The Legend of Mulan: A Folding Book of the Ancient Poem That Inspired the Disney Animated Film

by Lei Fan

Full-color artwork from Disney's newest animated feature film complements a stirring account of the ancient Chinese folktale--about a young girl who disguises herself as a man and joins the army to save her father's life--upon which the film is based.

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

First published June 19, 1998

Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeously crafted and lavishly illustrated translation of the original Chinese poem that inspired the Disney film.

This hardcover book, once removed from the equally rigid slipcase, unfolds to reveal the poem and artwork on individual panels. Illustrations range from rough animation drawings and colour studies to storyboard sketches and conceptual paintings.

Based on my enjoyment of the content, I've rated THE LEGEND OF MULAN a '4.' If viewed strictly as a uniquely crafted literary treasure, however, it's worthy of a '5.'

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Legend of Mulan" by Unknown.

The Ballad of Mulan is the oldest known version of Mulan's story. Most likely composed during the era of Northern Wei (around 400 AD),

A beautiful and empowering poem that ended up inspiring countless retellings for centuries to come.

[Violetta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it in about 10 minutes standing in the book aisle. It was a two-handed effort, but rather pleasant. The illustrations were lovely but it's not the kind of book I'd look at or read more than once. More of a collector's item, I guess.

[J.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a literary adaptation of the Disney movie, so it follows that script well.