Walt Disney: Young Movie Maker

by Marie Hammontree, Fred Irvin (Illustrator)

How did a farm boy in Missouri grow up to be the father of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Goofy, and scores of other beloved characters? Here is the childhood story of an American original.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, School, Biography Memoir, Juvenile

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2014

About the author

Marie Gertrude Hammontree was an American children's author known for her biographies of famous people born in America. Her works include Albert Einstein, Young Thinker and Walt Disney, Young Movie Maker.

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short, easy look at the life of Walt Disney. Even though it was written for children, I enjoyed the book and learned a lot about the man behind so many fun movies. And I don't think I'll ever think of Mickey Mouse the same way again.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took turns reading this out loud with Jackson. He especially enjoyed this biography of Walt Disney and his creative imagination throughout his childhood and beyond. He rated 5 stars, Mom rated 4.

[Acton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Walt Disney as a little boy. He started out in Chicago and when he was five, he moved to Michigan. There, his family bought a farm and lived on it for two years. Then he moved to Kansas and was a newspaper boy. Then he went back to Chicago and decided he was going to be a cartoonist. He was inspired by his love of art and an ad he saw saying you could learn how to draw cartoons by mail. Then he moved back to Kansas and started his own business, but soon his business lost all of its money and he starved for a month. Then, he got enough money to get married and started another business which created cartoons of Mickey Mouse. I really like this book because it let me understand how Walt Disney made Disneyland. It was really good because he moved a lot which was excited to hear about and what his life was about. (Lillian)

Hayes also read this book in October of 2010 and gives it a 5. This is what he has to say about it: The United States was in war with a different country and they where looking for people to go and fight. But Walt had to be 18 years old. They where looking for red cross too but Walt was only 16 years old, so he had to change his passport (he was born in 1901 so he had to change it to 1900 so he could be seventeen years old. He had to go and train in a different State.) When Walt was delivering newspapers, he saw a mouse and he picked it up. After that he put it in his pocket and when he was done he went home and thought he could keep it. The next day he went to school with the same jacket and the mouse was in it. He could not be focused and the mouse ran all around the room and the girls screamed and the boys wanted to catch it. When they did, Walt got in trouble. One time, Walt was at a play. He had to persevere because the director needed a hand and he had to raise his hand for a while. Then he called on him to come up and do a magic trick.

[Sergio Roque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story I was reading in my spare time and I had learned many new things that I had or would have never learned if I hadn't read this book, he was living in the city but moved to the country when he was young I would recommend this book and I will leave it there because I do not want to spoil the book for anyone thinking about reading it! Excellent!

[Ritika Nevatia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a kid's book, very evidently. I found it cheap in a second hand store.

As a budding artist, it is immensely inspiring. I'd say I finished reading it in an hour but it paved way for me to read several more hours about Disney, his life and ideas.

A good start!

[Alex Adell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walt Disney by Marie Hammontree is a biography about a young boy who loved drawing from the time he could walk till the time he died. Walt Disney grew up in many places like Missiouri, Kansas, and Chicago. So he never had a home that he stayed in forever during his childhood. In his adulthood Walt lived in places like France, New York, and Hollywood. During his life while he was making art he was broke many times and homeless then some how he would always find a new job. He finally hit the jackpot when he created Oswald the rabbit but then he was broke again because he lost his rights to the cartoon. He then later created another cartoon called Mickey Mouse which was more popular than Oswald. This then brought the idea of making a short animated film of Mickey Mouse then a whole seris of films. He fianally made other films like Snow White which was a full length movie. His final success was when he created Disney Land which still stands today. Walt Disney is a believable character because he is a real person. Walt Disney looks like a person with brown hair and is very creative in my mind. Walts actions in this story shows he was a person who loved to make people happy and is very creative. In my opinion I love the story because it was very enjoyable to read and fun to learn about the person who made some of my favorite movies and characters.

[Christany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book now i know what the things are and how they came to be. This is a good book for 2nd and 3rd graders for an essay
about Walter Disney.

[Nevada Libert · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this book so much.
i love what walt did i think that it is amazing.
and i am a mazed that he built disneyland such a neat thing that he did.

[Erin VanDemark · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. n/a

2. 5

3. This life story describes in chronological order starting by taking readers through Walt Disney's childhood that eventually led him to become one of the most (if not the most) recognizable movie maker of all time. Readers are informed with each significant detail of Disney's life told as if we are right there with him as he grows up to be such an inspiration to so many people in the past, present, and will continue to be in the future.

4. I love that this life story begins with Disney's childhood as his experiences as a child are the foundations of what inspired him to create all of the amazing movies, characters, franchises, etc. that so many people hold so close to their hearts. I think this book would be so incredibly inspirational for children who are big dreamers like he was. It's such a great thing to read about how humble beginnings can lead to incredible success and that there are so many children out there who are capable of doing anything they set their mind to like Disney himself exemplified.

5. Walt Disney began getting into making cartoons after making a hobby out of drawing animals he would see on his family's farm. Students will be assigned to draw any animal or human of their choosing that they see on a regular basis whether that be a pet or a family member. They will be encouraged to draw them any way that they would like to. They will then begin assigning character traits and other details they come up with about the character that they have drawn. Underneath their drawing, they will write a blurb describing their character and who they are as if they were going to put them into a story of their own. Once they complete them and have them ready for class, the teacher will draw names out of an appropriately themed "Sorcerer's hat" (which is the icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios) at random, pairing students up together. The students will then collaborate to write a short story that features both of their characters no matter how much they may seem to differ. The stories can be silly but should ultimately be comprehensible as if these characters were meant to end up in the same story. This will not only encourage students to delve deep into their imagination but they will also think critically to achieve a story that ties the characters together somehow.

[Aisley Faust · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy reading this magically informational biography all about Walt Disney. In this story Walt Disney works on his father's farm, learns how to draw, starts businesses, and leaves a legacy. When Walt Disney was four years old his father moved them from the city to a farm. Walt Disney lived on this farm until he was about 15. When he was 15 his father moved them to Kansas City. Walt Disney then bought a mail delivered cartoon class. When he got good enough at cartoons he would,d take a sketch pad everywhere with him. One day when he was waiting at the barber shop he started drawing his good friend the barber. He didn't even notice all the people that had crowded around him until one of them called Tony the barber over. When Tony saw his picture he laughed and said it looked great. He even offered to buy the picture from Walt and commission another one every month for $25. Walt was stunned at this seemingly easy way of making money. He gratefully accepted the job and managed to squeeze it in with all his other jobs. Walt had to keep this job a secret from his father because other wise his father would take all the money and invest it in his jelly making business. Walt's father took all the money that Walt made. This made it hard for Walt to start his cartoon businesses. Walt was able to be successful with financial help and managing from his brother. Walt was even successful enough to start building Disney Land.

[Amelia Petretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walt Disney: Young Movie Maker by Marie Hammontree was about a man we all know and love today who created our "favorite place on earth." We get to see the hardships of Disney's life as a child, and his journey of getting so far and becoming one of the most famous people ever.
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I thought this book was so captivating and it really inspired me. It really made me have a different look on all of the beloved movies. Although this book was short, it defiantly had a lot packed in it, and it made me want to read on and on. Only a few books can really do that, and this was one of them. I also enjoyed the spirits of young Disney...
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I rated the book 4 stars, although it was good, I felt it could be longer and maybe a little bit full of details. I would consider this for 3rd and 4th graders. The vocabulary was also challenging but understandable. I really want to read another book in this series and be amazed all over again!

[Brendan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, Walt Disney: Young Movie Maker, by Marie Hammontree is a biography of Walt Disney written for kids ages 4-12. It is part of the Childhood of Famous Americans Series. The story focuses on a young Walt as a boy through early adulthood. Although born in the city of Chicago, Walt Disney was a farm boy at heart. He and his family lived on a Midwestern farm while he was growing up which influenced his personality and interests.

Disney always loved to draw, and the reader experiences his love of drawing, knowing full well what Disney would accomplish with his passion and skill. What I liked best about this book is that the name Walt Disney is iconic, yet the man was a normal guy. His life experiences and his overcoming of obstacles are relatable and inspiring. Through this book, kids can realize that they could grow up to be a person like Walt Disney, if they follow their own dreams. Understanding the details of Walt Disney’s upbringing could motivate young people towards their own greatness. The chapter book format can be used by an adult to read out loud to children as well as by a child to read on his/her own. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars for its portrayal of Disney as a real person that kids can both admire from the outside and feel like they know personally. Reviewed on 8/2/17

[Nicole Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a few of these books in this series for my eight-year old son for Christmas. He decided to start with Walt Disney. He and I read it together and learned so much! I’d say that the experience of reading together and really talking about the challenges Walt faced growing up were enjoyable for the two of us and led to some great conversations. Particularly, the boots that Walt got from Roy for Christmas and then their very unfortunate fate not long after receiving them, made a big impact on my son. He and I are looking forward to reading the other books we have in this great collection. We both highly recommend these books to kids and moms everywhere!

[Arely Cortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It tells the history of Walt Disney. It tells you all the struggles he went through and how he was able to accomplish making Disneyland. When he was young he worked two or three jobs to get money. He wasn't able to spend any of the money because his dad kept it away. After a while his dad started a jelly factory and used some of Walt's money. After many years of trying he was able to make Disneyland.

[Annburnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable biography about Walt Disney starting when he was a child. It tells about the many failures that led to his eventual success.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

M-i-c-k-e-y, M-o-u-s-e.

[Youngjeshe]

👍

[Aidan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walt Disney; the famous joy-giver and happiness lover. The man who made dreams come true and happily ever after’s a possibility. His life is an inspiration to many, best explained in the book Walt Disney Young Movie Maker by Marie Hammontree. Walt Disney grew up to become a good and honest man, with his childhood being the foundation of this development.
As a child, Walt showed a lot of genuine characteristics such as; hard work, honesty and obedience. In the book, it states “He [Walt] works harder than many men” (page 87) and “Walter never complains. He never speaks of the things other boys have.” (88)
Most of the time the book has a very playful attitude about it, in one part of the book, Walter was given an opportunity to clean a Herse for money as he got in to clean it he said to his brother “I guess I must be the only live person that has been in here.” (77) and as someone would go by he would play a prank, he would sit up as if he was coming back from the dead, this is one good example of how light-hearted and fun this book is.
In conclusion, it is a very fun and entertaining book to read with many stories about Walt Disney’s childhood. I would recommend this to anyone who likes any Disney movies.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like biographies and I have been a huge fan of Disney and Walt Disney since I was little. My mom got me this book for Christmas in 2007, but I didn't read it until a few years later. It was full of things I never knew about young Walt's life, including what it was like on the farm and that he had a friend also named Walter. It also has a really good illustration of him at the beginning of the book, before his death in 1966. I had no idea he died so young. But if you're a fan of the late great cartoonist and movie maker, or you just want to know more about him, then read this book.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would probably give it 3 stars - on my own, because I have read more in depth biographies of Walt Disney. So, for me, it lacked a lot of the detail I loved learning about him. But I have to give it four stars because my son really liked it. He needed a biography - and it read easy and he found it fun and informational. Good for third graders - probably not enough for older kids. The majority of the book is based on Walt Disney's childhood - not much about his journey into animation and the ultimate creation of what is now the Walt Disney empire.

[Ben Coulter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe this story was written fairly well for being a biography, however it contained not many historical facts. This would be a good "story" to have your child read however it doesnt give many historical facts about the life of Walt Disney. Simply put, this book gives us not much more than a good story.

[Holly Jorgenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always read this one to my class using a false name and make them guess who it is about. Most of this book takes place when Walt was a very young boy. When someone finally figures it out, students are amazed at some of the things Walt did, like hold down three jobs to make extra money for drawing paper.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very good book. It talks about most of his childhood and his ideas for Disneyland. It also says about how Mickey was made or Oswald the rabbit and the other characters he made. I was surprised how they were very poor growing up but Walt never complained about any of his work. Overall, it was a very good book.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's biography is an excellent read that I discovered in a 2nd-hand store. I read it to a class of 6th graders, even though the reading level is more on a 4th-grade level. It is filled with foreshadows in his childhood that led to many of the great things Disney accomplished as an adult. Disney is the epitome of working hard, making sacrifices, and fulfilling dreams.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Walt Disney. He had a very interesting life and worked very hard to get to where he got to. I'm not a "Disney" fan in the sense of loving "Disney stuff, but I liked this book and now I like Walt Disney the man.

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book because it is a biography, yet it's historical fiction because the author has put it in a narrative story. The book, while staying true to facts (as compared to other Disney biographies), takes liberties by using narrative dialogue.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, mainly because I am wary of historical fiction about real people. I had fun reading this with my boys. Walt Disney was such a resilient young man, and an extremely hard worker. It inspired some good discussion about creativity, setting goals, and family dynamics.

[Mazie Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography.
This was a very cute book to teach about the life of Walt Disney. It was written a way that would be great for kids to read. However, I felt like it focused a lot more on his early life and there were some details in the end of his life that I felt were skimmed over.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a learning experience! I had NO idea of how much Walt Disney went through....time and time again, to finally succeed. A true American inspiration, and talent!

[Ismail menasterly · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book tells the life story of walter Disney who as a boy thought of building a great attraction like Disney world and tells of him dying while in the middle of a project.
it was a good book