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The Woman Behind the Magic: How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy
Discover how Lillian Bounds Disney helped shape the Disney legacy as a cartoon artist and innovator in this magical, insightful picture book biography, perfect for Disney fans everywhere!
As a child, Lilly learned that working behind-the-scenes was its own special talent. When she grew up, her magical sense of adventure led her to the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. She became one of the first women in the animation industry, where she worked as an ink and paint artist and later, as the studio’s first secretary.
After Lilly and Walt fell in love, they got married in 1925, and Lilly continued adding her own magic to Walt’s wild ideas—including encouraging him to keep trying cartoons when the studio was in danger of closing and giving Mickey Mouse his name. Together, they became an unstoppable team. From cartoon ideas to theme park innovations, Lilly helped shape Disney history.
As a child, Lilly learned that working behind-the-scenes was its own special talent. When she grew up, her magical sense of adventure led her to the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. She became one of the first women in the animation industry, where she worked as an ink and paint artist and later, as the studio’s first secretary.
After Lilly and Walt fell in love, they got married in 1925, and Lilly continued adding her own magic to Walt’s wild ideas—including encouraging him to keep trying cartoons when the studio was in danger of closing and giving Mickey Mouse his name. Together, they became an unstoppable team. From cartoon ideas to theme park innovations, Lilly helped shape Disney history.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2025
2 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 18, 2025
A really cool picture book bio about a really interesting woman, who I had never heard of! The illustrations are fantastic and really feel reminiscent of the old school Disney, but are still modern.
July 21, 2025
I have read a few biographies of Walt Disney, and so have heard about Lilly Disney. However, I didn’t realize how much of an impact she had on the Disney legacy! I knew she helped to name Mickey, but that was about it. So when I saw this book come to the library, I had to get it to know more about her.
Brittany Richman does a great job of telling Lilly’s magical story of how she grew up and eventually worked as part of the artist team at Disney Brothers’ Studio. Lilly was very instrumental in many of the decisions that went on there, though she didn’t always admit it. She helped create numerous characters. She deserves to be celebrated alongside her husband. She truly was magical.
Love the illustrations, too!
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 132 #FirsttoCheckOut
Brittany Richman does a great job of telling Lilly’s magical story of how she grew up and eventually worked as part of the artist team at Disney Brothers’ Studio. Lilly was very instrumental in many of the decisions that went on there, though she didn’t always admit it. She helped create numerous characters. She deserves to be celebrated alongside her husband. She truly was magical.
Love the illustrations, too!
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 132 #FirsttoCheckOut
July 24, 2025
Had to read as I am a big Disney fan. I loved the story and information I already knew and didn't know about Lillian Disney come to life in a children's story. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful, fitting for the magic that is Disney. I hope to include a copy in our school's library so that others may see this woman in history's story be told.
September 25, 2025
This is a picture book biography of Walt Disney's wife, Lilly.
Lilly Bounds was from Idaho. She was the youngest in a poor but loving family. Her father died when she was seventeen and a few years later, when she was 24, she moved to Hollywood to join one of her sisters. She needed a job and was soon hired by a relatively new company owned by Roy and Walt Disney that created cartoons. Lilly helped create the cels for the moving pictures. And she provided business advice and her secretarial skills. Walt valued her help and advice. Soon she and Walt were dating and then - married.
Walt Disney studios was not an immediate success. Walt's ideas were stolen by a partner - which actually turned out well. No one remembers Oswald the Rabbit. Instead, Walt drew a dapper little mouse which he named Mortimer. But Lilly said no - the mouse should be called Mickey. And history was made. Even then, it took several attempts to get a distributor for the cartoons. It was only when they combined it with music and sound that they gained a foothold. Making Snow White would cement the studios fortune and allow Walt and Lilly to continue making magic with more movies and amusement parks. First in California, where Lilly had a lot to say about garbage cans and keeping the parks clean. Then on to Florida! Walt died before Disneyworld was opened but Lilly and Walt's brother, Roy, continued to keep the magic going.
Always one of the first things people notice about the parks is how clean they are. You can think Lilly for that!
Lilly died in 1997 - 98 years young.
Be sure to read the Disney-loving author's note. Her inspiration for the story is intriguing!
Lilly Bounds was from Idaho. She was the youngest in a poor but loving family. Her father died when she was seventeen and a few years later, when she was 24, she moved to Hollywood to join one of her sisters. She needed a job and was soon hired by a relatively new company owned by Roy and Walt Disney that created cartoons. Lilly helped create the cels for the moving pictures. And she provided business advice and her secretarial skills. Walt valued her help and advice. Soon she and Walt were dating and then - married.
Walt Disney studios was not an immediate success. Walt's ideas were stolen by a partner - which actually turned out well. No one remembers Oswald the Rabbit. Instead, Walt drew a dapper little mouse which he named Mortimer. But Lilly said no - the mouse should be called Mickey. And history was made. Even then, it took several attempts to get a distributor for the cartoons. It was only when they combined it with music and sound that they gained a foothold. Making Snow White would cement the studios fortune and allow Walt and Lilly to continue making magic with more movies and amusement parks. First in California, where Lilly had a lot to say about garbage cans and keeping the parks clean. Then on to Florida! Walt died before Disneyworld was opened but Lilly and Walt's brother, Roy, continued to keep the magic going.
Always one of the first things people notice about the parks is how clean they are. You can think Lilly for that!
Lilly died in 1997 - 98 years young.
Be sure to read the Disney-loving author's note. Her inspiration for the story is intriguing!
Read
March 25, 2026The Woman Behind the Magic is a clearly adoring tribute to Lillian B. Disney, featuring a really delightful art style inspired by 2D Disney animation.
I'm not sure what reading level this picture book is aimed for, because the sections about Lillian's personal life are written in pretty simple terms, but the technical pages about animation and technology use quite a bit of jargon. I was really tickled/surprised to see the Oswald debacle featured (lol)! I did wish to see an illustrated representation of Walt and Lillian's two daughters, especially after Walt's death, though I acknowledge the narrative significance of decentering motherhood here since this book is about Lillian's career.
I recommend this as a quick read for Disney history fans, and I hope more stories about women in early Disney get published. The bibliography in this book is somewhat helpful for folks wanting to learn more about that subject! And shout-out to the Walt Disney Family Museum 🙏
I'm not sure what reading level this picture book is aimed for, because the sections about Lillian's personal life are written in pretty simple terms, but the technical pages about animation and technology use quite a bit of jargon. I was really tickled/surprised to see the Oswald debacle featured (lol)! I did wish to see an illustrated representation of Walt and Lillian's two daughters, especially after Walt's death, though I acknowledge the narrative significance of decentering motherhood here since this book is about Lillian's career.
I recommend this as a quick read for Disney history fans, and I hope more stories about women in early Disney get published. The bibliography in this book is somewhat helpful for folks wanting to learn more about that subject! And shout-out to the Walt Disney Family Museum 🙏
January 25, 2026
The Woman Behind the Magic is the most truthful title for this biography of Lilly B. Disney. According to author Brittany Richman Lilly wanted to remain behind the scenes supporting Walt and his dream. This book is a solid addition for any Disney adult’s library for their children. However, it perpetuates the patriarchy and continues to minimize Lilly’s contributions by making Walt’s achievements the star of the story.
June 5, 2025
Loved this biography about Lillian Disney. Well written and an enjoyable read for any age. Happy, cute illustrations with a little sparkle added to the title. I also liked all the extra information in the back of the book: author's notes, timeline, and sources.
September 3, 2025
Disappointing--text is surprisingly dull, with boring digital illustrations, and too many pastel tones all over the place. I don't think there's much here to engage young readers who are not already hardcore Disney fans.
November 19, 2025
A brief look at the life of Walt's wife, Lillian, who preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Not sure why the author made the choice to leave the two Disney daughters out of the illustrated portion of the book, only mentioning them in the Author's Notes and Timeline.
June 4, 2025
It's a lovely story about Walt Disney's wife, Lillian.
June 4, 2025
Great story about the influence Mrs. Disney had on her husband and how she helped him establish the Disney magic globally. Fun easy read.
June 25, 2025
This picture book biography is outstanding. The story is little-known and deeply inspiring, the illustrations are lovely, and the book includes additional information and sources in the back.
July 19, 2025
As someone who considers themself a true Disney aficionado, I did learn quite a few things about Mrs. Disney!
July 19, 2025
It was very interesting and insight to read about Lilly Disney indeed! A very important woman for Disney indeed.
July 22, 2025
Fun! I love the way the theme weaves through it. the only thing I wanted was a photo of her in the back matter. Probably copyright issues, though.
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July 24, 2025Oh so interesting! So glad Lillian was a part of Walt's life, but too bad she didn't get more credit.
August 7, 2025
GORGEOUS illustrations, worthy of the Disney legacy. I love that Lilly is getting some time to shine, as her contributions were also very important to the studio we grew up with.
August 14, 2025
This would prob be a bit more impactful for big Disney people but my kids still liked hearing movies and things they knew mentioned. And illustrations are very charming.
October 1, 2025
A fun kids biography of Lillian Disney and her impact on the Walt Disney company, including convincing Walt to name his cartoon mouse Mickey!
November 30, 2025
Pretty run of the mill picture book bio, with just a little bit of info about Lillian B. Disney.
December 27, 2025
Must read for any Disney fan. It’s no surprise that women influenced the company. I enjoyed learning more about one of them.
February 20, 2026
This book is for every Disney-loving person out there. Loved it and the illustrations are beautiful!
November 21, 2025
This is the sweet story of how Lilly B. Disney helped to bring magic to the screen and the world. She began as an illustrator and eventually helped inspire her husband Walt to create Mickey Mouse and Disneyland, and after his death Disney World helped to honor his life. She was a hard worker and liked to be behind the scenes but made a positive difference.
June 9, 2025
Excellent book. Loved the illustrations too.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews