For the aspiring young artist or storyteller, this autobiography reveals how perseverance and a love for drawing shaped the life of a beloved Disney animator and author. It's a journey of finding your
A parent might reach for this book when their creative child feels discouraged or wonders if a passion for art can become a real job. Bill Peet's autobiography chronicles his life from a boy who loved to draw trains and circus animals in Indiana to becoming a top story man at Disney for classics like Dumbo and 101 Dalmatians. It honestly portrays the hard work, perseverance, and resilience needed to succeed, including creative conflicts with Walt Disney himself. For ages 8 to 12, this inspiring book shows that a creative path is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding, modeling how to stick with your passion even when it's hard.
Briefly mentions Peet's animation work on "Song of the South," a now controversial film.
Sensitive Topics
Workplace conflict is a central theme. Peet's creative disagreements and personal arguments with Walt Disney are described directly and from his own perspective. The resolution is realistic: he leaves the company to find creative freedom. The book also touches on his father's disapproval of his art and the financial hardships of the Great Depression. The approach is secular and matter of fact.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a child aged 9 to 12 who is passionate about drawing, animation, or storytelling. This book is perfect for a kid who fills sketchbooks, might feel their artistic interests are not taken seriously, and is curious about how creative careers actually work. It's also a fantastic read for a young fan of classic Disney movies who wants a behind the scenes look.
Parent Prep
A parent should be prepared to discuss the idea that dream jobs can still be difficult. The frank depiction of arguments with Walt Disney (a cultural icon) might require context. A parent could explain that creative people can have very strong, conflicting opinions, even when they respect each other. It's a great opportunity to talk about artistic integrity and what it means to stand up for your own ideas. A parent has a child who is passionate about art but is starting to face frustration. The child might say something like, "This is too hard, I want to quit," or "No one can make a living as an artist," or "My teacher doesn't like my drawings."
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the constant stream of illustrations, the stories about animals, and the magic of the Disney connection. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the more complex themes: the challenges of collaboration, the courage to change careers, and the importance of staying true to your creative vision.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most biographies for this age, this is an autobiography where the artist tells his own story through both words and pictures. The integration of preliminary sketches, storyboards, and finished art on nearly every page makes the creative process tangible. Its honesty about professional conflict and the grind of creative work is rare and valuable, demystifying the path of an artist.
Read plot summary
This is a first-person, heavily illustrated account of Bill Peet's life. It covers his childhood in Indiana, his early and obsessive love for drawing (especially trains and circus animals), his formal art training, and his long, productive, and often difficult career as a story man and animator at Walt Disney Studios. He details his work on films like Dumbo, Pinocchio, Song of the South, and 101 Dalmatians. The final section covers his departure from Disney after creative clashes with Walt and his subsequent, celebrated career as a children's book author and illustrator.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Bill Peet often disagreed with Walt Disney about story ideas. Why do you think it was so important for him to stand up for his own vision, even if it meant arguing with his boss?
2
Throughout the book, Bill fills the pages with sketches from his life and work. How do the drawings help tell the story in a way that words alone could not?
3
After a long, successful career at Disney, Bill Peet quit to start over as a children's book author. Why was this a brave and risky decision? What does this tell us about following your passion?
4
Bill found inspiration for his stories in trains, animals at the zoo, and even his own family. Where do you find inspiration for your own ideas or drawings?
