Disney Book Group

One of the few books that I had requested prior to Hurricane Michael that actually made it to me well after the fact...and boy was I glad!

Think you know the story of The Nutcracker? THINK AGAIN! The tale takes us both into the past and along the trail of present day as we follow Marie and Clara through a magical world that reminds us that while all things that glitter may not shine, we have, in and of ourselves, all we need inside. This enchanting story starts out with heartbreak in both show more timelines. For Marie, it was the passing of her parents leaving her orphaned and in the hands of the state...if not for her newly named "Uncle" Drosselmeyer; for Clara, it's the passing of her mother (the formerly mentioned Marie) leaving her family in an unsettled state of mourning. Both have much to learn about themselves and about the world, and while mother teaches daughter from a distance, daughter inherits much more than grace, or beauty, but the power to BE HERSELF, TRUST HERSELF, and the strength of heart to not only carry on, but to help her family do the same. The dazzling worlds they each occupy, the magic that is unleashed, and the darkness that is battled, all add to the initial splendor of the novel while giving long time fans of the classic that bit of something MORE.

Highly recommended for fans and new inductees. It has all the timelessness of the original with just the right amount of MAGIC to increase the enchantment tenfold. show less

My son loves these 5 minute Disney story collections, so he picked this out during one of the library visits. He found this collection boring and I hated reading it to him. Other 5 minute Disney story collections show the Disney characters going on adventures and having fun. This collection mostly shows the princesses doing something in the ~*domestic sphere*~ like preparing picnics, tailoring and trying on dresses, taking care of baby dragons. Like…are we for real? Princesses like show more adventures too. They don’t exist to just serve others. It felt out of touch, even for 2011 (when I think the book was published). show less

This was a cute story about trying to cool off in the summer by using a magic door to Winterland. This book is just a repeat of an episode of the show, and I think it works better as a show than a book. However, it’s meant for kids and they’re going to like it.

A fun, action-packed Spider-Man story collection with short chapters that would work well as quick read-alouds. Very much a bedtime or “just one story” kind of book, especially for kids who are into superheroes, villains, and big dramatic saves.