Walt Disney's Peter Pan

by Todd Strasser (Editor), J.M. Barrie (Editor)

Retells the adventures of the three Darling children in Never Land with Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy

79 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Todd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.

His most recent novel is Summer of '69

Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."

Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."

His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus 
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA 
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal 

Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.

All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.

After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.

Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.

Reviews

[Julieanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly delightful adaptation of the classic Disney film based on the work of J.M Barrie. The illustrations by José Cardona and Fred Marvin alone are reason enough to add this to any collection of Disney storybooks.

Todd Strasser does a wonderful job capturing the charm of the movie in this adaptation and was even kind enough to give us the lyrics to the introductory song to the pirates as well as include key dialogue from the movie that helps you relive the magic.

[BookChampions · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this isn't the Barrie classic I want to someday share with my son, it's a version that he was able to get into nicely. The original version on his bookshelf has few too pictures and is a little too poetic for this stage in his life. (He's 3.)

Jude still refuses to watch most Disney movies (I think he is has been scarred by some of the villains, or in the case of The Little Mermaid, a scolding father), but he doesn't mind reading the stories with his mama and me. I liked that this was such a thorough introduction to Barrie's story, but it revealed to me that Peter Pan could be THE quintessential Disney story, for it symbolizes the magic of childhood—a magic that is still alive, however dim, in every adult.

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Pan was trying to get into a persons house to get his shadow back.When Peter got his shadow out of a drawer a girl woke up.When Peter decided to take her with him home to Never Land her brothers woke up.They decided to come with.They got home safely and were happy that they met.Auryn 8yo

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an adaptation of the classic Disney movie so if you enjoyed the movie you will enjoy this quick read as well, where nothing has been changed, only written down from watching the movie.

[Kirjapallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Täytyy kyllä nostaa hattua, kuinka Disney on (jälleen kerran) saanut kaikki palaset loksahtelemaan hienosti kohdalleen - ja vieläpä säilyttäen monia asioita alkuperäisistä kohtauksista (esim. lääke, turska, lahja...).