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Bring the Magic of Disney Stories Into Your Reading Time – There’s something timeless and magical about Disney stories that captivates children (and grown-ups!) across generations. Whether it’s the bravery of Moana, the kindness of Cinderella, or the curiosity of Olaf, Disney books offer adventure, heart, and meaningful lessons wrapped in wonder.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Disney books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun activities and discussion questions to make storytime even more enchanting. Let me know which Disney book your family loves the most!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Disney?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Disney
- How To Use Books About Disney With Children
- 11 Disney Books For Children
- What Disney Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Disney?
Disney books allow kids to relive their favorite movie moments or explore new stories with beloved characters. These tales often center around bravery, friendship, and believing in yourself—powerful themes for kids of all ages.
From classic princesses to modern heroes, Disney stories give children role models they can admire and relate to. They’re also a fantastic way to encourage a love of reading, especially for kids who already know and adore the characters.
And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love reading a story with a little pixie dust?
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Disney
Beyond the glitter and songs, Disney books often carry heartfelt messages about courage, kindness, and resilience.
These stories gently teach kids how to manage big emotions, stand up for what’s right, and understand the importance of loyalty and teamwork. They also give children the opportunity to see diverse characters and explore different cultures through stories like Encanto, The Princess and the Frog, and Turning Red.
Whether it’s learning to follow your heart like Ariel or problem-solving like Buzz Lightyear, Disney books provide inspiring lessons in a magical, kid-friendly package.
How to Use Books about Disney with Children
Here are some ways to make reading Disney books even more fun and meaningful:
- ✨ Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask questions like: What would you do if you had a magic carpet like Aladdin? or What do you think makes Elsa a great big sister? Use Turn and Talk in class to get everyone sharing and dreaming big.
- 🎨 Engage in Disney-Themed Activities: Have kids draw their favorite Disney sidekick, make a “magic wish” star craft, or dress up as a character while reading the story aloud. You can even host a mini “Disney Book Day” with themed snacks and coloring pages.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When talking about friendship, bravery, or emotions in real life, relate back to the stories. For example, if a child is nervous about something new, remind them how Anna didn’t give up in Frozen 2.
- 👨👩👧👦 Involve Other Caregivers: Share the fun by reading Disney books with grandparents, babysitters, or siblings. Ask them to share their favorite characters from when they were little—it’s a great way to bond across generations.
11 Disney Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Disney Minnie Mouse – I’m Ready to Read with Minnie Sound Book by Editors of Phoenix
This interactive sound book features Minnie Mouse guiding young readers through simple stories designed to build early reading skills.
The book emphasizes early literacy development, combining beloved Disney characters with interactive elements to engage young readers. It fosters a love for reading by making the experience enjoyable and interactive.
Activity Suggestion:
🔊 Sound Matching Game – Use flashcards of words from the story and have kids match them to the corresponding sounds or pictures.
Discussion Questions:
- Which sound was your favorite, and why?
- How did the sounds help you understand the story better?
- Can you think of other words that start with the same letter as “Minnie”?
#2 Disney Frozen – Let It Go Little Music Note Sound Book by Editors of Phoenix
This musical book invites readers into Arendelle to join Elsa, Anna, and friends in song and story.
The book explores themes of self-expression, bravery, and the bond between sisters. The integration of music enhances emotional engagement and connection to the characters.
Activity Suggestion:
❄️ Frozen Freeze Dance – Play “Let It Go” and have kids dance and freeze when the music stops, just like Elsa’s magic.
Discussion Questions:
- How does Elsa feel when she sings “Let It Go”?
- What does the song teach us about being ourselves?
- Can you describe a time when you felt brave like Elsa?
#3 Pop-Up Peekaboo! Disney Winnie the Pooh by Frankie Hallam
A playful pop-up book that invites young readers to play peekaboo with Pooh and friends.
The book highlights friendship, exploration, and curiosity. The pop-ups add visual and tactile engagement that brings the Hundred Acre Wood to life.
Activity Suggestion:
🐻 Character Hide and Seek – Hide images of Pooh and friends around the room for a fun search-and-find game.
Discussion Questions:
- Which pop-up surprise did you like the most?
- How do Pooh and his friends show they care for each other?
- Can you name all of Pooh’s friends from the book?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Disney Winnie the Pooh Classic My Busy Books by Phidal Publishing Inc.
