Book Review - Tiana's Perfect Plan

About the Book

In Tiana's Perfect Plan you get a charming debut picture book from acclaimed actress, singer, and Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose, which shows Princess Tiana on a never-before-seen New Orleans adventure!

After traveling all winter, Tiana and Naveen are back in New Orleans in time for Mardi Gras. Tiana wants everything to be just right, putting the finishing touches on their party favors and parade float.

But then she gets an unexpected letter from Naveen's parents, the king and queen of Maldonia. They've decided to join the celebration!

Determined to make it the best Mardi Gras ever, Tiana sets out on a new adventure with some old friends to find the perfect ingredients for a special addition. But soon she finds that perfect might not be the goal . . . and she may already have all she needs.

My Take on the Book

Anika Noni Rose’s debut picture book offers a delightful new chapter in Princess Tiana's life, perfect for fans of The Princess and the Frog. Set during Mardi Gras, the story follows Tiana as she tries to create the perfect king cake for her royal in-laws’ surprise visit. Determined to impress the king and queen of Maldonia, she sets off on a fun, adventurous journey through the New Orleans bayou to find the unique ingredients she needs.

The book beautifully captures Tiana’s hardworking, spirited personality and highlights her love for her family and friends. As Tiana searches for a “dollop of magic glow” to make her cake extra special, she learns a valuable lesson: perfection isn’t necessary when love is at the heart of her efforts. The lively, colorful illustrations capture the vibrant energy of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, bringing Tiana’s world to life on the page.

This story is perfect for young readers, with its blend of adventure, familiar characters, and a heartfelt message about love and effort. It’s an entertaining addition to any Disney collection, especially for those who admire Tiana’s resilience and spirit.

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Book Review - Kill the Beast

About the Book
In Kill the Beast you get the eleventh book in the New York Times best-selling Villains series follows the downfall of Disney’s slickest, quickest, and smarmiest villain: Gaston. 

He knew he was the best. He knew he was everyone's favorite guy. 

You may think this tale as old as time has been told before. 

You may know about the Beauty, and the Beast, and the curse they broke together. But some stories have more than one ending. Some stories have more than one villain. 

Such is the story of Gaston. Growing up, young Gaston and the prince were brothers in all but blood. Their boyhood adventures led them throughout the many rooms of the castle, and into the deep woods beyond. The woods that were home to the legendary Beast of Gévaudan, a terrifying creature whose presence loomed larger than life in their imaginations. 

Then one fateful night, a violent tragedy changed their lives—and their friendship—forever, setting each of them down a very different path: the first, of greed and entitlement, the second, of determination to right the wrongs of the past. 

The prince, as we know, paid a price for his wicked ways. And Gaston, fueled by the magic of three meddling witches, grew ever more haunted by a singular mission: to become the hero who killed the Beast.

My Take on the Book
I love these Villain books because they make you re-imagine the villains you have come to know and have a love/hate relationship with. This book does just that as it introduces you to the carefree boy who was friends with the Prince and becomes the beast. I love how this makes you see Gaston and the Prince in a new way, but also helps you to better understand how and why Gaston may feel the way that he does about the Beast. This is a strong story with good characterization. The book flows well together and is a book that is a ton of fun to read.

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Book Review - Straight On Till Morning: A Twisted Tale Graphic Novel

About the Book
In Straight On Till Morning Disney's Peter Pan gets a twisted, graphic novel makeover in this reimagined YA story that asks, "What if Wendy first traveled to Never Land...with Captain Hook?"

Sixteen-year-old Wendy Darling’s life is not what she imagined it would be. After nearly meeting her hero, Peter Pan, four years earlier, she still holds on to his shadow—and the hope that his magical home truly exists.

So when the chance to travel to Never Land arises, Wendy makes a deal with Peter’s nemesis in exchange for passage. But the Never Land she discovers isn’t the wondrous place she imagined: Peter is nowhere to be found, and his pixie friend Tinker Bell refuses to speak to her.

Still, when Captain Hook reveals some evil and rather permanent plans for Never Land, it’s up to Wendy and Tink to save Peter Pan—and his world.


My Take on the Book
I love graphic novels and I love Disney and I have to say that this was an amazing book that really upended my thoughts as it came to the story of Peter Pan. The author and illustrator did an amazing job bringing this adaptation to life and really keeps you connected to the story from beginning to end. I found myself plowing through the story wanting to know how it would end up in the future. There were some definitely twists and turns, but in the end it is an amazing story with beautiful imagery and an even better story! If you love Disney and twisted tales, this graphic novel is for you! 




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Book Review - The Dark Ascension Series: The Lost Ones

About the Book
Before Captain Hook became Never Land’s villain, there were two siblings seeking a home . . . 

In The Dark Ascension Series: The Lost Ones James and Marlene have always felt out of place in their humdrum fishing village, longing to escape the quiet lives their parents envision for them. But when Marlene’s birthday wish transports them both to an unsettling, magical paradise called Never Land, they discover an unexpected alternative: the chance to stay forever with the charismatic Peter and his Lost Boys. 

As the twins delve into the island’s violent secrets, their actions reignite a conflict between the fractured Lost Boys—and for the first time in their lives, James and Marlene find themselves at odds. With a war brewing and their memories slipping away every minute they spend in Never Land, they must choose whether to stay or go. But even if the twins stand together, Never Land--and Peter--won’t allow them to leave so easily. 

How far are James and Marlene willing to go to chart their own destinies? And if the price for freedom is losing their true selves--and each other--is it worth the cost?

 
My Take on the Book
I have always loved the Peter Pan story, and in this story, you get taken behind the scenes to better understand who Captain Hook is (or at least was) and why he is the way he is regarding how he feels about Peter Pan. The story humanizes James Hook as a boy and as a man and lets you see and understand him on a deeper level. In the end, you get to see the decisions that James makes and how this impacts his life and, in the end, turns him into the Captain Hook that you know. The book is a great read and something that really made me rethink and reconsider how I felt about Captain Hook, and it will do the same to you too!

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Book Review - The Dark Ascension Series: The Wicked Ones

About the Book
In The Dark Ascension Series: The Wicked Ones, Drizella and Anastasia only know one thing for certain: they will never end up like their mother, Lady Tremaine. When their father left them as young girls, he took what was left of their family’s fortune and their mother’s dignity with him. A few years and one deceased stepfather later, the only version of Lady Tremaine that Drizella and Anastasia know is a bitter and cruel head of house. Anastasia and Drizella have promised themselves―and each other―that they'll be different. They'll find love, see the world, and never let their hearts go cold.

But both sisters are all too aware of what it can mean when cast into disfavor with their mother, and fueled by Lady Tremaine’s tendencies to pit the daughters against one another, Drizella and Anastasia are locked into a complicated waltz of tenuous sisterhood. On the cusp of the royal debut party―their one chance to impress the Prince and live up to their mother’s expectations―the sisters at last get a glimpse of what life could be like outside of Lady Tremaine’s intentions: Drizella discovering a love of science and Anastasia sparking a secret romance. But never underestimate the power a mother whose greatest talents lie in manipulation, and the sisters may learn that even the cruelest of hearts can spill blood.

This first book in the new Disney Villains Dark Ascension series by National Book Award-winning author Robin Benway explores the complex sibling rivalry between the two wicked stepsisters from Cinderella that turned them into the characters we know today.

 

My Take on the Book

As a Disney fan, I have to say that I love these stories that make you consider characters and stories in a whole new way. In this book, you will get to see characters that you have come to know, love, and despise, such as Drizella & Anastasia, their mother, Lady Tremaine, and, of course, Cinderella.

In this book, you get a brand new story that delves deeper into the lives of the stepsisters and the backstory of who they were in the movie. The book is definitely not a lighthearted tale; while I do not condone the bullying that they did to Cinderella, the author does allow you to see them in a new way and allows you to see how they became the people that you came to know them as.

The plot was easy to follow, and it does interweave well with the overall Cinderella story, too. You get to learn so much about Drizella and Anastasia and gain better insight into their dreams, their wants, and more. In the end, the sisters have some large decisions to make about who they are and who they want to be, and whether they will do what they must do to escape the grasp of their mother.

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Book Review - The Art of Wish

About the Book
This stunning volume of the Disney Art of series is an exclusive look behind the scenes of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ original feature film Wish. 

A deluxe installment of the beloved Art of Disney series shares the story behind the art and making of Wish, a feature film set to release during the 100th anniversary year of Walt Disney Animation Studios. A film that could only come from Disney Animation, this epic animated musical is inspired by the legacy of films from the studio and asks the question “How did the wishing star, upon which so many characters wished, come to be?”

The story follows Asha—an optimist with a sharp wit who cares endlessly about her community. In a moment of desperation, Asha makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force: a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

This stunning Disney book highlights the beautiful artwork from the film’s creation—including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and much more—and features exclusive interviews from the creative team along with behind-the-scenes details.

My Take on the Book
This is such a great book that brings the art of the Disney Movie Wish alive. The movie was such a wonderful story, and the color and artwork throughout were things that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed. This book really allows you to relive that experience page after page. One of the things I love about this and the other Art books is that you really get taken into the movie and brought behind the scenes into the creative process, and by the end, you leave knowing so much more about the movie and the people that brought the movie to life. 

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Book Review - Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Beyond Halloween Town: The Story, the Characters, and the Legacy

About the Book

After 30 years, discover the inspirations behind Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and its legacy as a certified pop-culture experience in the new book The Nightmare Before Christmas: Beyond Halloween Town: The Story, the Characters, and the Legacy.

What is it about Jack Skellington that is so compelling? Why does the love between Sally and Jack resonate with so many? The feature-length, stop-motion movie about the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town who becomes obsessed with celebrating Christmas is a fascinating musical and love story that has transcended the original film and captivated the world. From the improbable tale to the lovable characters, Tim Burton’s creation has turned into a lifestyle, branching into fashion, video games, card and board games, live-action concerts, themed celebrations at Disneyland, and even cameos in other movies.

Featuring an original foreword by Tim Burton himself, Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Beyond Halloween Town celebrates the film and the culture that has grown around it with exclusive and original interviews from:

• Author and creator, Tim Burton
• Animators, sculptors, and other artists of the film
• Jack Skellington himself, Danny Elfman
• The iconic voice of Sally, Catherine O’Hara
• Musicians on the Nightmare Revisited album

Delve into the magic of Halloween and Christmas in a story told through unlikely heroes that started 30 years ago. This beautifully designed coffee-table book is sure to captivate die-hard and casual fans alike.


My Take on the Book
As a fan of this movie, this book gives you everything you would ever want. The book really allows you to delve beyond the movie into everything about the making of the movie to the actors and characters within it, the people who created it, the branding of items surrounding the movie and more. If you are as much of a fan as I am, this book will be a treasure trove of amazing information for you and your family and it will be a book that you will want to have prominently shared for others to view too! 

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Book Review - Art of Elemental

About the Book

The Art of Elemental showcases the art and making of the next animated film from Pixar Animation Studios.

The Art of Elemental presents the story behind the newest film from Pixar Animation Studios. It highlights the stunning artwork from the film's creation—including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and much more—and features exclusive interviews from the creative team along with behind-the-scenes details. The next in this fan-favorite, collectible series of Art of titles, this book is the perfect gift for aspiring artists, animators, aspiring film buffs, and fans alike.

EXCLUSIVE BEHIND-THE-SCENES DETAILS: 

Fans will want to delve into and explore this new Pixar Animation film through production art, stories, and making-of details exclusive to this book.

PART OF THE FAN-FAVORITE SERIES: 

The collectible Art of series from Disney and Pixar are perfect for animation enthusiasts, filmmakers, students, and fans of Disney and Pixar alike. Add it to the shelf with other bestselling books like The Art of Turning Red, The Art of Encanto, and The Art of Strange World.


My Take on the Book
This is a beautiful book that really explores all aspects of the upcoming Disney Pixar movie Elemental. You do get the story behind the movie, but beyond that, you get drawn into the amazing artwork that surrounds the movie as well. I loved seeing the character designs and the amazing color throughout the book. The movie itself is strewn with so many colors that represent the elements. This book really is a collector's item, and it made me even more excited to see the movie itself. Whether you are an animation enthusiast, filmmaker, student, or just a fan of Disney and Pixar, this is a book you will want to have at home!

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Book Review - Happily Ever Island

About the Book
Welcome to Happily Ever Island, the most pixie-dusted vacation a Disney fan could ever imagine.

Head-in-the-clouds romantic Madison and driven pragmatist Lanie are unlikely best friends, but the two would do anything for each other. So when Madison’s life starts to fall apart, Lanie agrees to join Madison for the test run of Disney’s newest resort experience during their first college spring break: Happily Ever Island―an immersive vacation destination, where guests can become their favorite Disney character for a week. Madison decides to go as the iconic princess herself, Cinderella, with Lanie as bow-wielding Merida. It’s not Lanie’s idea of fun, but she knows Madison needs her, and besides, she could use the break from her strenuous courseload anyway. Plus, maybe she’ll get to shoot things.

But once on the island, Lanie and Madison begin to drift apart. Madison finds herself either missing out or messing up all the enchanting moments she has dreamt her whole life about, and is forever running into their annoyingly perfect (and distractingly cute) vacation’s coordinator, Val. Meanwhile, Lanie unexpectedly finds herself swept up in the magic of it all. She strikes up a secret romance with Prince Charming―but there’s no telling whether he’s just playing a part.

In this delightful YA rom-com inspired by Disney fandom, get swept up in a whirlwind of laughter, tears, and more than just a touch of Disney magic.

Learn more about this book on Amazon!

 
My Take on the Book
This was a fun book that allows you to see a Disney fan on a trip of a lifetime to test out a new Disney park (talk about a dream come true). This book brings a fun story that any Disney fan will love with characters that are well-developed and in the end you get a book that grabs your attention and keeps it from the beginning to the end! 

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Book Review - Prince of Song & Sea

About the Book
For fans of Twisted Tales and Villains is a brand new YA series that retells the classic Disney stories you thought you knew from the Disney Princes' perspectives.

Before Prince Eric’s mother, the Queen of Vellona, went missing two years ago, she reminded him about the details of the deadly curse that has plagued his entire life. The curse? If he were to kiss someone other than his true love, he would die. With a neighboring kingdom looking for any excuse to invade their shores, and rumors of ghost pirates lurking the seas, Eric is desperate for any information that may help him break his enchantment and bring stability to Vellona. The answers he has been searching for come to him in the form of a letter left from his mother that reveals Eric must find his true love, the one with a voice pure of heart,or kill the sea witch responsible for cursing him in the first place.

Now Eric is on a quest to find the Isle of Serein, the witch's legendary home. But after he is rescued by a mysterious young woman with a mesmerizing singing voice, Eric’s heart becomes torn. Does he enter a battle he is almost certain he cannot win or chase a love that might not even exist? And when a shipwrecked young woman with flaming red hair and a smile that could calm the seven seas enters his life, Eric may discover that true love isn’t something that can be decided by magic.

Find out more about the book on Amazon!

My Take on the Book
I was always a BIG fan of the little mermaid, and this book allows you step into the story and understand Eric's side of the story. As you read this, you will better understand some of the things you remember from the movie, but in a different way. As I jumped into this book, I found that I could not put it down, and I finished the book in only 2 days. If you are a Disney fan and love The Little Mermaid, you will not want to miss this book!
 

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Book Review - Bravely

About the Book

What if you had one year to save everything you loved?

ONE PRINCESS. Merida of DunBroch needs a change. She loves her family―jovial King Fergus, proper Queen Elinor, the mischievous triplets― and her peaceful kingdom. But she’s frustrated by its sluggishness; each day, the same. Merida longs for adventure, purpose, challenge – maybe even, someday, love.

TWO GODS. But the fiery Princess never expects her disquiet to manifest by way of Feradach, an uncanny supernatural being tasked with rooting out rot and stagnation, who appears in DunBroch on Christmas Eve with the intent to demolish the realm – and everyone within. Only the intervention of the Cailleach, an ancient entity of creation, gives Merida a shred of hope: convince her family to change within the year – or suffer the eternal consequences.

THREE VOYAGES. Under the watchful eyes of the gods, Merida leads a series of epic journeys to kingdoms near and far in an attempt to inspire revolution within her family. But in her efforts to save those she loves from ruin, has Merida lost sight of the Clan member grown most stagnant of all – herself?

FOUR SEASONS TO SAVE DUNBROCH – OR SEE IT DESTROYED, FOREVER.

Check out Bravely on Amazon!

