The Woman Behind the Magic: How Lillian B. Disney Shaped the Disney Legacy
Brittany Richman
Jun 2025 · Simon and Schuster
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About this ebook
Discover how Lillian Bounds Disney helped shape the Disney legacy as a cartoon artist and innovator in this “insightful and inspiring” (School Library Journal, starred review) picture book biography, perfect for Disney fans everywhere!
As a child, Lilly learned that working behind-the-scenes was its own special talent. When she grew up, her magical sense of adventure led her to the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. She became one of the first women in the animation industry, where she worked as an ink and paint artist and later, as the studio’s first secretary.
After Lilly and Walt fell in love, they got married in 1925, and Lilly continued adding her own magic to Walt’s wild ideas—including encouraging him to keep trying cartoons when the studio was in danger of closing and giving Mickey Mouse his name. Together, they became an unstoppable team. From cartoon ideas to theme park innovations, Lilly helped shape Disney history.
As a child, Lilly learned that working behind-the-scenes was its own special talent. When she grew up, her magical sense of adventure led her to the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. She became one of the first women in the animation industry, where she worked as an ink and paint artist and later, as the studio’s first secretary.
After Lilly and Walt fell in love, they got married in 1925, and Lilly continued adding her own magic to Walt’s wild ideas—including encouraging him to keep trying cartoons when the studio was in danger of closing and giving Mickey Mouse his name. Together, they became an unstoppable team. From cartoon ideas to theme park innovations, Lilly helped shape Disney history.
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About the author
Brittany Richman is an author, mom, and former political staffer who worked for the White House and Congress. She is also the cofounder of The American Moms blog. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and treasures memories of childhood trips to Disneyland. Brittany now lives in South Dakota with her husband, three adventurous kids, and a mischievous goldendoodle. She has an MFA in writing for children from Vermont College of Fine Arts. The Woman Behind the Magic is her debut picture book. Visit her at TheAmericanMoms.com.
Joanie Stone lives in the quaint countryside of Virginia where she works illustrating books for children including Secrets of the Sea by Evan Griffith, The World of Emily Windsnap series by Liz Kessler, The Wire Zoo by Natasha Wing, and The Woman Behind the Magic by Brittany Richman. You can find more of her art on Instagram @JoanieStoneArt.
Joanie Stone lives in the quaint countryside of Virginia where she works illustrating books for children including Secrets of the Sea by Evan Griffith, The World of Emily Windsnap series by Liz Kessler, The Wire Zoo by Natasha Wing, and The Woman Behind the Magic by Brittany Richman. You can find more of her art on Instagram @JoanieStoneArt.
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