cover image Walt Disney: His Life in Pictures

Walt Disney: His Life in Pictures

Walt Disney Productions. Random House Disney, $14.95 (64pp) ISBN 978-0-7868-3116-6

A Disney illustrator for 25 years, Schroeder has compiled a scrapbook of 178 photos, many never before published, from the company archives. Focusing on Walt Disney's (1901-1966) private life, as well as his career as animator, film producer and television personality, the chronologically arranged shots are accompanied by extended captions and quotations from interviews and films. The introduction by Disney's daughter, Diane Disney Miller, sets the predominant tone of affectionate reverence. The book sometimes sounds like a corporate pamphlet lauding its founder, but Disney's own words create a clearer sense of his scrappy good humor and perseverence. Other tidbits here range from engaging trivia (e.g., Disney kept two fawns on the studio lot for Bambi animators to study) to the dispensable (a photo of Disney riding a lawnmower). The spreads can be cluttered, and the over-use of ink colors for text and illustrations--as many as six hues on a single page--does not complement the black-and-white photos. At its best, however, the book offers insight into Disney's creative vision and explains the genesis of his films and characters. Ages 8-12. (Aug.)