The Woman Behind the Magic: How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy

Gr 3-6–Young readers will enjoy discovering and learning about the woman who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring joy to the world. This stunning biography introduces readers to Lillian Bounds ­Disney, a largely unknown figure in the global legacy. Born in Idaho as the youngest of 10 children, Bounds grew up in a poor but joyful family, always finding magic in everyday moments. When her siblings moved away, a sister invited her to Hollywood, where Bounds soon found work as an animator at the newly opened Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. Though new to animation, Bounds quickly grasped its importance and, with her business school background, recognized the studio’s need for organization—becoming its first secretary. Romance blossomed between Bounds and Walt Disney, leading to marriage, and she remained a guiding force behind the scenes. She played a crucial role in shaping the company, even influencing the name of Mickey Mouse. Despite preferring to stay out of the spotlight, Lillian made significant contributions to Disney and later became a generous benefactor to arts, ­education, and humanitarian causes. Stone’s illustrations thoughtfully depict key moments from the subject’s life, including ink cell drawings that introduce young readers to early animation techniques. Back matter includes a time line and additional details about her lasting impact.