture book, children will learn that even doctors need helpers-no matter how small-to help patients get better.

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 16, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Like their last board book, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Sailing the Never Sea”, this latest book from the hit Disney Junior series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land” is shaped like a Christmas tree and is a great way to get into the holiday mood. Even though this book is coming out in September, I welcome the holiday season with open arms. The story is fun and this sums up another great addition in the “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” series.

Official Premise: This holiday board book is sure to get every pirate into the Christmas spirit! Never Land has become a Winter Wonderland! The night before Winter Treasure Day, Peter Pan leaves gifts and the Forever Green Tree on the beach for his favorite pirate crew. But before Jake, Izzy, and Cubby can celebrate together, Captain Hook steals the holiday treasures-even the tree! In their quest to reclaim their treasure, Jake and the crew realize that friendship is more valuable than any gift.

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Sofia the First
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Sofia the First” is currently my two year old’s favorite show. This book is also easily one of her favorite new books. “Sofia the First: Royal Prep Academy” is a life the flap book, which has been a lot of fun to play with. The book takes us into Sofia’s school and it really get  and keeps her attention. She likes being able to look under each flap and letting me what is under each one. A must for Sofia fans!

Disney has been doing this a lot recently where they shape the books like their based theme, for example with the recent “Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Winter Never Land”, which is shaped like a Christmas tree. This book is slightly shaped like, if you haven’t guess it, the Royal Prep Academy.  The book is very interactive and seems to be getting a lot of repeat business in our house.

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Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Star Wars Rebels
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t know about everyone else but I am freaking excited for “Star Wars Rebels”. My daughter and i have already been watching the shorts on Disney XD and she has already chosen her favorite of Sabine. “Star Wars Rebels” is a new CG animated series that takes place between the events of “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” and “Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.” “Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero” is the first in a hopeful long line of books from Disney and LucasFilm.

“Star Wars Rebels: A New Hero” is collection of concept art for the show put together in this action-packed picture book that introduces us to the new characters and what we can expect when this show airs. I have a feeling this is going to just be amazing. I love the classic characters but we had that with “The Clone Wars” and I think we are all excited to get a new group of misfits. Also included with this book is a downloaded code for the book in eBook format.

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Author: Brittany Candau
Illustrated by Jeff Clark, Scott Tilley
Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: September 23, 2014

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are digging this superhero take over of Hollywood like myself, then I am sure that you are looking forward to “Big Hero 6” like myself. It is Disney’s answer or as close as we are going to get for a while to an animated superhero. From the studio that has brought us films like “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Tangled” and “Frozen”, I have a feeling that this is going to be extremely epic! Counting down the day.

Official Premise: This beautifully-illustrated picture book timed to release with Big Hero 6, focuses on tech-wiz Hiro and his older brother, Tadashi, as well as their unique styles and tastes in building robots! Readers will get a feel for their fun, compelling relationship, their mutual love for technology, and get to know the characters behind the super team, Big Hero 6!

“Big Hero 6: Hiro and Tadashi” is a great setup to the film and gives you a chance to learn a little bit about the characters as we wait until its release this November. The style of the book really drew me in the cover since it has a certain fuzzy, 8-bit feel to it which I really dug. This is only the first and Disney should be releasing a great deal of books for “Big Hero 6”, so I can’t wait to see what else they have planned for this!

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: 5-Minute Stories
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 22, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate with your young kids than with kid friendly spooky stories with their favorite Disney characters. This is not Disney’s first time around with the % Minute Stories as recently they have released “5-Minute Marvel Stories”, “5-Minute Princess Stories”; “5-Minute Snuggle Stories” and “5-Minute Disney*Pixar Stories”. These are a great fun for the kids and listen up parents, they are great for bedtime. I probably wouldn’t recommend the spooky stories before bedtime but these are still great fun and original stories from our favorite character like “Wreck-It Ralph”, “Tangled” and “Sleeping Beauty”.

Official Premise: The perfect treat for Halloween, this treasury of spooky stories is packed with thrilling adventures. Beloved favorites like Mickey Mouse and Peter Pan as well as popular new characters from the latest Disney films, including Wreck-It Ralph and Rapunzel, encounter everything from ghosts to haunted houses! With twelve scary stories, a padded cover, and fun illustrations on every page, this collection is a great gift for boys and girls. Plus, each of these spooktacular stories can be enjoyed in just five minutes, making it perfect for bedtime, on the go, or anytime!

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Age Range: 6 – 8 years
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Series: Read-and-Play Storybook
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Disney Press; Har/Psc edition (July 29, 2014)

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Disney Princess Royal Treasury: Read-and-Play Storybook” is a very pretty book. It is a 4-in-1 padded storybook that features stories for our favorite princess (or I should say specifically my daughters) Ariel, Aurora, Rapunzel, and Tiana.

Official Premise: Rescue a sacred dolphin with Ariel; go on an adventure with Rapunzel and Maximus; befriend a baby dragon with Aurora, and spend an evening with Tiana and Stella the dog in this 4-in-1 storybook

If the four stories aren’t enough to draw you in, like most of Disney’s books there is a code included to download the Disney Princess Royal Salon app. It is a very cute app and allow you to dress up and style your favorite princesses!

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Storybook Collection
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: August 5, 2014

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been purchasing Disney’s Storybook Collection for many many years now. Now with a child of my own, I enjoy introducing her to these great stories but I always wished they had something aimed at the Disney Junior brand. My daughter loves the classic Disney movies but she literally watches Disney Junior EVERY single day, so she loves these characters right now much more. It is just the way it is. So we asked and Disney answered with “Disney Junior Storybook Collection”. This is THE BOOK to get if you have a kid that is answer from a Preschool to Kindergarten. A must have for any parent. This will save your life.

Official Premise: Sail the Never Sea with Jake and the crew, diagnose toys with Doc in her backyard clinic, experience royal fun with Sofia, practice your best roar with Henry Hugglemonster, visit Minnie’s Bow-tique, and join the Clubhouse’s gang all in one book! This beautifully illustrated storybook collection includes gilded pages, over 250 full-color illustrations, and 18 stories featuring your favorite Disney Junior characters and shows: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Minnie’s Bow-Toons, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

This is a real nice book and a great coffee table book as well for the kids. It is hardcover with some beautiful images throughout. It is not a cheap book either, it feels like it has some weight to it and I like that. There are 18 stores from all of your kids favorite Disney Junior shows. Here is hoping that this is only volume one for Disney Junior because with all the new shows that the station is cranking out. There are tons are great content just waiting to get adapted here.  Keep them coming Disney!

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Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten
Series: Read-Along Storybook and CD
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: July 29, 2014

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Sleeping Beauty” is such a great story and one of my favorite. It also houses on of Disney best villains to date, “Maleficent”. This latest Read-Along Storybook and CD relives the classic animated film. You follow along as Aurora grows up with the good fairies, meets the prince of her dreams, and overcomes Maleficent’s evil curse. If you are looking to introduce your kids to “Sleeping Beauty”, this would be a good way to ease them in before watching the film or to enjoy after the film.

The CD itself is quite impressive since it feature real character voices and sound effects, which both add so much to the story. This actually feels like a big production and allow you to enjoy the book with a more visual aspect. My daughter has this Disney Princess CD player/jewelry chest above in her room and we have taken advantage of this storybook-and-CD set many times in the last weeks and I am sure it is only the beginning.

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