My Take on the Book
What I loved about this book is it really took you into what life would have been like in Medieval Scotland. While I thought it would be more of a Disney-related story, and while it is connected, the story is bittersweet and opens the future for more possibilities. The book is beautifully written, and the author has done a wonderful job of drawing in the reader with vivid imagery and solid character development. You will love seeing Merida as a bold woman, but the story really shows you more depth and perspective when it comes to Merida and the woman she is becoming.

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Book Review - Finding Fire

About the Book

In Finding Fire, can a young boy find fire for his family—and bring it safely home? An exciting, nearly wordless picture book adventure as visually compelling as a Pixar short.

After a hard rain douses the family fire, a brave young boy sets out to search for more fire to bring home before the cold season sets in. Along the way, he’ll face many challenges, from perilous mountains to fearsome predators to raging rivers, and find something wholly unexpected: a friend. In his picture book debut, artist Logan S. Kline crafts a dramatic tale inspired by prehistoric times and told almost entirely through stunningly detailed illustrations. “Finding Fire started with the sketch of a small boy holding a torch and grew from there,” he says. “A lot of research went into creating the art for this book, yet the look of the boy changed very little over time as he was inspired by my children, from my younger son's wiry frame to my elder son's wild hair that goes in a million different directions.” This gorgeous adventure story just begs to be visited again and again, with each perusal promising new discoveries.


My Take on the Book

This was a wonderful story with great characters and images that really jump off the page. Through the story you will find themes of kindness, bravery and more as well as perseverence. It is a fun, simple story that will be fun to share with your own kids!

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Book Review - Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara: The Stories. The Influence. The Legacy

About the Book
Featuring concept art, memorabilia, and original interviews, Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara explores the legacies of the princesses and what they represent today.

Everyone knows the Disney Princess characters, but how did they become the cultural icons we know today? From the Princesses Walt Disney and his artists brought to the screen in the twentieth century, such as Snow White and Aurora, to the recent additions such as Moana, Tiana, and Rapunzel, each Disney Princess character’s influence has expanded beyond their original film. Each of their unique, individual stories create a fabric with the power to inspire our imaginations, spark social conversations, and empower us.

Featured Disney Princesses include:

• Moana
• Merida, Brave
• Rapunzel, Tangled
• Tiana, The Princess and the Frog
• Mulan
• Pocahontas
• Jasmine, Aladdin
• Belle
• Ariel, The Little Mermaid
• Aurora, Sleeping Beauty
• Cinderella
• Snow White

Organized by themes of origins and inspirations, re-imaginings, toys and collectibles, fashion, music, parks, fandom, and more, Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara features memorabilia and interviews with Disney historians, directors, voice talent, and fans. Explore the different eras, influences, and legacies of the Princesses with Disney Legends such as Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid and author of the book’s foreword), Lea Salonga (the singing voice behind two Princesses, Jasmine and Mulan) and composer Alan Menken.

What is it that has made these characters resonate through so many generations and cultures? How have they become a reflection of pop culture as we know it? Delve into these indelible characters and find the Disney Princess within you!


My Take on the Book
This was a wonderful book that any fan of the Disney processes will love. Bringing together amazing concept art as well as interviews that really bring you into the creation of the movies themselves, you will be transported into the films, but also leave feeling like much more of an expert on the Disney princesses as well. The book is well organized and you will love learning more about the princesses in all aspects, form the pre-conception, to the movie, to even toys and more. All-in-all, any fan of Disney and Disney Princesses will want to add this to their collection!

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Book Review - The Queen's Council #2 Feather and Flame

About the Book

In Mulan Feather and Flame the war is over. Now a renowned hero, Mulan spends her days in her home village, training a militia of female warriors. The peace is a welcome one, and she knows it must be protected.

When Shang arrives with an invitation to the Imperial City, Mulan’s relatively peaceful life is upended once more. The aging emperor decrees that Mulan will be his heir to the throne. Such unimagined power and responsibility terrifies her, but who can say no to the Emperor?

As Mulan ascends into the halls of power, it becomes clear that not everyone is on her side. Her ministers undermine her, and the Huns sense a weakness in the throne. When hints of treachery appear even amongst those she considers friends, Mulan has no idea whom she can trust.

