Sponsored by Penguin Young Readers

Whether you love Disney characters, movies, or theme parks, you know that they all began with the creativity and perseverance of Walt Disney.

Now, young readers can learn more about the man and the mouse he created in a new book – I am Walt Disney, by Brad Meltzer. The book is the 18^th in a New York Times bestselling series of biographies for young readers. Each book in the series tells the story of a significant historical figure in a simple, conversational, playful way, always focusing on a character trait that makes the hero a role model for kids.

I am Walt Disney introduces Walt as a young boy growing up in Marceline, Missouri. Through colorful, fun illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos, young Walt brings readers along the journey of his life, from the first time he saw a theatrical production of Peter Pan as a child, to creating Mickey Mouse, to opening Disneyland. The book shares Walt’s successes as well as his failures, and how he learned from both to hone his craft and follow his passion of making animated movies and bringing happiness to children and families everywhere.

The book also acknowledges many of the people who helped Walt’s endeavors succeed, giving credit to Ub Iwerks and the other animators who helped bring Mickey Mouse and other animated classics to life. Readers will also find nods to Disney Legends including Marty Sklar and Clarence Nash. These references can make great conversation starters for adults to share with young readers even more history and information about the Disney creations that they love.

Author Brad Meltzer is the New York Times bestselling author of Heroes for My Son, Heroes for My Daughter, and a number of suspense novels like The Escape Artist. He is also the host of the History Channel television shows Brad Meltzer’s Decoded and Brad Meltzer’s Lost History (in which he helped find the missing 9/11 flag). He lives in Florida with his wife and their three children.

I am Walt Disney is available for purchase starting today, September 10, from Penguin Young Readers.

About the Series:

I am Walt Disney is the 18th picture book in the New York Times bestselling series of biographies about heroes. This volume features Walt Disney, who makes dreams come true for himself and countless kids around the world.

This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero’s childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos.