Stephen Costanza

In this heartfelt picture book, a shy kid's dad teaches him how to play chess... and chess gives him the confidence to make a new friend. When Auggie finds an old chessboard that once belonged to his grandfather, he decides he wants to learn how to play chess. And his dad, his Tatâ, is happy to teach him. They've just moved to a new town, and Auggie is struggling to make friends at his new school. In the big, busy hallways, he feels like a tiny pawn. But after every hard day at school, he can't wait to play chess with his dad. Slowly, slowly, he gets better at the game... until he can beat Tata Then, Auggie finds a chessboard in his classroom. When he sees that another boy looks interested in it, he knows just what to do: he can teach Luke how to play chess, too Here is a moving father-son story that shows how chess helps one boy feel at home in a new environment.

A stunning, rhythmic picture book biography of African American composer Scott Joplin, whose ragtime music paved the way for jazz. There was something special about Scott Joplin... This quiet kid could make a piano laugh out loud. Scott, the son of a man who had been enslaved, became a king--the King of Ragtime. This celebration of Scott Joplin, whose ragtime compositions paved the way for jazz, will captivate audiences and put a beat in their step, and the kaleidoscope-like illustrations will draw young readers in again and again.

An imaginative story about Mozart's many inspirations, now in paperback Wolfgang Mozart must compose a new piano concerto to perform at the famous Burgtheatre in Vienna. But Mozart can't think of a note to write. When he hears his hungry pet starling sing out melodiously, his creativity begins to flow. Before he can put notes to paper, however, his muse escapes through the window, and Mozart is off on a frantic search to bring her back. Will Mozart find both his friend and song in time? Based on a true story about the famous composer and his beloved pet starling, this enchanting tale celebrates inspiration in any form it takes.