But the Queen’s Council helps Mulan uncover her true destiny. With renewed strength and the wisdom of those that came before her, Mulan will own her power, save her country, and prove once again that, crown or helmet, she was always meant to lead. This fierce reimagining of the girl who became a warrior blends fairy-tale lore and real history with a Disney twist.

My Take on the Book
This was a fun new way to look at Mulan and the power she holds in empowering other women and working with them to fight. Beyond this though, she has to look to take over as Empress of China and deal with all that this means. She has to manage political power and people that are not in favor of her role and figure out who she can trust, which is not an easy task. Overall, this was an amazing story and for anyone that loves Mulan, you will also love this book! Highly recommend to all!

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Book Review - Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl (The Society of Explorers and Adventurers)

About the Book

The first book in a globe-trotting middle-grade adventure, Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl combines high-tech wizardry, old-world legends and a little bit of magic from the internationally renowned best-selling author, Julie Kagawa.

Shinji Takahashi is just an ordinary kid. An ordinary homeschooled smart-alecky orphan kid being raised by his globe-trotting aunt Yui. But when a magical guardian decides to use him as a conduit to awaken its power, Shinji’s life takes a turn for the anything-but-ordinary. Captured by the menacing Hightower Corporation, which is bent on using the guardian’s magic for its own nefarious purposes, Shinji must team up with a brilliant young tech whiz named Lucy and her robot mouse, Tinker, in order to escape.

Together the two turn to the venerable Society of Explorers and Adventurers and its ragtag cast of spelunkers, hackers, mapmakers, pilots, and mythology experts (among other things) to return the guardian to its rightful home and release Shinji from its magic―which seems to be draining his life force. Time is ticking, the Hightower Corporation is hot on their tail, and success or failure might depend on one small thing―Shinji finally coming around to the belief that he is anything but ordinary.

Based on the Society of Explorers and Adventurers lore that exist across the Walt Disney Parks, Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl is the first book in an all-new action-adventure series that brings S.E.A. into the twenty-first century through a blend of science and magic, and a focus on two young characters on an epic journey through time and place.

My Take on the Book
This was a fast-moving book that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I loved to learn more about Shinji and follow along with this character's journey. The book is an amazing adventure as you follow along with Shinji as he works to solve the riddle of a curse. As he goes on his adventure you will keep asking, "What's next?" I know I did! This is a great book that you will not want to miss! 

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Book Review - Disney Princess Magical Worlds

About the Book
From Moana's island of Motunui to Cinderella's castle and beyond, explore the worlds of your favorite Disney Princesses in this beautifully illustrated, fun-filled storybook!

Step into the Disney Princesses’ most magical, memorable places and discover surprises and colorful details on every page. Featuring charming scenes from twelve different worlds, this is the perfect book for every Princess fan! And w ith numerous speech bubbles and words labeled in each scene, little readers can expand their vocabulary, too.

My Take on the Book
For the young reader this is a great book that will encourage them to read along, or follow along as a parent reads the book with them. The images and recognizable characters are ones that my niece loved and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book to her. As a six year old, she got lost in the worlds that were presented on the page, but I also love watching her eyes get huge as she was looking at all of the beautiful images and we had side conversations about the characters too. The book was beautifully created and my niece, for one had a true blast asking me to read the book over and over again and I do not see that changing anytime soon!

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Book Review - Lost Legends: The Rise of Flynn Rider

About the Book

The first book in a new middle grade series that features the adventures of Disney’s most loveable roguish heroes as kids!

Before he was a legendary thief, he was just a boy named Eugene..."hi, how ya doin'?"

Twelve- year-old Eugene Fitzherbert needs a plan. He loves Miss Calre and the boys at the orphanage, but he's not a little kid anymore. He can't spend his days getting into mischief and acting out his favorite passages from the Flynnigan Rider novels. In his imagination, he is that daring rogue Flynn Rider, and his best friend, Arnie, is famous thief Lance Strongbow, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Even though Eugene knows it's just a fun game, he can't help but wish there was more for him out there. Travel. Riches. And maybe, just maybe, his parents.

So when a traveling circus comes to the kingdom promising a life of excitment, brotherhood, and unimaginable treasure, Eugene and Arnie see it as the start of their great adventure. But it soon becomes clear that there’s more to this ragtag crew than meets the eye, and it'll take new heroes―namely, Flynn Rider and Lance Strongbow―to save the day.

