Disco Dave

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 APA, experts in child development and emotional well-being 

Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award-winning poet and the author of more than 70 books of fiction and nonfiction for children, including Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater. She lives in Liberty, Missouri. Visit her on Xopens in new window and BlueSkyopens in new window.

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

Watch the author read Disco Dave.opens in new window Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.