Disney Books

I was a bit surprised to learn that during World War II the most popular cartoon character was Donald Duck. But then it dawned on me that this would make sense since there has never been a more foul-mouthed character in animation history than Disney's famous fowl. Sure, you can never understand a single world Donald is saying once he gets going in one of his frustrated rages, but you know it has to be dirty. Otherwise, why would it be unintelligible? So, naturally Donald would appeal to American troops, who would be able to appreciate his ability to vent and it is not surprising that he appeared on over 400 insignias (supplied free of charge by Disney to the government) during the war.

"Walt Disney's Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration" is an authorized anniversary edition celebration Donald Duck's 50th Birthday in 1984. Donald Duck first debuted on June 9, 1934 in a Disney "Silly Symphony" short called "The Wise Little Hen." Within a year of his classic performance in "The Band Concert" in 1935, what was originally intended as a supporting character was challenging Mickey Mouse as Disney's top cartoon personality and an international superstar. When this book was published Donald has starred in 128 cartoons, appeared in 432 other shorts and future, with his movies shown in 76 countries. Those cartoons have been nominated for Academy Awards a dozen times and received one Oscar. Donald Duck comic strips were published in over 100 newspapers outside the United States with his comic books distributed in 47 countries.

This book celebrates that half-century of achievement and chronicles Donald Duck's rise to fame while also trying to explain the mysteries of the phenomenon. Included are sections on: (1) Donald's origin and creators: (2) Donald's physique, character, and charisma, his relationships with family, friends, foes, and even Donna (remember her?) and Daisy; (3) Donald's animation and film career; (4) Donald's published appearances in book, comic book and strip cartoon form; and (5) "Duckmania," covering his role in product marketing. The back of the book includes a Filmography and Bibliography as well as a section on Duck Language, which consists of a list of "Practical Duck Expressions" taken from a Disney Studio's internal information sheet issued circa 1939. All of these phrases "have been tested for clarity and we know they are understandable."

This is an entertaining and informative look at the history of Donald Duck that takes time to pay attention to the details. For example, there are three different versions of how Clarence "Ducky" Nash came to be the voice of Donald Duck for a half-century. There is also a little section devoted to Donald the Patriot that covers his efforts during World War II. Additionally there are all sorts of illustrations from his career in the various media covered in the text. Whatever you know about the history of the character, "Walt Disney's Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration" will add to your knowledge. There is an emphasize on breadth of information rather than depth, but that simply means you end up with a concise volume that comes in under 100 pages instead of a massive tome that would be hard to lift.

Wether for a Collector or for a Kid( and a Kid at Heart), this item is great. Donald is usually the bumbling, screeching Duck, but here he is the Bumbling Screeching Master/Expert of ...[ pick your choice]. The specialist mastery that is shown here is some more obscure items, but they are just superb and superb fun. The more common Master of ... item is Donald as the master Mechanic, and Donald gets to eventually fix Scrooges Trains( on the cheap of course).
Anyways, this is one of the better produced editions, and an accompanying Essay shows some insight that collectors will love, but may be a bit much for kids, however the fun of the comics will be great. Family friendly item, Adult friendly as well.
At this price it is more than the regular comic, but since Harvey has decided to change their main titles to that annoying Manga/anime stuff, the lovers of the Carl Barks/Don Rosa style of Classic Ducks will be overjoyed with this All American Gem.
ENJOY !!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, this is a short and quick story for kids! It's a shortened edition of the Dumbo story starring Dumbo and Timothy Mouse. Dumbo is teased and taunted and then is cast in the circus as baby who must jump from the window of a burning building. He always ends up in a tub of water to the laughs and jeers of the spectators. However, those big ears of his which have been his liability eventually become a blessing. Dumbo can fly. When he is unsure of his abilities, Timothy is there to assure him: "you can do anything, if you only believe you can." Obviously, this is a positive and winning message for children.

IN A PEANUT SHELL: EACH PAGE LOOKS LIKE A DVD CHAPTER SELECTOR + A CAPTION

This is a completely color illustrated Dumbo companion [with the film] geared toward pre-school or kindergarten age children who are just learning to read. Each page looks like a snapshot from a DVD chapter selector with a little bit of the story below the illustration.

We presented our son, age 6, with several books about Dumbo, and this is the one he can't put down.

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT: A FOCUSING POINT FOR YOUNG READERS

With illustrations that really look like the classic movie, a child can get the gist of Dumbo without being able to read the words [yet]. As we read to our youngster, an interest in reading was fostered, but first his interest had to be gained. This wonderfully illustrated and simply written version of "Dumbo" provided the needed focus as no other book has to date. We are looking for other such books in hopes of building on the reading interest Dumbo has helped us to secure in our youngster through this simple reader.

This book looks and essentially follows the Disney film, "Dumbo" rather exactly, which really catches the interest of children who are already familiar with the classic film.

BOTTOM LINE: IF YOUR CHILD LIKES DUMBO HE/SHE WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK

This and other such books are truly enjoyed by children in the 3-6 year age group while stimulating their interest in reading. We have been trying to find more in this series that are compatible with our son's interests to keep the ball rolling for our reading program.

IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT KIDS BOOKS:

While most city libraries stock this title, it is sold at venues like Amazon [right here] for the price of shipping plus a couple of pennies! My reason for buying the book rather than borrowing it is in case of damage, such as a ripped page [often occurs with preschoolers] one need only replace or repair the book versus paying the public library the list price of the new book.

From his humble origins as a fan in the stands in the 1932 Mickey Mouse cartoon "Mickey's Revue" to his introduction as Dippy Dawg to his evolution to Disney's most versatile animated character, the book traces Goofy's development over the years. During the 40's and 50's, Goofy trailed only Donald Duck in frequency of appearances in Disney cartoons, and he was even "borrowed" by the U.S. Armed Forces to help make training and safety films! The book is loaded with comic strips from the 30's and 40's, and also features a complete chronology of all of Goofy's films. There's even a chapter dedicated to merchandise spawned by his character! (Note that this is a real book, not a comic book, although it is heavily laced with animation.

Children love to know what SW favorite color is and her favorite musical instrument.....just to see the reaction in their eyes....it's wonderful.

i was talking to my friend a disney imaginner and he sent me a copy of the book and its pretty cool

This is a cute re-telling of Jack and the beanstalk with a few changes. In this version there are no worries that Mickey might be doing wrong to steal the harp (which is the only thing he takes) from the giant as it originally belonged to the castle near Mickey's house. Mickey merely returns the harp, which provides happiness and plenty to the town, back to its rightful owner. The rest of the story is the same; Mickey still trades a cow for three magic beans. When he gets home Donald and Goofy are disgusted with him, so throw the beans out. They all go up and rescue the harp. They cut the beanstalk as the giant is going down, thus killing the giant.

The story is done in classic Disney style, which is bright, bold and very cute. The words flow well and are easy to read out loud

All in all, a good re-telling of a classic tale.

Loggie-log-log-log

This book, which is now out of print, published in 1986 by Harper and Row. Attributed to the authors of Hollis and Sibley, although on the book there is no credit other than in the acknowledgements. Regardless however, this is a fun book posing as Mickey's biography from his earliest times in Steamboat Willie and with Walt to the days of all his shorts and his feature film debut in Fantasia. The book also discusses Mickeys appearances in all the merchandising of the days, from watches to clocks to books to comic books, music, ornaments and then the last appearance; Mickey's Christmas Carol. Fun to read and enjoyable and sure to please any Mickey or Disney fan.

This is an excellent album for all the Mickey lover and cartoon'professional as well. The format makes it highly readable, with every graphic device clear (i.e. puffs of smoke, sounds, drops of sweat)and the characters' facial expression outstanding. Floyd's artistry is greatly enjoyable here, and the introductory page of Geoffrey Blum is full of hints. Bravo to Gladstone comics. Please, publish more, as many as you can.