Books About Animators

The Best Animators Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about animators? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Animators

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Pocket Full of Colors

By Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville, Brigette Barrager (Illustrator)

A visionary artist defies norms, painting a vibrant world in a monochrome industry.

48 pages· 779 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

7.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,370 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Mary Blair, a visionary who defied the monochrome norms of her time. As an artist at Walt Disney Studios, she painted a world bursting with color—emerald skies, tangerine-spotted giraffes, and magenta horses. In an era dominated by men, Mary's bold imagination and refusal to conform challenged the status quo. How did her vibrant vision transform the world of animation? Discover the story of a trailblazer who lived life in full color, daring to dream beyond the black and white.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Bill Peet

By Bill Peet

Discover the life and art of a Disney legend through his own eyes.

Caldecott Honor (1990)Golden Kite Honor (1990)

192 pages· 17,358 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,823 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the fascinating journey of a renowned illustrator as he recounts his life, from his early days to his influential years at Disney. With captivating illustrations on every page, this memoir offers a unique glimpse into the creative world and personal revelations of a beloved storyteller. What challenges did he face, and how did they shape his iconic work? Dive into a blend of history and self-discovery that promises to inspire and intrigue.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2019

I am Walt Disney

By Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator) · Ordinary People Change the World series

Discover how dreams became reality through Walt Disney's imagination and innovation.

40 pages· 1,204 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 581 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the life of Walt Disney, a visionary who transformed imagination into reality. From humble beginnings to creating beloved stories and the happiest place on earth, this biography reveals the challenges and triumphs that shaped his legacy. With engaging illustrations and childhood anecdotes, young readers will be inspired to dream big and embrace creativity. What drove Disney to overcome failures and achieve success? Dive into this lively tale and uncover the magic behind the man who brought joy to millions. Perfect for aspiring dreamers, this book is a gateway to understanding the power of innovation and perseverance.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

Dreams Come to Life

By Adrienne Kress · Book #1 in the Bendy and the Ink Machine series

A young artist uncovers dark secrets in a mysterious animation studio.

304 pages· 68,530 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,210 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Buddy, a delivery boy with dreams of artistry, becomes an apprentice at Joey Drew Studios. As he navigates this new world, he discovers something sinister lurking in the shadows, leaving trails of dark ink. With Dot, a fellow intern, Buddy must unravel the mystery haunting the studio, even if it leads back to the enigmatic Mister Drew. Can they uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Who Was Chuck Jones?

By Jim Gigliotti, Who HQ, John Hinderliter (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Discover the genius behind iconic cartoons and the legendary animator's journey.

112 pages· 7,063 words· Est. 59 min read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 206 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the vibrant world of Chuck Jones, the mastermind behind beloved characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. From Warner Brothers to MGM, his animation legacy includes classics like Tom and Jerry and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. With over 250 films and multiple Oscars, Jones's career is a testament to creativity and innovation. What secrets lie behind his iconic creations?

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Who Was Walt Disney?

By Whitney Stewart, Who HQ, Nancy Harrison (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Walter Elias Disney was born in an upstairs bedroom of a two-story cottage on North Tripp Avenue in Chicago.

112 pages· 7,618 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,058 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the life of Walt Disney, a visionary who transformed childhood dreams into reality. From humble beginnings in Missouri to creating beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, his journey was filled with creativity and challenges. How did a farm boy become the mastermind behind Disneyland? This unauthorized biography unveils the secrets of his success and the magic that continues to enchant the world. With vivid illustrations, delve into the story of a man whose imagination knew no bounds and whose legacy endures in every corner of the globe.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2020

The Lost Ones

By Adrienne Kress · Book #2 in the Bendy series

Three teens uncover a dark secret as mysterious ink stains invade their lives. Will they risk everything to investigate?

288 pages· 66,223 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 280 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1946 Atlantic City, Bill, Constance, and Brant yearn for more than their mundane lives. Bill seeks freedom from his father's shadow, Brant gambles for career success, and Constance desires true self-expression. Their paths cross with a mysterious machine and Joey Drew, leading to eerie ink stains that seep into their world. As they delve into the enigma, a lurking monster threatens their very existence. Will they dare to uncover the truth, or will the darkness consume them? Discover the chilling secrets in this gripping tale of ambition and fear.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

Walt Disney

By Marie Hammontree, Fred Irvin (Illustrator) · Childhood of Famous Americans series

Discover the childhood of the boy who became an entertainment legend.

192 pages· 24,004 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 265 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the early years of Walt Disney, the boy who would transform entertainment forever. What shaped the young dreamer who created Mickey Mouse and won countless Academy Awards? Uncover the roots of his imagination and ambition in this captivating biography.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8

The Woman Behind the Magic

By Brittany Richman, Joanie Stone (Illustrator)

Uncover the untold story of Disney's behind-the-scenes magic maker.

40 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 121 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Lillian Bounds Disney's journey from ink artist to Disney legend is a tale of creativity and resilience. As one of the first women in animation, Lilly's behind-the-scenes magic helped shape iconic cartoons and theme parks. Her partnership with Walt Disney was pivotal, from naming Mickey Mouse to saving the studio from closure. Discover how Lilly's adventurous spirit and innovative ideas left an indelible mark on Disney history, making her an unsung hero in the world of animation.

Sale price

$3251

Picture Book · Ages 0–7 · 2015

Walt Disney

By Grace Hansen · History Maker Biographies series

Discover Walt Disney's groundbreaking journey in animation.

24 pages· 185 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

3.5/5 Goodreads · 17 ratings

$34.22Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore Walt Disney's remarkable journey from dreamer to pioneer in animation and film. Uncover how his visionary ideas transformed entertainment forever. What challenges did he overcome to create a legacy that still inspires today?

The Bookroo Book Club