Book of the Mouse Club
102 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratingsBook of the Mouse Club is an Unofficial Disney podcast that explores books about Disney, its history, films, theme parks and more. Join us for discussions about books, interviews with authors and broader topics that relate to the literary realm of Disney.
Disclaimer: Book of the Mouse Club has no affiliation with The Walt Disney Company. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and participants are theirs and theirs alone and do not represent the organizations or companies they happen to work for.
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Episodes
#100: The Book of the Mouse Club 100th Episode Celebration!
March 15, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBWe got ears, it's time for cheers! Like the Walt Disney Company, Courtney and Emily are celebrating their own hundredth milestone - 100 episodes! During the Book of the Mouse Club 100 celebration, your hosts will recap their reading “wrapped” with data from the 104 books they’ve read since episode 1 and share reflections and behind the scenes anecdotes about the books along the way. Also hear from authors and guest readers who share in the celebration. Thank you listeners for reading along w...
#99: Author Interview - “The Miles Mitchell Mysteries: A Private Eye At A Magical Place” by Aaron Forringer
February 16, 2024 11:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBThe Most Magical Place on Earth is sometimes more than meets the eye…so let’s meet our magical private eye! When mischievous magical mysteries arise, that is when Miles Mitchell, private eye, takes the case. Courtney and Emily are joined by Aaron Forringer to discuss his collection of short stories, “The Miles Mitchell Mysteries: A Private Eye At A Magical Place”. As a private investigator and now a Walt Disney World Cast Member, Aaron’s unique experiences help him combine his passions to wr...
#98: “The Art of Wish” by Stephen Rebello and Kimmer Baughman
January 23, 2024 11:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MBThe Walt Disney Company has been wishing on stars since 1923 and Disney’s Wish is a tribute to the 100 years of animation from the studio. Courtney and Emily kick off season 7 with “The Art of Wish” celebrating Disney Animation Studios’ 62nd film. Its unique “moving painting” animation pays tribute to the golden age of Disney animation and there are dozens of easter eggs to make you nostalgic for your favorite films. Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Instagram: @Book...
#97: "How the Villains Ruined Christmas" by Serena Valentino
December 12, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBThe Villains are trying to ruin Christmas! Classic Disney villains are up to their usual dastardly deeds, but the spirit of Christmas cannot be defeated. Courtney and Emily discuss Serna Valentino’s picture book “Disney Villains: How the Villains ruined Christmas” in their concluding episode of season 6. Picture books and reading are synonymous with the holiday season and make great gifts for the kids and kids at heart in your lives. The book features beautiful rhyming storytelling from Vale...
#96: “Honey I Blew Up the Kid” A Junior Novelization by B.B. Hiller and ft. Guest Reader Jeff DePaoli of Dizney Coast To Coast
November 16, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MBThose zany Szalinskis are at it again! Back on episode #54, your hosts talked with Jeff DiPaoli about the junior novelization of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and now they are back to discuss the sequel, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. Junior novelizations are a great way to engage young readers with their favorite films. Released in 1992, the novelization was released by Scholastic 7 months before the film to get readers excited for the sequel. Three years after the success of the shrink ray, Dr. Wayn...
#95: Author Interview - “The Enchanted Disney: Stories of Walt, Hollywood, and Live-Action Film” by Spencer Wright (Host of Walt’s Oasis)
October 17, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBDuring the Disney100 centennial celebration of the Walt Disney Company, Disney’s animated films and theme parks have been getting a lot of attention. But what about its live action legacy? Many may associate Disney live action with recent remakes or Marvel and Star Wars, but with over 300 films, Disney has 70+ years producing live action films. To celebrate this medium, hosts Courtney and Emily welcome back author Spencer Wright to talk about his new book, “The Enchanted Disney: Stories of ...
#94: “Not Just a Walk in the Park: My Worldwide Disney Resorts Career” by James B. Cora with Jeff Kurrti ft. Guest Reader Brett Nachman of Notably Disney
September 29, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBWhat’s better than one podcast episode? Two podcast episodes! It's a Disney Leadership Duo crossover between Book of the Mouse Club and Notably Disney. Courtney and Emily welcome Brett Nachman of the Notably Disney podcast back to the show to talk about Disney Legend Jim Cora’s memoir, “Not Just a Walk in the Park: My Worldwide Disney Resorts Career.” Cora started his career as a park operations trainer and went on to lead Disneyland International which was responsible for bringing the mag...
#93: British Invasion Summer Series - “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens ft. Dr. Doug Kern & Dr. Paul Cote
August 28, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 98.2 MBConsider yourself at home with this final installment of the British Invasion Summer Series. Hosts Courtney and Emily welcome back Dr. Doug Kern and Dr. Paul Cote as guest readers to compare Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel, Oliver Twist, to Disney’s 1988 animated film Oliver and Company. Drastically different, you will not recognize Billy Joel’s beloved portrayal of Dodger from the Artful Dodger in Dickens’ original story, but both the film and the novel have their own merits that make each a cl...
#92: British Invasion Summer Series - “Alice in Wonderland” & “Alice Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carrol ft. Caroline Aimetti of the Poor Unfortunate Podcast
July 19, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 92.3 MBCuriouser and Curiouser! Caroline from the Poor Unfortunate Podcast joins Courtney and Emily’s unbirthday party in this next installment of the Book of the Mouse Club’s British Invasion Summer Series. Follow your hosts down the rabbit hole to compare Disney’s 1951 film Alice in Wonderland to Lewis Carrol’s original work. And if you lose your head over our hot takes about Alice, it's okay - we are all a little mad here. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any ...
#91: British Invasion Summer Series - “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame ft. Conor Perkins of the Poor Unfortunate Podcast
June 23, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 95.8 MBTally Ho! Courtney and Emily are merrily merrily on their way to discuss their second selection for the British Invasion Summer Series, The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. Your hosts welcome back Conor Perkins, one half of the The Poor Unfortunate Podcast, to compare this children’s classic novel to Walt Disney’s 1949 adaptation of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and the classic Disney theme park attraction, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and ...
#90: British Invasion Summer Series: “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie ft. Guest Reader Leeann Sausser
May 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBIt's time for another summer reading series! The start of the British Invasion Summer Series has Courtney and Emily traveling across the pond to the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning! Your hosts welcome back guest reader, Leeann, to discuss J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”. The Boy Who Never Grew Up was the source material for the 1953 Disney animated film by the same name and the inspiration for the 2023 live action remake, “Peter Pan and Wendy”. So with a little faith, trust, ...
#90: British Invasion Summer Series - “Peter Pan” by J.M. Barrie ft. Guest Reader Leeann Sausser
May 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBIt's time for another summer reading series! The start of the British Invasion Summer Series has Courtney and Emily traveling across the pond to the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning! Your hosts welcome back guest reader, Leeann, to discuss J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”. The Boy Who Never Grew Up was the source material for the 1953 Disney animated film by the same name and the inspiration for the 2023 live action remake, “Peter Pan and Wendy”. So with a little faith, trust, ...
#89: Author Interview - “You Must Be This Tall” by N.K. Reinert
April 25, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 59 MB“You Must Be This Tall” to ride, but there’s no height requirement to listen! Consider this your “Keys to the Kingdom” backstage tour of this fun theme park novel, inspired by the experiences of a former Disney Cast Member. Courtney and Emily interview Natalie Keller Reinert about her book “You Must Be This Tall,” a fictional story set in America the Beautiful theme park featuring a cast of Patriot employees. Natalie’s multiple perspective story takes readers through the Patriot and park gue...
