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Disney Cautionary Tales
What you are holding is no ordinary book. This book contains scary stories. Thrilling and chilling tales that feature the worst Disney villains. They twist and turn through unfortunate circumstances. Maybe you’ve heard of a cave full of wonders where no one escapes alive? Or a huntsman carrying a a princess’s heart back to an evil queen? Don’t forget the horseman who lost his head. Literally.
Something strange happens once you start reading. You might feel like you are in the story.
Right. Inside. The. Pages.
Just ask Billie Templeton. She knows all about scary stories. Billie would rather such tales stay inside her book where they belong. If only her classmate, Tim, hadn’t found the mirror. The magic mirror. A mirror wrapped up and never to be opened.
But since when does Tim follow the rules?
Consider yourself warned.
Chilling tales, filled with twists and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat! Perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
Something strange happens once you start reading. You might feel like you are in the story.
Right. Inside. The. Pages.
Just ask Billie Templeton. She knows all about scary stories. Billie would rather such tales stay inside her book where they belong. If only her classmate, Tim, hadn’t found the mirror. The magic mirror. A mirror wrapped up and never to be opened.
But since when does Tim follow the rules?
Consider yourself warned.
Chilling tales, filled with twists and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat! Perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Ridley Pearson
186 books2,103 followersRidley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 25, 2022
I have enjoyed many of the Disney twisted tales, such as The Disney Villains series, so was interested to read this novel. Sadly, it fell short of my expectations as it went too many different directions. It started as a cautionary tale based off of Aladdin, but then ended up being about two kids who end up in various Disney films. It would have flowed better if the story had started with the two children and then had them end up in all of the tales. The first two tales just seemed out of place and I almost stopped reading due to lack of flow and choppy writing. It came together more once Tim found the mirror.
The idea of the book was good and the adventures of the children will be enjoyed by middle grade students. The artwork was a nice touch and added to the book.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #DisneyCautionaryTales by #RidleyPearson - 2.5 stars rounded to 3
The idea of the book was good and the adventures of the children will be enjoyed by middle grade students. The artwork was a nice touch and added to the book.
Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of #DisneyCautionaryTales by #RidleyPearson - 2.5 stars rounded to 3
September 3, 2022
** “The older you get, my boy, the more you come to understand that nothing is for certain. Nothing is a given. The only way forward is to take a chance. A chance well-studied, of course. But a chance nonetheless.” **
Ridley Pearson’s “Disney Cautionary Tales” is a fun new take on very familiar Disney stories.
The book combines back stories to familiar tales like Aladdin, Chernabog and the Huntsman from Snow White with present day characters also stepping into the pages of other stories.
Middle-schoolers Billie and Tim are working at the Walt Disney Archives when they find themselves thrown into portions of several adventures — Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow, Ursula and The Rescuers. They must use their powers of imagination to help each character, therefore helping themselves, all while living inside these scary stories.
Pearson does a great job of taking beloved stories and intertwining them with modern characters to make new storylines. Some are a bit macabre or gruesome, but all are filled with adventure and thrills.
He also fills “Cautionary Tales” with several great themes, like don’t let greed distract you from what’s right; the cost of greed; where your treasure is, your heart will also be; nothing is for certain, so be willing to take a chance; and the incredible power of imagination (“Imagination is the biggest superpower. Nothing else comes close”).
Five stars out of five.
Disney Press provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Ridley Pearson’s “Disney Cautionary Tales” is a fun new take on very familiar Disney stories.
The book combines back stories to familiar tales like Aladdin, Chernabog and the Huntsman from Snow White with present day characters also stepping into the pages of other stories.
Middle-schoolers Billie and Tim are working at the Walt Disney Archives when they find themselves thrown into portions of several adventures — Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow, Ursula and The Rescuers. They must use their powers of imagination to help each character, therefore helping themselves, all while living inside these scary stories.
Pearson does a great job of taking beloved stories and intertwining them with modern characters to make new storylines. Some are a bit macabre or gruesome, but all are filled with adventure and thrills.
He also fills “Cautionary Tales” with several great themes, like don’t let greed distract you from what’s right; the cost of greed; where your treasure is, your heart will also be; nothing is for certain, so be willing to take a chance; and the incredible power of imagination (“Imagination is the biggest superpower. Nothing else comes close”).
Five stars out of five.
Disney Press provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
October 10, 2022
Voto libro: 4.5
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
December 12, 2023
I liked the concept of this book a lot. It was a fun read and reminded me a lot of Kingdom Keepers. I would probably read it again as a fun Halloween book.
February 26, 2023
Reader beware, these stories will scare. Featuring some of Disney’s worst villains, each tale can only end badly. The Cave of Wonders that swallows its victims alive, a huntsman sent out by an evil queen to kill a princess, the horseman who loses its head, and many more tales.
These stories are well-written and spine-chilling. The illustrations are well-done and add to the text. Most stories either take place before the known tale or are an alternate point of view. Fans of scary stories, horror, thrillers, and Ridley Pearson will enjoy reading this book.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
These stories are well-written and spine-chilling. The illustrations are well-done and add to the text. Most stories either take place before the known tale or are an alternate point of view. Fans of scary stories, horror, thrillers, and Ridley Pearson will enjoy reading this book.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received.
February 26, 2023
I saw this book and immediately wanted it because of the art. Flipping through, I was like 'wait.... is this....' then I saw one or two pictures and I was certain. It WAS illustrated by Abigail Larson. And that immediately sold me. I was going to read this book someday. Then I read the summary and saw that it involved stories with The HEADLESS HORSEMAN??? AAAAaaaaaannd CHERNABOG!!!????? I purchased it immediately without a second thought.
don't get me wrong i fully loved and enjoyed this book. I want to give it a full five stars but I have to dock one in the name of honesty cuz it (or at least many parts of it) kinda made..... no sense
so it touts itself as a book of short scary stories starring villains and I loooooved that idea. Then reading the summary on the back it seemed like it would have a framing device featuring our protagonists, Billie and Tim. It mentions they get sucked into the stories. That's cool too.
However the stories themselves kinda...... make no sense.
The first one we read is an apparent Aladdin prequel that only works if you decide that this is the in-universe author's alternate canon (it turns out Billie's reading this story) or that the baby they name Aladdin is just going to be a baby named after Aladdin
The second story is the Huntsman from Snow White being hunted by his past kills. A story we've been given before but usually the victim of such stories deserves to be hunted after being a hunter. This man very much did not. And one animal even seems to sort of acknowledge that but they still take their revenge… just...……. Why?
The Chernabog story was my absolute favorite. My only thing with it is that at the last second (SPOILER) after killing then resurrecting him although his only crime was being scary looking, one of the characters who was on his side quickly tried to say/imply he came back wrong/evil. We are given no hint of this before or after that sentence. He still seems like a kind gentle giant and the other of the two characters who are on his side shows no fear of him... so like....... no, no he didn't come back wrong or evil.
It came off like the author realized the story was too sad and sympathetic and decided to toss that in like 'oh he's evil now. so it's a scary story'... no. stand in what you've done. it was amazing.
even so I love it. i love it i love it i love it.
Then come the stories that our leads start falling into. They make.... enough sense.... sometimes. The one that takes place in the Beauty and the Beast story makes sense but.... why is the Enchantress EVIL evil?
The story that took place in Sleepy Hollow..... did we time jump to the day the horseman lost his head then to the night of Ichabod's chase? (Otherwise it seems the horseman lost his head THAT MORNING then became a decades long local legend before dinner… so it HAD to be time jumping right?)
Ursula-disguised-as-Vanessa on trial for witchcraft.... when? Before the events of The Little Mermaid? During? After??
Am I overthinking this?
In the next story it's quickly mentioned that magic and time work together and apart to make it so things are not always linear. So there is THAT but.... still I came away from some of the adventures like 'huh??'
However, it was a very quick and very fun read. I will read it again and again and I would recommend it to anyone. But being me, I'd tell them 'hey its kinda outta whack sometimes so don't expect perfection'.
I would LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVE for him to follow it up with another. I can imagine these kids falling in with Cruella or Tamatoa or Facilier or Clayton. There's a world of villains to use and it would be so cool for this to be revisited somehow.
I love this. 10/10. Made no sense but who cares? I was in it for a good time and pretty art and that's what I got.
sidenote: this needs to be reprinted on glossy paper or something though. Some of the blacks on blacks didn't pop as I think the artist intended because of the matte-ness of the paper. You can still see the details but def not as well as I'd imagine she'd want. It doesn't ruin anything though
(or maybe I'm just like way too nice)
don't get me wrong i fully loved and enjoyed this book. I want to give it a full five stars but I have to dock one in the name of honesty cuz it (or at least many parts of it) kinda made..... no sense
so it touts itself as a book of short scary stories starring villains and I loooooved that idea. Then reading the summary on the back it seemed like it would have a framing device featuring our protagonists, Billie and Tim. It mentions they get sucked into the stories. That's cool too.
However the stories themselves kinda...... make no sense.
The first one we read is an apparent Aladdin prequel that only works if you decide that this is the in-universe author's alternate canon (it turns out Billie's reading this story) or that the baby they name Aladdin is just going to be a baby named after Aladdin
The second story is the Huntsman from Snow White being hunted by his past kills. A story we've been given before but usually the victim of such stories deserves to be hunted after being a hunter. This man very much did not. And one animal even seems to sort of acknowledge that but they still take their revenge… just...……. Why?
The Chernabog story was my absolute favorite. My only thing with it is that at the last second (SPOILER) after killing then resurrecting him although his only crime was being scary looking, one of the characters who was on his side quickly tried to say/imply he came back wrong/evil. We are given no hint of this before or after that sentence. He still seems like a kind gentle giant and the other of the two characters who are on his side shows no fear of him... so like....... no, no he didn't come back wrong or evil.
It came off like the author realized the story was too sad and sympathetic and decided to toss that in like 'oh he's evil now. so it's a scary story'... no. stand in what you've done. it was amazing.
even so I love it. i love it i love it i love it.
Then come the stories that our leads start falling into. They make.... enough sense.... sometimes. The one that takes place in the Beauty and the Beast story makes sense but.... why is the Enchantress EVIL evil?
The story that took place in Sleepy Hollow..... did we time jump to the day the horseman lost his head then to the night of Ichabod's chase? (Otherwise it seems the horseman lost his head THAT MORNING then became a decades long local legend before dinner… so it HAD to be time jumping right?)
Ursula-disguised-as-Vanessa on trial for witchcraft.... when? Before the events of The Little Mermaid? During? After??
Am I overthinking this?
In the next story it's quickly mentioned that magic and time work together and apart to make it so things are not always linear. So there is THAT but.... still I came away from some of the adventures like 'huh??'
However, it was a very quick and very fun read. I will read it again and again and I would recommend it to anyone. But being me, I'd tell them 'hey its kinda outta whack sometimes so don't expect perfection'.
I would LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVE for him to follow it up with another. I can imagine these kids falling in with Cruella or Tamatoa or Facilier or Clayton. There's a world of villains to use and it would be so cool for this to be revisited somehow.
I love this. 10/10. Made no sense but who cares? I was in it for a good time and pretty art and that's what I got.
sidenote: this needs to be reprinted on glossy paper or something though. Some of the blacks on blacks didn't pop as I think the artist intended because of the matte-ness of the paper. You can still see the details but def not as well as I'd imagine she'd want. It doesn't ruin anything though
(or maybe I'm just like way too nice)
November 14, 2023
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
This book features backstories and twists on Aladdin, Chernabog from Fantasia, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Little Mermaid, and The Rescuers. It was fun to visit the worlds of some of the less-retold stories. I was especially excited for Chernabog's story and getting to know a little about him.
The book starts off as a collection of tales featuring Disney characters, settings, and stories. From there, we are introduced to Billie and Tim, two teens exploring the Disney Archives. After a few stories, they are pulled into the Disney movies and must find their way back to the real world. I will say, by the end, the story was more interesting to me. But it was kind of odd to start with standalone stories then jump into connected ones. It was a weird flow and felt disjointed.
I don't think the tagline does this book any favors. Most of them aren't actually scary stories. They are more adventure stories, sometimes with spooky elements. Besides the Headless Horseman and the Huntsman, I wouldn't really call any of them scary stories. There are elements of danger, graveyards, dark forests, hungry wolves, and sea witches, but the stories aren't written to scare.
Despite all that, the illustrations in this are absolutely stunning. I loved the visuals. They perfectly deliver on the darkness of the concept.
I really wanted to love this book. I adore retellings, especially those dark in nature. But I didn't really connect with the characters or the writing. This is a solid 2-star book for the writing, but the visuals were absolute perfection so it gets a bonus star just for that. The stories were alright, but I wanted to finish this solely to talk about the artwork.
An okay read, but highly recommend perusing it to take in all of Larson's fantastically spooky art.
This book features backstories and twists on Aladdin, Chernabog from Fantasia, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, The Little Mermaid, and The Rescuers. It was fun to visit the worlds of some of the less-retold stories. I was especially excited for Chernabog's story and getting to know a little about him.
The book starts off as a collection of tales featuring Disney characters, settings, and stories. From there, we are introduced to Billie and Tim, two teens exploring the Disney Archives. After a few stories, they are pulled into the Disney movies and must find their way back to the real world. I will say, by the end, the story was more interesting to me. But it was kind of odd to start with standalone stories then jump into connected ones. It was a weird flow and felt disjointed.
I don't think the tagline does this book any favors. Most of them aren't actually scary stories. They are more adventure stories, sometimes with spooky elements. Besides the Headless Horseman and the Huntsman, I wouldn't really call any of them scary stories. There are elements of danger, graveyards, dark forests, hungry wolves, and sea witches, but the stories aren't written to scare.
Despite all that, the illustrations in this are absolutely stunning. I loved the visuals. They perfectly deliver on the darkness of the concept.
I really wanted to love this book. I adore retellings, especially those dark in nature. But I didn't really connect with the characters or the writing. This is a solid 2-star book for the writing, but the visuals were absolute perfection so it gets a bonus star just for that. The stories were alright, but I wanted to finish this solely to talk about the artwork.
An okay read, but highly recommend perusing it to take in all of Larson's fantastically spooky art.
September 27, 2022
Cautionary tales
Br Ridley Pearson
Billy and Tim relate events of how people escape the fires in California. They spend the days off school at the Disney studios. During their adventures, they explore many of the mysteries connected to artifacts and features in the storage areas. They are drawn on to the stories of the villain's of the Disney movies.
Cave of wonders
Two half makes a very whole or a dangerous thing. Two parts of a scarab amulet summon a magic carpet. Begins a story that will place both a woman and her husband who find magic.
The spirit hunter
The close friendship of two orphans with the eyes that haunt them appreciating their music changes the reader's idea of the demon of fantasia.
The heartless pig
The hunter from snow white has to return what he took. The heart of a pig, the trophies of his hunts haunt him. He has to face his responsibility for his choices.
Billy and the Beast
Rewrote the story of Beauty of the beast by trying to stop the mob from attacking the Beast. They have to plan a new way for the mob to attack the beast to save Belle and her to save the beast.
Billy in wonderland
Her love of wonderland, took Billy and Tim into the portal to wonderland. They have a choice of seven doors.
To spooky hollow the story of Ichabod crane.
Gains a debit to be paid that leads him to another story.
A watches trial
A sea trial for a sea witch the injustice causes Billy's kindness to nearly cost her everything.
A gem of a tale
The reunion of Billy and Tim start in a museum. It takes them on an adventure for the demon's eye. Saving the 1970's from all the villains.
The whole book shows many new stories in the Disney world.
Br Ridley Pearson
Billy and Tim relate events of how people escape the fires in California. They spend the days off school at the Disney studios. During their adventures, they explore many of the mysteries connected to artifacts and features in the storage areas. They are drawn on to the stories of the villain's of the Disney movies.
Cave of wonders
Two half makes a very whole or a dangerous thing. Two parts of a scarab amulet summon a magic carpet. Begins a story that will place both a woman and her husband who find magic.
The spirit hunter
The close friendship of two orphans with the eyes that haunt them appreciating their music changes the reader's idea of the demon of fantasia.
The heartless pig
The hunter from snow white has to return what he took. The heart of a pig, the trophies of his hunts haunt him. He has to face his responsibility for his choices.
Billy and the Beast
Rewrote the story of Beauty of the beast by trying to stop the mob from attacking the Beast. They have to plan a new way for the mob to attack the beast to save Belle and her to save the beast.
Billy in wonderland
Her love of wonderland, took Billy and Tim into the portal to wonderland. They have a choice of seven doors.
To spooky hollow the story of Ichabod crane.
Gains a debit to be paid that leads him to another story.
A watches trial
A sea trial for a sea witch the injustice causes Billy's kindness to nearly cost her everything.
A gem of a tale
The reunion of Billy and Tim start in a museum. It takes them on an adventure for the demon's eye. Saving the 1970's from all the villains.
The whole book shows many new stories in the Disney world.
November 12, 2022
This book wasn’t as alluring as I’d hoped (proof once again that you can’t judge a book by its cover). While the Billie and Tim prove to be resourceful and redoubtable heroes, the stories aren’t quite as well written as you would want. Sentences are added awkwardly when there is no need for them. Exclamation points only serve to emphasize gratuitous plot points.
Billie’s character is also rather uncertain. She desperately wants to get back home (who can blame her; Disney tales are filled with dangerous characters and situations) but also puts herself in danger and gets excited at the idea of more peril. It’s ridiculous, really.
However, their stories aside, there are a couple of fascinating variations on the stories we know. Snow White’s merciful Huntsman meets a merciless end. Chernobog proves to be a horned beast who is drawn irresistibly to music. Why couldn’t we have had more stories like that in this volume?
What I really liked about the book are the illustrations and the print style. The pages are often bracketed by stone or forests in various forms of bloom or decay. Some pages are black ink on white paper; others are white ink on black paper, lending an eerie aspect to the stories. The Headless Horseman atop his steed rears against a sullen moon set in a rust-red sky. A smoky diamond reveals images of famous Disney villains. It’s all done in gray, black or rust-red tones, proving how talented artists can make do with just a little.
It’s not what I was expecting but there is some quality to be found within these pages.
Billie’s character is also rather uncertain. She desperately wants to get back home (who can blame her; Disney tales are filled with dangerous characters and situations) but also puts herself in danger and gets excited at the idea of more peril. It’s ridiculous, really.
However, their stories aside, there are a couple of fascinating variations on the stories we know. Snow White’s merciful Huntsman meets a merciless end. Chernobog proves to be a horned beast who is drawn irresistibly to music. Why couldn’t we have had more stories like that in this volume?
What I really liked about the book are the illustrations and the print style. The pages are often bracketed by stone or forests in various forms of bloom or decay. Some pages are black ink on white paper; others are white ink on black paper, lending an eerie aspect to the stories. The Headless Horseman atop his steed rears against a sullen moon set in a rust-red sky. A smoky diamond reveals images of famous Disney villains. It’s all done in gray, black or rust-red tones, proving how talented artists can make do with just a little.
It’s not what I was expecting but there is some quality to be found within these pages.
May 27, 2024
This was such an interesting concept especially for the Middle grade/YA audience. The artwork and page backgrounds really added to the overall mood of the story.
The main reason that I didn't rate this story higher is because the characters didn't always seem aligned with their characteristics. Billie comes across as the more responsible but then decides to do something extremely dangerous right after telling Tim all the reasons that they shouldn't do it. Like literally right after. It was a weird choice and really felt more like an issue of editing instead of how the story progresses.
The story also references cautionary tales and how things typically end very badly afterward but that doesn't quite align with the story either.
Another reason that the story didn't fit very well with me were subplots that seemed to be started but never really ended. Or at least did not feel like they were completed. Perhaps there is a sequel that handles this issue but as its own book it didn't feel as complete.
As far as scary, I wouldn't say the stories would be too bad for most middle-grade readers but one of the stories does deal with bodies in various states of mutilation after a battle that Tim comes across.
The main reason that I didn't rate this story higher is because the characters didn't always seem aligned with their characteristics. Billie comes across as the more responsible but then decides to do something extremely dangerous right after telling Tim all the reasons that they shouldn't do it. Like literally right after. It was a weird choice and really felt more like an issue of editing instead of how the story progresses.
The story also references cautionary tales and how things typically end very badly afterward but that doesn't quite align with the story either.
Another reason that the story didn't fit very well with me were subplots that seemed to be started but never really ended. Or at least did not feel like they were completed. Perhaps there is a sequel that handles this issue but as its own book it didn't feel as complete.
As far as scary, I wouldn't say the stories would be too bad for most middle-grade readers but one of the stories does deal with bodies in various states of mutilation after a battle that Tim comes across.
September 29, 2022
Book Title: Disney Cautionary Tales
Author: Ridley Pearson
Audiobook Narrator: Dani Martinek
Publisher: Disney Audiobooks ~ Disney Press
Genre: Fantasy/ Middle School/Fantasy
Pub Date: October 4, 2022
My Rating: 3.6 stars
Billie Templeton and her classmate Tim find a magic mirror and find themselves in Disney adventures — Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow, Ursula and The Rescuers. Only these stories have a new storyline and yes scary adventure.
Billie and Tim’s imagination is needed to help each character.
(Yes our Imagination is our superpower. Nothing else comes close”).
I am not the target audience for this story but as an educator I love to read stories that young reads may enjoy. I find I enjoy them and can make recommendation
Narrator Dani Martinek does as beautiful job in performing these characters.
I have no doubt middle schoolers will love this!
Want to thank NetGalley and Disney Press for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 4, 2022
Author: Ridley Pearson
Audiobook Narrator: Dani Martinek
Publisher: Disney Audiobooks ~ Disney Press
Genre: Fantasy/ Middle School/Fantasy
Pub Date: October 4, 2022
My Rating: 3.6 stars
Billie Templeton and her classmate Tim find a magic mirror and find themselves in Disney adventures — Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Sleepy Hollow, Ursula and The Rescuers. Only these stories have a new storyline and yes scary adventure.
Billie and Tim’s imagination is needed to help each character.
(Yes our Imagination is our superpower. Nothing else comes close”).
I am not the target audience for this story but as an educator I love to read stories that young reads may enjoy. I find I enjoy them and can make recommendation
Narrator Dani Martinek does as beautiful job in performing these characters.
I have no doubt middle schoolers will love this!
Want to thank NetGalley and Disney Press for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 4, 2022
January 3, 2023
This is a collection of outside-the-movie stories from Aladdin, Fantasia (Chernabog back story), and Snow White. They are written as stories within a "main" story about Tim and Billie, the children of employees who work in the Walt Disney Archives in California. They "fall into" the rest of the short stories and become characters within the Disney stories.
The book itself is BEAUTIFULLY illustrated, and the overarching plot is interesting. Definitely one for us Disney-holics. It's officially a "juvenile fiction" book, but works for even us jaded adults. I feel like this is the beginning of a series, and I'm curious where Pearson is going to take these stories. But considering his work on the Kingdom Keepers series, I'm sure this will be pretty cool. It's clear he's got a thing for Chernabog, though, since he shows up in this book as well as in the Kingdom Keepers series.
There is some disjointed plot going on, though. It feels like all the answers weren't given, which is why I feel like this is just the beginning of a series.
The book itself is BEAUTIFULLY illustrated, and the overarching plot is interesting. Definitely one for us Disney-holics. It's officially a "juvenile fiction" book, but works for even us jaded adults. I feel like this is the beginning of a series, and I'm curious where Pearson is going to take these stories. But considering his work on the Kingdom Keepers series, I'm sure this will be pretty cool. It's clear he's got a thing for Chernabog, though, since he shows up in this book as well as in the Kingdom Keepers series.
There is some disjointed plot going on, though. It feels like all the answers weren't given, which is why I feel like this is just the beginning of a series.
October 7, 2022
I'm usually pretty excited to read stories by Ridley Pearson, but Disney Cautionary Tales really missed the mark somehow for me. I think the biggest problem I had with this as a whole is simply related to the fact that it was just so painfully disorganized. We're thrown initially into an origin story for Aladdin that was, frankly, really dumb...and then suddenly sometime later we're in the Disney vault with two kids out of nowhere?
I just can't figure out what the point of any of this was? Everything felt disjointed and truly pointless. Add in the fact that the twists and turns of these supposed cautionary tales were all just really unimaginative and dull. I felt like I was just reading really bad fan fiction for the majority of it. And honestly? I kind of expected better from an author like Pearson.
I just can't figure out what the point of any of this was? Everything felt disjointed and truly pointless. Add in the fact that the twists and turns of these supposed cautionary tales were all just really unimaginative and dull. I felt like I was just reading really bad fan fiction for the majority of it. And honestly? I kind of expected better from an author like Pearson.
April 19, 2025
A fun, nicely designed and illustrated book. The adventures Tim and Billie experience at Disney Archives involving various Disney stories are imaginative and suspenseful. I would enjoy more stories at Disney archives about these two along with Kevin, Becky and even the Bunsen and Beakers Lab baristas.