This interactive book includes a storybook, figurines, and a playmat, bringing Pooh’s world to life through play.
The book emphasizes friendship, adventure, and imagination. The figurines and playmat enhance storytelling and hands-on learning.
Activity Suggestion:
🎲 Story Reenactment – Use the figurines and playmat to act out or invent new Pooh adventures.
Discussion Questions:
- Which character is your favorite, and why?
- What new adventure could Pooh and friends go on next?
- How do the figurines help you understand the story better?
#5 Disney Lion King My Busy Books by Phidal Publishing Inc.
This play-based storybook includes figurines and a playmat to reenact Simba’s journey.
Themes of bravery, leadership, and growth are central. Children learn about responsibility, identity, and overcoming adversity through hands-on interaction.
Activity Suggestion:
🦁 Circle of Life Role Play – Use figurines to act out scenes from the story and create new ones.
Discussion Questions:
- What challenges does Simba face in the story?
- How do Timon and Pumbaa help Simba?
- What does it mean to take responsibility like Simba?
#6 12 Beloved Disney Classic Little Golden Books by Disney
A boxed set of 12 classic Disney tales, from Cinderella to Peter Pan, perfect for read-alouds and nostalgia.
These stories highlight themes of courage, kindness, and imagination. They make timeless Disney magic accessible to young readers.
Activity Suggestion:
📚 Favorite Story Vote – Let kids vote on their favorite title, then act out or illustrate a scene from it.
Discussion Questions:
- Which story was your favorite and why?
- How do the characters change throughout their stories?
- What do these classic stories have in common?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Disney by Diane Muldrow
A collection of life lessons illustrated with classic Disney scenes and quotes.
This book celebrates emotional intelligence, positivity, and timeless Disney wisdom, making values like bravery, kindness, and resilience tangible for kids.
Activity Suggestion:
✨ Disney Wisdom Wall – Choose favorite quotes and have kids create posters to hang up and inspire others.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your favorite Disney quote from the book?
- Which Disney character do you admire most, and why?
- How can you use a Disney lesson in your own life?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder by John Baxter
A visually rich book exploring Disney’s 100-year history, from Walt’s early creations to present-day innovations.
Themes include creativity, legacy, and imagination. It’s a celebration of storytelling and innovation over generations.
Activity Suggestion:
📅 Disney History Timeline – Create a classroom or personal timeline of Disney milestones.
Discussion Questions:
- What surprised you most about Disney’s history?
- How has Disney changed over the years?
- What would you invent if you were a Disney Imagineer?
#9 Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History by David Gerstein
A comprehensive visual history of Mickey Mouse, packed with rare art, stories, and evolution over time.
Themes include legacy, creativity, and cultural influence. The book shows how a single character became a worldwide symbol.
Activity Suggestion:
🎨 Mickey Timeline – Kids draw Mickey Mouse through the decades and describe how he’s changed.
Discussion Questions:
- How has Mickey changed over time?
- Why is Mickey such an important symbol for Disney?
- What’s your favorite Mickey moment?
#10 Walt Disney: The Magical Innovator! by Mark Shulman
A kid-friendly biography of Walt Disney, detailing his creativity, failures, and enduring vision.
Themes of perseverance, imagination, and believing in your dreams make this a powerful introduction to Walt’s story.
Activity Suggestion:
🛠️ Inventor Journal – Kids write or draw an idea they’d create, inspired by Walt’s inventions.
Discussion Questions:
- What made Walt Disney so creative?
- What were some challenges Walt faced?
- What’s your biggest dream?
#11 Weird But True! Disney: 300 Wonderful Facts to Celebrate the Magic of Disney by National Geographic Kids
A fun-filled book packed with quirky, delightful facts about Disney films, parks, and characters.
The book highlights curiosity and discovery. It’s a celebration of wonder, imagination, and learning through fun.
Activity Suggestion:
🧠 Disney Trivia Night – Host a trivia game using fun facts from the book.
Discussion Questions:
- What was the weirdest Disney fact you read?
- Which fact surprised you the most?
- What’s your own weird-but-true Disney fact?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Disney Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Disney books bring joy, life lessons, and sparkle to every reading nook. Whether you’re snuggling up before bedtime or sharing a favorite tale in your classroom, these stories leave lasting impressions on young hearts.
Which Disney book is your child asking to read again and again? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your magical moments!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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