New ‘I am Walt Disney’ book shows kids anyone can make their own magic

The new picture book “I am Walt Disney” is not just a biography, but an affirmation that each person has the ability to use their imagination to make their dreams come true.

The book, part of The New York Times bestselling series of biographies focusing on historical figures, may be meant for young readers, but it is a good read for all who want to believe dreams do come true.

Author Brad Meltzer uses Walt Disney to narrate his own story and, whenever possible, uses Disney’s actual dialogue in the book.

Illustrator Christopher Eliopoulos’ whimsical style is fun and clever. He draws Disney with his signature mustache as a child, showing that kids can have adult ideas and sensibilities. And as an adult, he draws Disney still looking like a child, showing how adults should never loose their child-like qualities. 

We follow Disney from his childhood in Marceline, Missouri, through his career—the creation of Mickey Mouse, the animated films, the building of a media empire and the creation of Disneyland. We learn how important his time in Marceline was to the creation of Disneyland. The small town was how “the world was supposed to be.”

The book not only takes you on a historical recounting of his life, but throws in a lot of fun facts along the way—such as how Disney won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the U.S.

Having read numerous biographies of Disney, there are still things I learned from this book, including that a young Walt Disney portrayed Peter Pan in a play as child.

But again, this book is meant for the younger reader, 5 to 8 years of age (kids get all the cool things, but that wouldn’t stop me from getting it). It is intended to inspire. This book series focuses on the traits that make heroes great – the traits kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. 

In the case of “I am Walt Disney,” the lesson goes back to Peter Pan. If you let magic in your heart, you can fly and make your dreams come true. 

The 40-page book retails for $15.99 and goes on sale Sept. 10. But you can pre-order it here. 

This is the 18th book in the Ordinary People Change the World series. Other people profiled in the series include Leonardo da Vinci, Harriet Tubman, Marie Curie, Neil Armstrong, Jackie Robinson, Gandhi, and Jim Henson.

(This review includes a sponsorship link.)