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Disney It's a Small World
Hello, World!
This charming book takes children on a world tour by teaching them to say "Hello" in 10 different languages. It has sturdy board pages and it includes all-new artwork that's colorful, modern, and inspired by Mary Blair's designs for the famous Disney theme park attraction, "It's a Small World"! Full color.
16 pages, Board Book
First published August 16, 2011
3 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Walt Disney Company
38.3k books2,890 followersNote: The decision was made to consolidate all Disney publications under the name Walt Disney Company. This profile is for Walt Disney, the characters he created, and the company he founded. Any questions, please ask in the Librarian's Group.
Walter Elias “Walt” Disney (December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966) was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist. Disney is famous for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. As the co-founder (with his brother Roy O. Disney) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. The corporation he co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company, today has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion.
Disney is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design. He and his staff created some of the world's most famous fictional characters including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice. He has been awarded four honorary Academy Awards and has won twenty-two competitive Academy Awards out of fifty-nine nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He also won seven Emmy Awards. He is the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the United States, as well as the international resorts Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Hong Kong.
Disney died of lung cancer in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966. The following year, construction began on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. His brother Roy Disney inaugurated the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) (commonly referred to as Disney) is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the company was reincorporated as Walt Disney Productions in 1929. Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and travel. Taking on its current name in 1986, The Walt Disney Company expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon theatre, radio, publishing, and online media. In addition, it has created new divisions of the company in order to market more mature content than it typically associates with its flagship family-oriented brands.
The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, and ABC Family; publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions; and owns and licenses 11 theme parks around the world. On January 23, 2006, it was announced that Disney would purchase Pixar in an all-stock transaction worth $7.4 billion. The deal was finalized on May 5. On December 31, 2009, Disney Company acquired the Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for $4.24 billion. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. An early and well-known cartoon creation of the company, Mickey Mouse, is the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company.
--from Wikipedia
Walter Elias “Walt” Disney (December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966) was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist. Disney is famous for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. As the co-founder (with his brother Roy O. Disney) of Walt Disney Productions, Disney became one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world. The corporation he co-founded, now known as The Walt Disney Company, today has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion.
Disney is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design. He and his staff created some of the world's most famous fictional characters including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice. He has been awarded four honorary Academy Awards and has won twenty-two competitive Academy Awards out of fifty-nine nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He also won seven Emmy Awards. He is the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the United States, as well as the international resorts Tokyo Disney, Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Hong Kong.
Disney died of lung cancer in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966. The following year, construction began on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. His brother Roy Disney inaugurated the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) (commonly referred to as Disney) is the largest media and entertainment conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the company was reincorporated as Walt Disney Productions in 1929. Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and travel. Taking on its current name in 1986, The Walt Disney Company expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon theatre, radio, publishing, and online media. In addition, it has created new divisions of the company in order to market more mature content than it typically associates with its flagship family-oriented brands.
The company is best known for the products of its film studio, the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, today one of the largest and best-known studios in Hollywood. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast television network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, and ABC Family; publishing, merchandising, and theatre divisions; and owns and licenses 11 theme parks around the world. On January 23, 2006, it was announced that Disney would purchase Pixar in an all-stock transaction worth $7.4 billion. The deal was finalized on May 5. On December 31, 2009, Disney Company acquired the Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for $4.24 billion. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since May 6, 1991. An early and well-known cartoon creation of the company, Mickey Mouse, is the official mascot of The Walt Disney Company.
--from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 16, 2019
Lindamente ilustrado! Uma pena terem escolhido a palavra "Alo" para mostrarem como se cumprimenta alguém no Brasil.
February 10, 2014
Originally published on my blog, Nine Pages.
This book has a page for greetings from each of ten languages with a simple illustration for each. Each page includes the proper spelling as well as a phonetic pronunciation in parentheses. That part of the book I enjoyed, but the illustrations propagate cultural stereotypes and that I find rather disheartening. People in Brazil don’t generally go about bare-chested with a necklace of string about their necks. Of this I’m quite sure. Nor do all Irishmen wear green suits with clovers in their green top hats with buckles around the brim.
This book has a page for greetings from each of ten languages with a simple illustration for each. Each page includes the proper spelling as well as a phonetic pronunciation in parentheses. That part of the book I enjoyed, but the illustrations propagate cultural stereotypes and that I find rather disheartening. People in Brazil don’t generally go about bare-chested with a necklace of string about their necks. Of this I’m quite sure. Nor do all Irishmen wear green suits with clovers in their green top hats with buckles around the brim.
October 3, 2016
Culturally simplistic, this book introduces 10 world language without much sensitivity or celebrate of difference.
October 2, 2025
Disney needs to change. They need to move on from their past and correct things in the future. This board book teaches you how to say "Hello" in different languages, shows you the people and culture of different countries.
It starts with the USA, "Hello." I figure this is because Disney is American.
The original place where we say "Bonjour," France.
The original place where we say "Buon giorno," Italy.
The original place where we say "Namaste," India.
The original place where we say "Dia dhuit," Ireland.
I have no idea what they did with Brazil. They show an indigenous Brazilian person that says "Alo," a word that is not native to Brazil and is not even Portuguese.
The original place where we say "Kon'nichi wa," Japan.
Not the original place where we say "Hola," Mexico. Spain is actually the original place where we say "Hola."
The original place where we say "Marhaba," Egypt.
The original place where we say "Guten tag," Germany.
The original place where we say "Goddag," Sweden.
The original place where we say "Jambo," Kenya.
The original place where we say "privet," Russia.
The original place where we say "Ni hao," China.
And so, everyone can have their original place, culture, and language except for the Spanish. I've been to the parks enough times and ridden this ride enough times to realize that Disney has robbed us of our identity and does not portray the Spanish ever. Mexico does not encompass the Spanish or Hispanic world. Mexico was a Spanish colony. Although there are some Spanish colonizers in Mexico still, Mexico comprises mostly of their own native peoples. Although many people in Mexico are Spanish speakers, they also speak their native language. And most importantly, in Mexico, most Mexicans do not call themselves Hispanic but Mexican. I believe it's time Disney corrects themselves. Mexico has their own national identity and even native language, which is still in practice there. Some Mexicans don't even speak Spanish but only speak their native language. I think it's also important to note most Mexicans have pride in their real culture. My sister's roommate is originally a Mexican whose family migrated to Cali long ago and in his words "don't call me Hispanic, I'm Indian, not Spanish."
It starts with the USA, "Hello." I figure this is because Disney is American.
The original place where we say "Bonjour," France.
The original place where we say "Buon giorno," Italy.
The original place where we say "Namaste," India.
The original place where we say "Dia dhuit," Ireland.
I have no idea what they did with Brazil. They show an indigenous Brazilian person that says "Alo," a word that is not native to Brazil and is not even Portuguese.
The original place where we say "Kon'nichi wa," Japan.
Not the original place where we say "Hola," Mexico. Spain is actually the original place where we say "Hola."
The original place where we say "Marhaba," Egypt.
The original place where we say "Guten tag," Germany.
The original place where we say "Goddag," Sweden.
The original place where we say "Jambo," Kenya.
The original place where we say "privet," Russia.
The original place where we say "Ni hao," China.
And so, everyone can have their original place, culture, and language except for the Spanish. I've been to the parks enough times and ridden this ride enough times to realize that Disney has robbed us of our identity and does not portray the Spanish ever. Mexico does not encompass the Spanish or Hispanic world. Mexico was a Spanish colony. Although there are some Spanish colonizers in Mexico still, Mexico comprises mostly of their own native peoples. Although many people in Mexico are Spanish speakers, they also speak their native language. And most importantly, in Mexico, most Mexicans do not call themselves Hispanic but Mexican. I believe it's time Disney corrects themselves. Mexico has their own national identity and even native language, which is still in practice there. Some Mexicans don't even speak Spanish but only speak their native language. I think it's also important to note most Mexicans have pride in their real culture. My sister's roommate is originally a Mexican whose family migrated to Cali long ago and in his words "don't call me Hispanic, I'm Indian, not Spanish."
