Walt Disney: Entertainment Visionary (Essential Lives)
Essential Lives Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Biography of the trailblazing animator and creator of Mickey Mouse.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Walt Disney
Lillian Bounds Disney
Ub Iwerks
Roy Disney
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Walt Disney to create such beloved characters and stories?
How do you think Walt Disney’s innovations changed the way we watch movies and cartoons today?
What challenges do you think Walt Disney faced while pursuing his dreams, and how did he overcome them?
If you had the chance to meet Walt Disney, what questions would you ask him?
What lessons can we learn from Walt Disney's life and apply to our own dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would have done differently if they were in Walt Disney’s shoes.
Draw parallels between Walt Disney's story and your child’s experiences, such as overcoming obstacles or creating something unique.
Discuss the importance of innovation and persistence, highlighting how Disney constantly pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling.
Use examples from the book to illustrate the impact of following one’s passion, and ask your child about their own passions and dreams.
Prompt your child to think about how Disney’s creations have influenced modern media and their own experiences with Disney movies or cartoons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story depicts Walt Disney's numerous challenges and how he overcame them, including business failures and personal setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up despite difficulties, whether it's in their studies, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity and innovation
Explanation: Disney's groundbreaking work in animation highlights his creative thinking and willingness to experiment with new ideas.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and be inventive in their approaches to problem-solving and expressing themselves.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work and dedication
Explanation: The book showcases Disney's intense work ethic and dedication to his craft, which were pivotal in his success.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the concept that success often requires commitment and hard work, encouraging children to apply themselves diligently in their educational and personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Disney's collaboration with various artists and business partners illustrates the importance of working effectively with others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of cooperation and mutual respect in achieving common goals, whether in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Following one’s passion
Explanation: Walt Disney turned his love for drawing and storytelling into a revolutionary career, illustrating the power of pursuing one's passion.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to explore and engage deeply with their interests, potentially guiding their future educational and career choices.