Are you looking for beautiful storybooks that star some of your favorite Disney characters? Look no further! We’re here with some adorable Disney storybooks you and the kids in your life may have missed.
Miguel and the Grand Harmony by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Ana Ramírez
A prequel to the much-loved Pixar ode to Día de Muertos, family, and Mexican culture, this sweet story follows La Música as she brings color to the town of Santa Cecilia in the wind, the call of birds, and the melodies and rhythms of the townspeople’s instruments. When she finds one boy, Miguel, with a song in his heart yet no way to express it, she makes it her mission to help him find his way to the grand harmony.
Written by Matt de la Peña, a Newbery Medal-winning children’s and YA author, and illustrated by Pixar artist Ana Ramírez, this is a must-read for not only fans of Coco but anyone who is a lover and maker of música.
Go to Sleep, Anxiety! by Luna Chi, Illustrated by Gurihiru
Anyone who spent this summer having some big feelings about Inside Out 2 should check out this sweet and affirming bedtime story. All of Riley’s emotions are back from both films — including Joy, Sadness, and anxiety — and going through their bedtime routines. Unfortunately, Anxiety just can’t get to sleep, and it’s keeping her friends up! How can the other emotions help Anxiety find her calm?
Penned by up-and-coming children’s author Luna Chi and illustrated by the artistic duo Gurihiru, fans of the film will be treated to the same in this book: laughs, warm assurances, and the message that embracing one’s feelings, even the challenging ones, can help us to manage them.
The Haunted Mansion by Buddy Baker & Xavier Atencio, Illustrated by James Gilleard
Disney parks fans will go batty for this one! Using the lyrics of the iconic Haunted Mansion theme Grim Grinning Ghosts by Buddy Baker & Xavier Atencio and hauntingly good illustrations by master illustrator James Gilleard, visitors are welcomed to creepy corridors and the sinister cemetery of the beloved theme park ride.
Newcomers may quake at the ghosts and ghoulies, but those who have crossed these decrepit doors will recognize faces like Madame Leota, Constance Hatchaway, and the Hatbox Ghost. Be sure to bring your death certificate.
Walt Disney’s Peter Pan by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson, Illustrated by Mary Blair
The boy who wouldn’t grow up is joined by the Lost Boys and Captain Hook for a fun-filled retelling of the classic movie using the artwork of famed Disney animation artist Mary Blair as illustrations. With a story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dave Barry and his award-winning Peter and the Starcatchers writing partner Ridley Pearson, readers can expect humor, heart, and a few sprinkles of pixie dust.
Follow Peter and the gang through adventures with mermaids, pirates, and tick-tocking crocodiles, in a title that captures the wonder and whimsy of the original film.
A Place for Mulan by Marie Chow, Illustrated by Jasper Shaw
Inspired by both the original animated feature and the 2020 live-action remake, A Place for Mulan is another gorgeous prequel for fans who would love to learn a little more about their Disney fave. Young Mulan doesn’t seem to quite fit in with anyone in her village: she does things differently, she has unique interests, and she’s not very good at being quiet or careful. She tries to be the girl that her family expects her to be, but it’s hard. Will she find a way to love the person she is when she looks in the mirror?
With a heartwarming story by children’s author Marie Chow and the stunning traditional ink-style illustrations of Jasper Shaw, this is a wonderful read for those Disney princesses who feel like they don’t quite fit the mold, but only because they were built to break it.
A Sister More Like Me by Barbara Jean Hicks, Illustrated by Brittany Lee
Sure, there are dozens of Frozen picture books to choose from, but this one is our favorite. An in-depth retelling of the original movie that focuses on the relationship between sisters Anna and Elsa, readers are treated to a dual narrative that explores both characters’ feelings about having a sister so unlike themselves. It’s a narrative that many siblings will relate to, yet it shows that it is important to love our family members for who they are and not who we wish they could be.
Written by award-winning children’s author Barbara Jean Hicks and gorgeously illustrated by one of the original Frozen storyboard artists, Brittany Lee, this is a storybook that Frozen fans will melt over.
Forky in Craft Buddy Day by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by George McClements & Stéphane Kardos
If you’ve ever read The Day the Crayons Quit, you know how hilarious the picture book writing of Drew Daywalt is. The author perfectly funnels that zany energy into a new story starring Forky, the existentially challenged star of Toy Story 4. Forky is feeling slightly lonely when his kid Bonnie takes him to school, but his wish for friends is granted in the form of Craft Buddy Day. When the kids head to recess, however, Forky is thrust into the role of leader — how will he cope?
Joining Daywalt’s delightful story are illustrations by George McClements & Stéphane Kardos, who bring artistic flair to each of the unique craft buddies. There’s plenty of silliness to be had here, and perhaps a little inspiration for readers to create some crafty friends after reading.
Three Little Words by Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Grace Lee
Gentle as a rolling ocean wave, this adorable lesson in optimism, perseverance, and courage is sure to charm any Pixar fan. Starring the fish friends Dory, Marlin, and Nemo and featuring cameos from a few more finned friends, Three Little Words is a meditation on the journey ahead, the highs and lows that are to come, and how to just keep swimming through them.
Penned by celebrated children’s author Amy Novesky and illustrated by Disney storybook artist Grace Lee, this sweet book is similar in tone to classics like Oh, The Places You’ll Go! or The Wonderful Things You Will Be and makes a perfect gift for grads from kindergarten to college.
Moana and the Ocean by Heather Knowles, Illustrated by Annette Marnet
With the recent release of Moana 2, it’s a perfect time to check out this gorgeous companion to the first film. Narrated by the ocean, Moana’s oldest friend, readers are introduced to the clever and courageous young girl before she ever began her voyage to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
Written by author Heather Knowles and filled with sumptuous illustrations by Annette Marnet in a dazzling color palette, fans of Moana will get a further peek into her childhood growing up on Motonui and why the ocean knew from the start that she was born to be a leader.
Stitch Crashes Disney by Phaea Crede, Illustrated by Steph Lebaris
This wacky picture book is a gut-busting treat for Disney fans, and especially for fans of a certain mischievous blue alien. Follow Stitch as he wreaks havoc across several Disney animated stories, including The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, The Princess and the Frog, and more.
Author Phaea Crede crafts a madcap adventure that captures the spirit of Lilo & Stitch, and Steph Lebaris skillfully weaves together the animation styles of both the classic and modern films into visuals that are full of laughs, thrills, and that signature Disney magic.
Just like Walt Disney’s legacy of animated films, Disney storybooks are filled with comedy, emotion, and wonder. We hope to have introduced you to a few you can add to your kids’ — or your own — TBR list!
To read more about Walt Disney’s love of storybooks, click here.
For more of our book recommendations for little bookworms, click here.