Filled with daring adventure and rollicking fun, the Lost Legends series explores the untold origins of Disney’s most infamous rogue boys.

My Take on the Book
This book really gives you an inside look into Flynn Rider, especially into his early life and what turned him into the person that Disney fans have come to love. It is a fun book with great characters that are new to the scene, and you really get drawn into the world of Flynn Rider from page one to the very end. The author does a great job developing the characters within the book and the plot moves swiftly, keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. I found the book to be a very fun read and in the end you really do get to know Flynn on a much more intimate level, making him even more of a character that you will love! 

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Book Review - What Once Was Mine: A Twisted Tale

About the Book

Desperate to save the life of their queen and her unborn child, the good citizens of the kingdom comb the land for the all-healing Sundrop flower to cure her . . . but someone mistakenly picks the blossom of the Moondrop instead. This shimmering flower heals the queen and she delivers a healthy baby girl―with hair as silver and gray as the moon. But with her mysterious hair comes dangerous magical powers: the power to hurt, not heal. For the safety of the kingdom, Rapunzel is locked away in a tower and put under the care of the powerful goodwife, Mother Gothel.

For eighteen years Rapunzel stays imprisoned in her tower, knowing she must protect everyone from her magical hair. When she finally decides to leave the only home she's ever known―to see the floating lights that appear on her birthday―she gets caught up in an unexpected adventure with two thieves: a would-be outlaw named Gina, and Flynn Rider, a rogue on the run. Before she can reach her happy ending, Rapunzel learns that there is far more to her story, and her magical hair, and her future than she ever knew.

My Take on the Book
My family loves twisted tales and they loved Tangled so this book was the perfect read for our family. The author does an amazing job at building out the characters and allowing you to experience the action in a unique way with every page. The character development was solid and I felt that I really got to know the characters in a way I never did from just watching the movie. Don't expect this book to be a retelling of all you know from the movie either as the author does a good job at building out a new storyline that does twist the original story in a new way and for me it was a ton of fun to not only read but immerse yourself in from page one to the very end.

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Book Review - 12 Days of Princess

About the Book
An adorable Disney Princess holiday picture book inspired by the classic carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

Inspired by the famous song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a new holiday tradition is here: the twelve days of princess! Countdown to Christmas with Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel. Each day brings a new magical gift, like two glass slippers or seven singing dwarfs, from one of your favorite Disney Princesses to help get you into the holiday spirit.

• Sing-along to the melody of The Twelve Days of Christmas
• The perfect bedtime story read-aloud for the holiday season
• Countdown to Christmas with your favorite Disney characters

My Take on the Book
If you love Disney and Disney princesses and you want to get into the Christmas spirit all year round, this book is the right one for you and your family. This is a great book that brings to life the 12 days of Christmas in princess form.  The book is set up as a fun way to look at the 12 days of Christmas and the author does a great job of incorporating in Disney into each of the days. Whether you use this as an Advent type of book or read it straight through it is a fun book for the whole family!

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Book Review - Evil Thing: A Villains Graphic Novel

About the Book

“Sure, you know the story of those wretched Dalmatians. But don’t I deserve a chance to tell my own side of the story? It is fabulous, after all.

”You may think you know the tale: a happy young couple, one hundred and one Dalmatians, and the woman determined to turn them into a perfectly spotted fur coat.

But who is that monster, that scene-stealer, that evil thing? Who is the woman behind it all? Before the car crash, before the dognapping, before furs became her only true love, there was another story. This is the story of Cruella De Vil—in her own words.

Even the cruelest villains have best friends, true loves, and daring dreams. After all, nothing is as simple as black and white.

In this first graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times best-selling Villains series, Arielle Jovellanos brings Serena Valentino’s darkly captivating world to life with beautiful and haunting illustrations in a stunning new visual format.

My Take on the Book
This is a great way to explore the origin story for Cruella. As someone that loves Graphic Novels, this one really captures the characters but also the story and you get to see that there is a lot more behind the story that makes Cruella the evil person that she becomes. The story is great and the artwork really stands out on the page. If you love Disney and love origin stories, this is one that you will not want to miss! 

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