The Queens of Animation

The Queens of Animation: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History by Nathalia Holt 379 pages

This is a great companion book to the book about the Women  of Ink & Paint at Disney, which was published a few years ago. The author goes into great detail of the story of the women of Disney Studios who had a hand in shaping the iconic films the studio created. These influential women had to fight stereotypes, and try to persevere in an industry ruthlessly dominated by men, and whose names were almost never in any of the films' credits.  Showing how these women infiltrated the boys' club of Disney, into the story and animation departments, is very eye-opening and an integral part of film history.

The author takes the reader through the early days of Disney, before Snow White was created, up to modern times, all the while keeping the thread of the influence these women have had throughout the history of the company.  Definitely a fascinating read if you are interested in Disney history, but also if you like to discover more about women's history that has been untold (until now).

Ink & Paint

Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney's Animation by Mindy Johnson   384 pages

When I first read about this book, I wanted to read it --- but I wasn't expecting it to be a coffee-table-size book. When I picked up my hold from the library, I then was expecting more pictures than text.  And I was wrong: there is a lot of text here.  And, this book is completely fascinating!!

The author goes into detail about the women who worked to painstakingly bring to life the various pencil drawings to animate creations at Walt Disney's studios. Like Code Girls, this book focuses on history that basically has gone untold (and pretty unappreciated) until now. The sheer amount of work that went into the early processes is staggering, and now that I've read this, I can really appreciate short pieces from the Silly Symphony catalog. The author explains not only the different color processes and techniques, but also how delicate and precise the work needed to be, as well as the evolution of the animation process through the years. In addition to seeking artists, Disney sought out female story specialists and concept artists to expand the scope of his storytelling. Over the years, women made their way into the male-dominated area of animation. During World War II, even more opportunities became available, and women quickly progressed into all kinds of disciplines within the animation process and production.

This book is obviously extensively researched and is very, very thorough in detail. I found I was reading slowly, because there's just so much information to take in.  Really a fascinating book!!

The Return

The Return by Ridley Pearson, 344 pages

“With the defeat of the Overtakers behind them, the five teenagers known as the Kingdom Keepers should be celebrating. By all accounts they saved Disneyland from certain destruction. Why, then, did their mentor leave one last puzzle for them to decipher? The Keepers must solve a puzzle of the past, or be crushed under an evil that makes the Overtakers seem like gentle souls.” I liked the beginning of this new series.  Fans of the previous Kingdom Keepers series will definitely want to read this, as will teen fans of Disney and science fiction.

Kingdom Keepers VII The Insider

Kingdom Keepers VII The Insider by Ridley Pearson, 609 pages

Since Krista has already reviewed this book I won't go to deep into the summery. This is the final book in the Kingdom Keepers series, and as is to be expected it is the ultimate showdown between those that seek to protect the magic of the Disney parks, and the villains who are set on destroying it. This is definitely a series that should be read in order. I thought this book was rather well written, especially since Pearson collaborated with the fans of series to write parts of this book. For the final book of a series it left a lot of questions at the end, which I am hoping is just Pearson laying groundwork for a new series set after this one. Over all I think that this series is great, and that people who enjoy Disney, as well as fantasy will enjoy reading it.