By Michael Foreman, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

A boy who hammers in a winning goal for his local soccer team gains a sense of what it would be like to score the winning goal at the World Cup in this imaginative title. Teased by the other players for being the new guy, the boy is pleased when he has a "perfect" second half of a game, scoring a goal, although he's disappointed that his dad isn't there to watch. The pictures shift from the soccer field to the boy's bedroom, filled with soccer photographs, where the boy dreams of the future. These photographs mirror the action in the next set of illustrations, which show the boy's fantasies, as he plays in the final game of the World Cup; this time, of course, Dad is there. Foreman's language is appealingly simple, and the large, evocative watercolors add to the dreamlike quality, with details such as clouds that resemble players in action. Endpapers feature watercolor sketches of soccer being played throughout the world. A loving tribute to what the English call the "beautiful game."

By Ron Piscatelli, BookSurge Publishing

The What Sisters o'Who Brothers Book series has stories based on good values and great messages. This book "Setting a Goal" is about giving children ideas to set a goal and even to earn money.

By David F. Marx, Children’s Press

This Rookie Reader Holiday book introduces young readers to the sights, sound, and celebrations of New Year’s Day. Colorful photos and simple text encourage children to read on their own – as they join in the fun of this holiday.

By Roch Carrier, Tundra Books

Readers are taken back in time to 1940, when the narrator was four years old. The world was in the midst of a war, yet in this small Canadian village of Sainte-Justine, families were able to carry on with holiday celebrations. And what joyful celebrations they were, with large groups gathered for the New Year's feast. This is a joyous recollection of just such a day. One can almost feel the warmth and spontaneous gaiety that unfolds when the family gathers together. The text is simple and clear, describing many fascinating details of daily life. Yet the story transcends time as this family could just as well be a contemporary one. The writing is cohesive and does not linger in sentimentality or nostalgia. Playful illustrations are well suited to the text. Full-page paintings are done in a primitive style using bright, bold colors. They sparkle with energy and fun. Intricate details hold viewers' interest and will guarantee repeated readings.

By Harriet Ziefert, Putnum

It was time for the annual First Night parade, and Amanda Dade was ready to shine. As they started marching, "Fire Chief Stumper drove the pumper. Mayor McSnorse rode a horse. Officer Dowd cleared the crowd, and Amanda Dade led the parade." Join in this delightful romp as Amanda Dade leads her town through the last seconds of the old year and into the new. Vivid pastel illustrations celebrate the spirit of First Night and bring this fun-filled, cumulative rhyme to life.

By Renna Bruce, Volumes Publishing

While trying to get her very first goal in hockey, Jazlyn soon finds out that once you set your mind to something, it will happen. A lesson in getting and setting goals.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.

By Cynthia Marie VanLandingham, BookSurge

These beautifully illustrated piano adventure stories show young piano students what lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand and appreciate! Children enjoy following along with Little Bear to Mrs. Treble Beary's Piano Studio in Musical Acres Forest. Here they discover the best way to achieve success, and how the music journey is sustained.

By Tish Rabe, Random House

With the help of the staff and equipment at a Seussian spa, the Cat in the Hat explains the basics of healthy living, from eating right and getting enough exercise and sleep, to having a positive body image, to the distance and speed of a typical sneeze!

By David McPhail, Puffin

There's not much Can-Do Pigs can't do. The multitude of things at which they are experts (or just expertly enthusiastic) is described in this collection of light verses by McPhail. These versatile porkers fly, make repairs, rocket to the moon and back, and play bongos with a brick. They're not fans of war, preferring to tickle generals rather than to fight them, and only one pig's can-can abilities are interrupted by a fall down the stairs. Otherwise, Can-Do Pigs never seem to quit. They're eager to go rodeo riding, tree climbing, or camping out under the stars. They are, of course, the best of friends.

