Mulan Books

How to Draw Disney's Mulan was a fun look into the art of animation. Foster gives a detailed lokk at both the story and drawing techniques. Very enjoyable

Just like one girl could make the difference to China's future, some little details made this book excellent. Since I used paints to re-create the characters, the color palattes were great to help me mix the right colors. But the single distinguishing feature that made this "how to draw" book better than the others I've used were the little notations scattered on everypage that highlighted the keys to each characters. My Mushu was ready to jump off the page and fight the Huns!

This book was truly amazing...but instead of giving directions on how to draw the character...it gives you pictures on each step on the character...it also gives you advice when you draw a certian part of the character...so instead of a classic 1 2 3 step book...you actully learn how to draw the characters...this nothing like I've seen before...It may seem hard, but it really isn't...when I was done...my drawing really looked like Mulan. I reccomeng this book if you love Mulan and want to have fun drawing.

This book is a wonderful how-to book for drawers. It shows how they made the characters from simple shapes and goes into detail about costumes and more. I aspire to become a Disney animator someday and this book helped improve my drawing techniques. It is surely worth your buying, be you a kid or an adult. -S.K.S.

Wow!!! I was amazed by the quality of the drawings I made from this book. I'm 13, and Mulan is my favorite movie. I tried drawing the characters from memory, but I'm not much of an artist, and they turned out badly. Then I ordered this book (from Amazon.com, I might add) and suddenly the cast started leaping out of my pencil! A great how-to with two pages devoted to each of the main characters, this book has pencil sketches and full-color illustrations to help you along. It is even crammed with hints from the animators!How to Draw Disney's Mulan can guide even the most amateurish artist from choosing the right materials to painting the background, with wonderful results. GET THIS BOOK TODAY!

Mu Lan, will intrigue boys and girls alike. Her mission to provide safety and refuge for others, does not come without a price. She faces alot of misundersood culture barriers-what one expects from a daughter or a son! This book has some thing for everyone, with a powerful message to all, about what the human spirit can accomplish. Disney is making this story into a movie in June of this year! It's message will effect all!

The illustrations are beautiful! This is an authentic presentation of the ancient folk ballad of Mu Lan. The translation adheres closely to the original Chinese text. This is simultaneously the great merit and the great fault of this translation, since the original text is allusive and elliptical in its phrasing. For example, the ancient text appears to have several speakers, but it is not always clear who is speaking at any moment. Because of this, the English translation is at times unclear. The imagery of Jeanne Lim's lean interpretation of this poem is nevertheless powerful and rich, comparable to Han Frankel's translation of this poem, and quite a relief from the excesses of Arthur Waley. I recommend it highly.

In the US, most people came to the legend of Mu Lan via or following the Disney version, which was, for a change, amazingly close to the source material. In China, this story is as well known as George Washington and his cherry tree is in America. I was quite taken with the Disney movie, and went looking for books of the story. Many books later, in both English and Chinese, I have come to regard this version as the best of all. The translation is excellent, the drawings nothing short of captivating. My children, now four to fourteen, all enjoy hearing me read this book aloud, and I have not grown tired of reading it. There are many small true things in this book which may not be readily striking to the casual Western reader, but to those who have studied or lived in China, the story makes a great deal of sense, both in the details and in the broad message of the story.. I can't heap enough praise on this book. It is perfect in every way, all the details are just right.

The story of Mu Lan is the chinese woman warrier fairy tale that describes a young girl that is capable and courageous. Her father has no elder son, so she disguises herself as a boy and joins up when they call her father's name. The original fairy tale poem is reproduced in poetry, both in chinese and english. The calligraphy is artfully done and the story rings genuine. The words are faithfully reproduced to convey the original meaning. It is a book you can display on your coffee table or read over and over to your children. The beautiful illustrations are done in watercolor on silk and are lush and expressive. Because of her service to the emperor, she is rewarded. But she only asked to go home after 10 years of valor. They welcome her like a lost child and hold a feast in her honor where she surprises family and comrades alike with her real identity. This is a wonderful book to teach girls that they can be anything they want and not lose their identity. And it is humerous when she reveals herself. The chinese proverb at the end states that when two rabbits run together, no one can tell which is male or female. The original text was written in AD 420-589, and it can be considered one of the first statements of female independence in a society that is proud of sons over daughters. I know it gave me and my daughters pride to be Chinese women and the sense that we can be both beautiful and strong. The book is a good teaching tool but it can also be enjoyed purely for the artwork and calligraphy. I would recommend this book highly to all girls everywhere and the action and surprise will surely delight young boys as well. It is no wonder that Disney chose this book.

I really adore this book! Not only are the pictures beautiful it is also fun to look at 2 photos that look the same, but are not the same at all! I had so much fun looking for the differences! I can't wait to share this book with my daughter when she is old enough!

My 3-year-old and 5-year-old Mulan lovers were captivated by the illustrations and the challenge of finding differences in the two presentations of scenes from the movie.

MULAN SAVES THE DAY is a simply written story about the Disney female hero Mulan. It is one of my niece's favorite books. I cannot wait until she is old enough to read it on her own. The fantastic illustrations that Disney is known for are prevalent on every page. A recommended classic for any public library.

Mulan Saves the Day needs to be read by the young the old, the short the tall, the boys the girls, the east the west...the people of the world...if you didn't read it as a kid and most hopefully did, read it now. It runs alongside the other greats so don't disregard it just because it's a children's book!

We read this book every night to both my boys. They knew every story by heart. Cute stories with Simba and Nala, Lady and the Tramp, Buzz Light Year, Aladdin, Mulan, and Arial. My 6 year old can now read this book to his little brother.

I've seen the movie Mulan and it was great! I loved the book, too. If you liked the movie Mulan than you will like this book, too.

This soundtrack is awesome! The songs are great especially "I'll Make A Man Out of You."

My 4 year old loves the read along sing along format. She is now demanding to learn to read so she can follow every word on the page. Other read along books have not done this, I think the music made the difference.

Not to be confused with the usual "Disney" kiddie books,
this beauty is chock full of beautiful artwork that deserves
a place in your living room .. A+

This is a book we're proud to own. Jeff Kurtti is to be congratulated on bringing together the art and history of the making of a Disney,s masterpiece, MULAN. Beautifully printed on quality paper. To turn the page is to uncover a treasure! I am sure Disney,s films were never been so wonderfully showed in a book.Unfortunately, the price makes the book an expensive tool for many young people beginning a career.A book like this deserves to be read and enjoyed by everyone. But even with that one criticism, this book is a MUST HAVE.

Serious students of Disney animation will not be disappointed by "The Art of Mulan". This book has many fine pictures of original art of various types used to make the film - from concept pictures to storyboards to close to the final product. I enjoy all of the "Art of ..." books, despite the high price, so I can try my hand at drawing and painting some material similar to the Disney animators. However, the text goes into more detail about their journey in China, rather than the real "making of" type text I expect. That was the only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars. Art students would love this for a gift...

I have long studied, followed, and enjoyed Disney animation, and the film "Mulan" certainly did not disappoint me. So, when I set out to buy this book upon its initial publishing, I was fairly certain I would like it. I was wrong, I loved it!

Jeff Kurtti does an excellent job scribing the background for the making of this feature, and he has quickly established himself as the preeminent writer for Disney books of this nature. I was fortunate to meet and speak with Mr. Kurtti during my wonderful participation at the Mulan Animation Experience held at the Disney Insitute in the summer of 1998, and he comes off as an "ultimate Disney fan". His writing conveys this as well, but in a more polished, informative nature. He really had a good time researching this book, and it shows!

But, with all due respect to Mr. Kurtti, this book isn't called the "Art of Mulan" for nothing. The typical Disney quality is abundant in every frame of artwork within the book, and the sheer volume of development and concept sketches is a real treat. Having also met the film's directors, many of the animators, storyboard artists, etc. at the '98 event (put together, by the way, by Mr. Larry Lauria, a quality individual in the animation industry) I have had the luxury of being exposed to many of the background elements during the development of this film. This book, however, served as a wonderful companion piece to that experience, and also communicates much of the same information and emotion felt at that event. It is that thorough and the result of another top-notch Hyperion production.

Certainly, if you like the movie and/or appreciate Disney animation (or the growing library of "Art of..." books), then this one should be in your collection. Mr. Kurtti, Disney, and Hyperion have "done honour to us all".

I have long studied, followed, and enjoyed Disney animation, and the film "Mulan" certainly did not disappoint me. So, when I set out to buy this book upon its initial publishing, I was fairly certain I would like it. I was wrong, I loved it!

Jeff Kurtti does an excellent job scribing the background for the making of this feature, and he has quickly established himself as the preeminent writer for Disney books of this nature. I was fortunate to meet and speak with Mr. Kurtti during my wonderful participation at the Mulan Animation Experience held at the Disney Insitute in the summer of 1998, and he comes off as an "ultimate Disney fan". His writing conveys this as well, but in a more polished, informative nature. He really had a good time researching this book, and it shows!

But, with all due respect to Mr. Kurtti, this book isn't called the "Art of Mulan" for nothing. The typical Disney quality is abundant in every frame of artwork within the book, and the sheer volume of development and concept sketches is a real treat. Having also met the film's directors, many of the animators, storyboard artists, etc. at the '98 event (put together, by the way, by Mr. Larry Lauria, a quality individual in the animation industry) I have had the luxury of being exposed to many of the background elements during the development of this film. This book, however, served as a wonderful companion piece to that experience, and also communicates much of the same information and emotion felt at that event. It is that thorough and the result of another top-notch Hyperion production.

Certainly, if you like the movie and/or appreciate Disney animation (or the growing library of "Art of..." books), then this one should be in your collection. Mr. Kurtti, Disney, and Hyperion have "done honour to us all".

This is great story, well written and well illustrated.

If you are looking for a story to read TO your youngster, I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a story your yonugster will read to you, keep looking.

My son and I both enjoy this story very much.
But with 8-9 sentences per page,
sentences that average 10+ words,
and 12-point type throughout,
it takes the fun out of reading for any reader 2nd grade or below.

I bought this because I thought my son
(2nd grade reading level) could read it to me.

He can, but sentences with like
"Her mount suddenly lurched sideways, forcing the enemy's horse to buck and rear, unsettling the rider.
Taking this advantage, Mulan delivered a fatal thrust, and the man tumbled into the dust."
it is work for him.

Contrast that with (from an ACTUAL K-2 reading-level book)
"Inside the Mecha-Misquito Mr. Misquito was getting very angry. he knocked on the bathroom door."
- Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot Adventures

And contrast it with (from and actual Gr 2-3 reading-level book)
"Although there are thousands of private detectives in the United States, the town of Idaville had but one."
-Encyclopedia Brown Brown Solves Them All

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE this book, and so does my son.
But it is advertised as "Reading level: Ages 4-8"
and it is not.

Get it to read to your child.
Don't get it for your child to read to you.

This is a very nice book and it tells the real story of Mulan, even though the Disney version was okay, but in my opinion, they mixed Chinese and Japanese (Mulan was a Chinese hero)... I have read a better version of Mulan, so thats why I gave it a 4 star

The illustrations in San Souci's retelling of the popular traditional Chinese story of Fa Mulan are stunningly beautiful. The artist creates each page to look like an ancient scroll. The story itself is simply and powerfully told. I highly recommend this book especially for young girls and young women.

Forget Disney's version of Mulan! Robert San Souci's adaptation fleshes the simple storyline, symbolism and imagery of the original Chinese poem, with imaginative use of details such as the use of The Art of War by Mulan as a commander. In addition, Mulan's filial piety is portrayed fittingly as she sought her parent's approval to join the army instead of running away from home. Mulan's feelings of romance for her comrades and fear of punishment by her ruler serve to endear us, just as her courage and wits impress us, making this a tale suitable for the young and old.

What many people don't realize is Robert San Souci was one of the writers for Disney's Mulan. It was even his idea to write in the character Mushu. I once met this author and I realized how much work and research went into this wonderful story about a young girl doing something extrodinary. I recommend it for all ages.