January 13, 2021
I have a lot of fun with this one! I personally love learning how to say Hello in all the languages. I like this simple and fun way to teach my child a single world in many languages.
However, the board book does include cultural stereotypes. Reading the reviews, I see many people pointing out these stereotypes and how they are harmful. I urge you to read reviews before purchasing. If you are like me and enjoy the language teaching the book does, you can share with your child as they grow that not everyone in a country looks like the person shown in this book.
You can also do some research yourself to know the historical buildings depicted in each country and talk about those as the child grows up. Of course, they don't understand a lot of things but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk and begin their understanding of the world and cultural differences sooner rather than later.
However, the board book does include cultural stereotypes. Reading the reviews, I see many people pointing out these stereotypes and how they are harmful. I urge you to read reviews before purchasing. If you are like me and enjoy the language teaching the book does, you can share with your child as they grow that not everyone in a country looks like the person shown in this book.
You can also do some research yourself to know the historical buildings depicted in each country and talk about those as the child grows up. Of course, they don't understand a lot of things but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk and begin their understanding of the world and cultural differences sooner rather than later.
January 8, 2021
Inspired by Disney’s It’s A Small World attraction at Disney Land, there are greetings in ten different languages, each with helpful phonetic pronunciation in parentheses. Languages include French, Italian, Sanskrit, Irish, Portuguese, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, German, Swedish, Swahili, Russian, and Mandarin.
We have only read it a few times so far and Elliot seemed somewhat interested so far. Will try again when he’s a bit older
We have only read it a few times so far and Elliot seemed somewhat interested so far. Will try again when he’s a bit older
October 2, 2025
English is in the USA instead of England where the language originated. Spanish is in Mexico instead of Spain where the language originated. There are 14 boys and 9 girls depicted. France, Italy, Brazil, Kenya, and China only depict males and no female counterpart. Why no Italian or French girl? It's very hard for Disney to portray brunette European girls.
July 30, 2017
My toddler loves this book and I wish I could give it a 5. While I love the idea, the stereotypical illustrations are just too much to bear. The linguistic aspect is fabulous, but the visuals need an overhaul.
May 6, 2020
I think this would be so much fun to read to preschoolers! This book teaches you how to say hello in different languages. This book reminded me of the ride from Disneyland, so i would probably share the song along with the book for fun!
December 24, 2017
I love this book because I love the Disney ride and song. Bright illustrations. “Hello” in different languages.
December 10, 2018
Sweet board book - shares the way to say "Hello" in many different languages with cute illustrations.
September 13, 2019
Cute idea, but some minor errors, such as "Guten tag" instead of "Guten Tag."
October 14, 2022
Simple ways of how people around the world say “hello.”
October 7, 2023
Simply showing you song and dance tour of the world and the word hello in different languages is okay. I would prefer the languages to be listed rather than the countries, however.
March 21, 2024
Youtube
June 11, 2025
Great book for kids and adults. Simply 15 maybe greetings from around the world with cute pictures and pronunciations. Excellent.
December 23, 2012
Mama bought this book because the money would go to support free trade in countries around the world. She was a little disappointed that it had so few languages. But, I didn't mind. I like to jump around when we read the book and say the greetings over and over.
I am lucky, my Mama teaches English to people from all over the world. When I see them I can use the greetings. I always put my hands together and bow when I say , "Namaste" to our friends from Nepal and India. Mama is hoping to find a book that also teaches Arabic, Swahili, Somali and Korean greetings. They are not in his book.
I am lucky, my Mama teaches English to people from all over the world. When I see them I can use the greetings. I always put my hands together and bow when I say , "Namaste" to our friends from Nepal and India. Mama is hoping to find a book that also teaches Arabic, Swahili, Somali and Korean greetings. They are not in his book.
May 3, 2012
Great simple book about how to say Hello all over the world (written phonetically) 8-D
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews