Walt’s Imagination: The Life of  Walt Disney

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by John Pomeroy

From his childhood in rural Missouri to his legendary stature as a film and television icon, Walt Disney governed his life with imagination, ingenuity, and scrupulous attention to detail. Charting Walt’s progression from farm boy to actor, to artist, animator, director, and entertainment celebrity, his own words are presented within the author’s compelling prose. 6-9 years

Who Was Walt Disney?

By Whitney Stewart, Illustrated by Nancy Harrison

Walt Disney always loved to entertain people. This biography for kids 8-12 reveals the man behind the magic we all love.

When Walt Disney Rode a Pig

By Mark Andrew Weakland, Illustrated by Pablo Pino

Walt Disney forever changed the world when he made his animation and entertainment dreams come true. For millions of people, “Disney” and “magic” are inextricably connected. But what was Walt like as a child? He fed his imagination by going to parades and plays, riding pigs around the farmyard, painting and drawing … but he also worked hard to help support his parents and siblings. Filled with creative energy, this story will inspire readers to pursue their dreams with vigor. 6-8 years

Mary Blair’s Unique Flair

By Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Brittney Lee

Even as a child, Mary Blair loved color, and all she wanted to do was to make art. But becoming an artist wasn’t easy. Her parents worked hard to provide her paper and paints, and Mary worked hard to enter contests and earn a spot at a school for the arts. She even had to work hard to find her place at the Walt Disney Studios. But Walt was easily impressed by Mary. When she joined his trip to South America, Mary had never seen such color. She collected that color and used it in her concept art for Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, and even the It’s a Small World attraction at Disneyland. This beautifully illustrated picture book shares Mary’s story, in all its inspiring flair. 7-10 years

It’s A Small World

By Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Illustrated by Joey Chou

This picture book features the lyrics from “It’s a Small World.” Artist Joey Chou’s colorful illustrations were inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for the popular Disney theme park attraction. Ages 3 and up

Walt Disney

By Joanne Mattern

This fact-filled biography introduces the youngest readers to Walt Disney the visionary artist who is loved the world over. With colorful photos and simple text, children will get to know the creator of Mickey Mouse and many more of his beloved characters. 4-7 years

Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair,

Disney Artist

By Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville

Illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Mary Blair lived her life in color: vivid, wild color. From her imaginative childhood to her career as an illustrator, designer, and animator for Walt Disney Studios, Mary wouldn’t play by the rules. At a time when studios wanted to hire men and think in black and white, Mary painted twinkling emerald skies, peach giraffes with tangerine spots and magenta horses that could fly. She painted her world. 4-8 years

The Magic is in You

By Colin Hosten and Brooke Vitalie, Illustrated by Grace Lee

A beautiful inspirational book for young children! 4-8 years

Where Is Walt Disney World?

By Joan Holub, Illustrated by Gregory Copeland

In covering the history of the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” Joan Holub takes readers both behind the scenes and underneath the park where secret employee-only tunnels form one big circle under the Magic Kingdom. Lots of fun facts! 8-12 years

A Kiss Goodnight

By Richard M. Sherman and Brittany Rubiano

Illustrated by Floyd Norman

A Kiss Goodnight is a valentine to Walt Disney from the legendary songwriter Richard M. Sherman. Opening with a touching story about what inspired Richard to write the song, this book tells the story of how a young Walt Disney was enchanted by fireworks and how he kept his promise to send all his guests home with a special kiss goodnight. 5-9 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

Walt Disney for Kids https://www.ducksters.com/biography/entrepreneurs/walt_disney.php