THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MAGIC: HOW LILLIAN B. DISNEY SHAPED THE DISNEY LEGACY, by Brittany Richman and Joanie Stone, Beach Lane Books, June 3, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Discover how Lillian B. Disney helped shape the Disney legacy as a cartoon artist and innovator in The Woman Behind the Magic, by Brittany Richman and Joanie Stone.
As a child, Lilly learned that working behind-the-scenes was its own special talent. When she grew up, her magical sense of adventure led her to the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. She became one of the first women in the animation industry, where she worked as an ink and paint artist and later, as the studio’s first secretary.
After Lilly and Walt fell in love, they got married in 1925, and Lilly continued adding her own magic to Walt’s wild ideas—including encouraging him to keep trying cartoons when the studio was in danger of closing and giving Mickey Mouse his name. Together, they became an unstoppable team. From cartoon ideas to theme park innovations, Lilly helped shape Disney history. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books
Lillian B. Disney was a trailblazer. Without her behind-the-scenes help, who knows what the Disney legacy would look like today? The Woman Behind the Magic is a fascinating nonfiction biography that gives Lily the credit she deserves.
Author Brittany Richman’s conversational text flows with ease from page to page. She provides just enough detail to keep young readers interested. And her extensive author’s note and timeline helps fill in the gaps for curious parents.
Artist Joanie Stone’s lovely illustrations evoke the Disney style in color and movement while feeling entirely unique.
The Woman Behind the Magic is sure to appeal to Disney fans young and old.
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