Publisher: Insight Editions

Year: 2019

Pages: 304

Type: Hardcover

ISBN: 978-1-68383-696-4

“Mickey Mouse is the most popular Disney character.”

Or is he? This book doesn’t mention this fact, but Donald Duck far surpassed Mickey in popularity during the heyday of the cartoon Shorts. However, the book does also say that “he is one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the world”, and I think we can all agree on that!

As you will see below, most of the content comprises two-page spreads with an image and a short factoid. For the most part these facts are accurate while some are a bit off. But no glaring mistakes seem to be present in the information given and a new-to-Disney or younger reader will benefit from the details.

I’m posting this on November 18th, 2022, to commemorate the date that Mickey debuted in the cartoon Short entitled Steamboat Willie. The year was 1928. So, although this book was produced to mark the 90th ‘birthday’ of Mickey Mouse, it has actually been, at this time, 94 years!

Mickey sports a new look now that has been very polarizing among Disney fans, to say the least! Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses this new look and seems to be winning people over. But the new series of Shorts are still struggling to gain widespread acceptance. I like it!

Did you learn anything new? As I said, long-time Disney fans won’t be surprised by any of the information shared in this book. However, many of the images are quite fun and worth the cost.

I’d give this book a 3.5 out of 5 Stars. It’s small size (just 3″ x 4″) is perfect for little hands, but the content is basic and offers little new material. As a starter book for an aspiring Disney fan, it should work well enough. For the avid Disney collector, it will make a nice addition to their bookshelf.

The cost is $11.99 US or $15.99 CAN.