At the end, several loose ends are left untied, and while that’s the way it should be with magic, the story could have gone a bit deeper into what happened and why. It is weird that the first two stories aren’t connected to the rest. Billie’s character could be more constantly developed.
I was left feeling like an opportunity was missed to pull all the elements together more cohesively, develop Billie and Tim’s relationship and create more backstory. In spite of all this, it’s enjoyable for middle graders and Disney fans.
At the end, several loose ends are left untied, and while that’s the way it should be with magic, the story could have gone a bit deeper into what happened and why. It is weird that the first two stories aren’t connected to the rest. Billie’s character could be more constantly developed.
I was left feeling like an opportunity was missed to pull all the elements together more cohesively, develop Billie and Tim’s relationship and create more backstory. In spite of all this, it’s enjoyable for middle graders and Disney fans.
October 7, 2022
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was so, so good. Billie and Tim are a couple of my fave new protagonists, and this is an easy read that you can pick up and put down easily with the different stories weaving through. I did initially think it would be a lot more tuned to being short stories, but this really turns into being a beautifully strung together novel. There's a ton of knowledge of both Disney and the original stories some of these were based on here, and Pearson does a fantastic job of working in everything. This is one I'd highly recommend, no matter the age, and it feels so weirdly warm and comforting while being a great adventure at the same time.
This was so, so good. Billie and Tim are a couple of my fave new protagonists, and this is an easy read that you can pick up and put down easily with the different stories weaving through. I did initially think it would be a lot more tuned to being short stories, but this really turns into being a beautifully strung together novel. There's a ton of knowledge of both Disney and the original stories some of these were based on here, and Pearson does a fantastic job of working in everything. This is one I'd highly recommend, no matter the age, and it feels so weirdly warm and comforting while being a great adventure at the same time.
October 24, 2022
The Mirror in the backroom was my favorite story. But I did feel at times these stories were disjointed I feel like they could have flowed better and maybe reading the paper book would have been better because sometimes the narrator Dani Martinek has a ‘teacher’ voice that kind of lulled me a little too much.
I wasn’t a big fan of the narration of this one, I wanted more acting more accents and voices it was just a straight read and a boring one, so I am not sure if the book itself was boring or if the narrator was.
2 1/2 stars
I received this book from the publisher Disney Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
I wasn’t a big fan of the narration of this one, I wanted more acting more accents and voices it was just a straight read and a boring one, so I am not sure if the book itself was boring or if the narrator was.
2 1/2 stars
I received this book from the publisher Disney Audio and NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
April 25, 2022
When wild fires cause schools to close, Billie and Tim get to hang at Disney Studios where their parents work. Billie is reading a book of scary stories involving some of Disney's villains. Tim is helping inventory in the archives. He's warned not to touch anything because it might be CURSED. When Tim gets a little too curious, he gets a much closer look at those stories in Billie's book.
This was a fun read for any Disney fan. Great for kids who enjoy scary stories, without being TOO scary.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for an early copy to review.
This was a fun read for any Disney fan. Great for kids who enjoy scary stories, without being TOO scary.
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for an early copy to review.
July 30, 2022
When fires cause Tim and Billie school to close, they are forced to go to work with their parents at the Disney company. What could go wrong? Magic is not real and the stories that Disney produces they couldn’t come to life, could they? When a magic mirror is uncovered in the archives Tim and Billie get swept up in a world where villains come to life and magic is alive and well. Can Billie and Tim figure out a way home in time before all the stories get a new ending one where they end up the new victim.
This is a very interesting story. I will be very honest I think that I enjoyed the first two stories where Tim and Billie were not in them more than I enjoyed once they found the magic mirror. I really enjoyed the Chernabog’s story. Such a different way to look at an underrated villain. I also liked the background story of Aladdin’s parents. The stories once Tim and Billie entered them were okay. But I liked the twist that the first two stories gave the reader on villains we know but maybe we don’t know the whole story. Overall, this was decent book. There was some disconnect between the first three stories and those that came later. Kids will enjoy the magic and re meeting some of their favorite villains, some of them being shown in a whole new light.
Thank you to Disney and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
This is a very interesting story. I will be very honest I think that I enjoyed the first two stories where Tim and Billie were not in them more than I enjoyed once they found the magic mirror. I really enjoyed the Chernabog’s story. Such a different way to look at an underrated villain. I also liked the background story of Aladdin’s parents. The stories once Tim and Billie entered them were okay. But I liked the twist that the first two stories gave the reader on villains we know but maybe we don’t know the whole story. Overall, this was decent book. There was some disconnect between the first three stories and those that came later. Kids will enjoy the magic and re meeting some of their favorite villains, some of them being shown in a whole new light.
Thank you to Disney and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
October 6, 2022
Two teens sheltering at their parents' workplace (the Disney vault) from a forest fire wind up transported into scary stories via a magic mirror. They must work together to fix things in order to get back to reality.
The beginning was confusing. It seems like the book will just be a collection of stories based on Disney movies, but then you find out the character, Billie, is reading them.
I'm not sure what story the bug creature was supposed to be taken from.
It was a quick read/listen. I think tweens will enjoy it.
The beginning was confusing. It seems like the book will just be a collection of stories based on Disney movies, but then you find out the character, Billie, is reading them.
I'm not sure what story the bug creature was supposed to be taken from.
It was a quick read/listen. I think tweens will enjoy it.
October 17, 2022
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this tale of tales. I liked that it featured Disney stories that are not always talked about, like The Headless Horseman and The Rescuers. I did feel that the beginning did not exactly match up with the rest of the story and I was lost for a short bit. But once the story started to come together, everything made sense. I believe that tried and true Disney fans will greatly enjoy this book.
I enjoyed this tale of tales. I liked that it featured Disney stories that are not always talked about, like The Headless Horseman and The Rescuers. I did feel that the beginning did not exactly match up with the rest of the story and I was lost for a short bit. But once the story started to come together, everything made sense. I believe that tried and true Disney fans will greatly enjoy this book.
August 13, 2022
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The drawings on the pages were great and I liked how the stories intertwined with the story the book was telling. I do like that the villains were explored; so it was a different take on the normal Disney books. I like how there were sayings dispersed throughout the book.
October 22, 2022
Thank you Disney and Netgalley for a review copy of this book.
This book is more than just takes but making the Disney stories and characters we know and love come to life! I loved feeling like I was another character along for the ride. It’s just spooky enough that it’s fun for adults but not so scary for the kiddos.
This book is more than just takes but making the Disney stories and characters we know and love come to life! I loved feeling like I was another character along for the ride. It’s just spooky enough that it’s fun for adults but not so scary for the kiddos.
December 24, 2024
It felt like more to be desired in all the stories. It seemed to be set up well with the modern day story, but didn’t develop those characters or their relationship well. The villain stories didn’t tie together and they ended weird. Just didn’t flow well as one story and the glimpses of villains could have been way more “fun” and intricate.
August 28, 2025
It was a interesting book filled with twisted tales from the classic Disney stories. I guess my rating is 3 stars only because I was hoping for more to the story or for it to be scarier. I didn't know that there would be two normal characters going through the stories, maybe I was hoping for it to be written without them in there?
May 2, 2022
Exciting plot, fast paced. Wish we could have gotten to know Billie and Tim a little better and what drives them to make decisions.
Fun for any Disney Fan who’s toured the Disney Studios with lots of Easter eggs hidden throughout the book.
Fun for any Disney Fan who’s toured the Disney Studios with lots of Easter eggs hidden throughout the book.
September 23, 2022
I have been a fan of Ridley Pearson since The Kingdom Keepers series first began. This book was such a good Disney read to be put in the mood for fall/ Halloween. This would be great to use with upper elementary/middle school readers. I enjoyed it!
September 27, 2022
While fun, I as a grown person struggled to follow the consistently convoluted plot. It definitely had some moments of tension and conflict, and lovely little easter eggs that deepened the Disney lore. Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Press for an early read in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2022
A series of stories following a group of kids working at Disney studios. The stories follow some of your favorite villains. I really enjoyed the book. It is creepy without being too scary for younger readers. My kids would have loved these stories when they were little.
November 20, 2022
Ridley Pearson is the king of writing twists on classic Disney stories. This is a fast paced exciting YA adventure book that is draws the reader in immediately. A must read for Disney fans of any age.
November 25, 2022
First off, I thought this was going to be a graphic novel, so I was disappointed from the moment I opened it. I was also disappointed that this referenced more obscure Disney movies, so I wasn't able to get all of the stories. So, overall, it wasn't that great.
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