By Watty Piper, Grosset & Dunlap

The unknowing progenitor of a whole generation of self-help books, Wally Piper's The Little Engine That Could is one of the greatest tales of motivation and the power of positive thinking ever told. In this well-loved classic, a little train carrying oodles of toys to all of the good boys and girls is confronted with a towering, seemingly impassable mountain. As nicely as they ask, the toys cannot convince the Shiny New Engine or the Big Strong Engine--far too impressed with themselves--to say anything but "I can not. I can not." It is left up to the Little Blue Engine to overcome insurmountable odds and pull the train to the other side. The Little Engine That Could is an entertaining and inspirational favorite, and the Little Blue Engine's rallying mantra "I think I can--I think I can" will resonate for a lifetime in the head of every child who hears it.

By Beverly K. Bachel, Free Spirit Publishing

Successful business entrepreneur Bachel has compiled her ideas into an approachable volume to assist teens in defining their real interests, formulating and systematically pursuing workable goals, and celebrating their achievements. She also includes 19 useful, reproducible forms (and a reminder never to write in books from the library). Her helpful advice is well supported by quotations from teens who have tried some of the techniques, and simple, appealing graphics keep things light. Perhaps most effective are the chapter-closing "Think It & Ink It" questions intended to help teens act on Bachel's clear, often heartfelt suggestions. Back matter includes goal-setting resources and some helpful organizations and Web sites.

By Sean Covey, Fireside

Based on his father's bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Sean Covey applies the same principles to teens, using a vivacious, entertaining style. To keep it fun, Covey writes, he "stuffed it full of cartoons, clever ideas, great quotes, and incredible stories about real teens from all over the world... along with a few other surprises." Did he ever! Flip open to any page and become instantly absorbed in real-life stories of teens who have overcome obstacles to succeed, and step-by-step guides to shifting paradigms, building equity in "relationship bank accounts," creating action plans, and much more.

By Marisa Moss, Simon and Schuster

"I really want to celebrate the New Year, so here's a whole notebook full of New Year ideas. I don't mean for parties, but for ways to make resolutions that will really stick!" -- Me, Amelia.” Take a peek into Amelia’s crazy, fun world by reading all about her life in her wacky new year’s notebook.

By Gary Ryan Blair, GoalsGuy Learning

Because our goal is to help you achieve yours, The GoalsGuy offers replacement tools that support your efforts to achieve an extraordinary life. Included in this package is: Top 5 and Top 10 Goals Forms, Performance Grids, Goals Deployment Matrix, The Goals Guy Planning System, Report Card Measurements, and more ... A great set of resources to keep you on target and on purpose!

By John Bishop, Accent on Success

Goal Setting for Students shows students how they play a significant role in their education and in their future. Students learn how to enhance and increase their chances for success. It gives children instructions on what goals are, why they are important, and how to set and achieve them.

By Robin Landew Silverman, Franklin Watts

We often hear about the accomplishments of famous people, but what about our own hopes and dreams? You know – the kind you want so badly that you can almost see, hear, smell, and even taste them. Reaching Your Goals can help you transform wished into goals one step at a time. Learn how to take action to get what you want by using the power of your imagination and creating some well-laid plans. Then – because even the best laid plans often go awry – find out how to stay on track and see them through, turning your dreams into reality.

By Bettie Youngs, HCI Books

An exciting new volume filled with stories, commentary and advice by teens (ages twelve through twenty) who tell of their experiences and share their ideas about setting and achieving goals! As most taste-berry teens know, goals spell the difference between wishful thinking and making things happen. Setting goals and reaching them are the keys to making teens' lives purposeful, worthwhile and filled with happiness. For all teenagers-from master goal-setters to beginners with no idea where to start-this step-by-step guide shows how to: Discover what their personality, aptitudes and hobbies reveal about them Determine if they are dreaming "big enough" Identify goals in nine areas of life Set long- and short-range goals for today, tomorrow and the future Develop a plan of action to achieve goals Break goals into manageable monthly, weekly and daily "to-dos" Remove obstacles that stand in the way of achieving goals Learn ways to encourage, coach and inspire themselves to reach their goals.