#88: “Runaway Heart” by Clare Richmond - A Harlequin American Romance Novel set at Walt Disney World
March 08, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBDrama, romance, runaway teenagers, and…Walt Disney World? Believe it or not, Walt Disney World was featured as a setting in a Harlequin Romance novel in 1986. Courtney and Emily finally got their hands on this out of print novel by Clare Richmond and are spilling the tea on the book that fascinates Disney Twitter. Detective Daniel McGuinn and Barbara Emerson are searching for Barbara’s step-daughter who runs away from Baltimore to Walt Disney World. In true Harlequin fashion, Daniel and Barb...
#87: “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt featuring Guest Reader Eric of Synergy Loves Company Podcast
February 07, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBCourney and Emily are joined in this episode by guest reader, Eric, the host of Synergy Loves Company Podcast. What if you had the chance to live forever? Would you take it? That is the dilemma facing young Winnie Foster when she meets the Tuck family while wandering lost in the woods. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is considered part of children’s classic literature selling millions of copies worldwide teaching children about the natural cycle of life and death. Courtney, Emily, and Er...
#86: Author Interview - “Drawn to Greatness: Disney’s Animation Renaissance” by Michael Lyons of DIS-Order and From Pencils to Pixels The Animation Celebration Podcast
January 18, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBCourtney and Emily are joined by journalist, podcaster, and now author, Michael Lyons, to discuss his book “Drawn to Greatness: Disney’s Animation Renaissance”. The Disney Renaissance contains several film favorites including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and the Lion King. In this discussion Michael explains why these fan favorites stand out from their animated predecessors that made their decade of films so unique. Join us as we learn more about the 30+ years of interv...
#85: “The Art of Disney Strange World” by Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones and Kalikolehua Hurley
December 09, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBIt’s the last show of 2022! Courtney and Emily discuss Walt Disney Animation Studios’ latest release, Strange World, with the book The Art of Disney Strange World by Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones and Kalikolehua Hurley. The concept art and design commentary provides a deeper look into the film’s design and character development. Did you know that the Windy Jungle was inspired by bronchial trees in your lungs and the character Splat was inspired by dendritic cells? The Art of Strange World...
#84: “Long Live the Pumpkin Queen” by Shea Ernshaw (a sequel to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas)
November 22, 2022 03:13 - 58 minutes - 53.2 MBGhouls and ghosts of every age wouldn’t you like to see something strange? Come with Courtney and Emily and you will meet Sally Skellington the Pumpkin Queen of Halloween. In the episode, your hosts discuss the Disney Press fiction release “Long Live the Pumpkin Queen” by Shea Ernshaw. The story begins right where the Nightmare Before Christmas left off, with Jack and Sally pursuing their relationship. As a newlywed, Sally is trying to find her place in Halloween town as she quickly rose in ...
#83: Author Interview - “Cautionary Tales: A Collection of Scary Stories Starring Favorite Disney Villains” by Ridley Pearson
November 02, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBMagic mirror on the wall, summon Ridley Pearson to the Book of the Mouse Club we call! The much awaited interview with the award-winning author of suspense and young adult adventure novels is finally here. Courtney and Emily are joined by Ridley to discuss his new book “Cautionary Tales: A Collection of Scary Stories Starring Favorite Disney Villains.” Just in time for the spooky season, readers follow main characters Billie and Tim through the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror into several Disney s...
#82: Author Interview - “100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World” by Marcy Carriker Smothers
October 18, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBCourtney and Emily are excited to welcome author and Disney historian, Marcy Carriker Smothers, back to the podcast to discuss her new book “100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences from Around the World.” In this first collaboration between Disney Editions and National Geographic, readers will find one hundred adventures from all over the world inspired by Disney theme parks, animation, history, and food that fit any budget and interest. An adventure is an adventure, big or ...
#81: “Hocus Pocus & the All New Sequel” by A.W. Jantha vs. Hocus Pocus 2 (the film)
October 05, 2022 09:30 - 1 hour - 83.1 MBIt’s been 29 years, right down to the day but the witches are back and there’s so much to say. Courtney and Emily celebrate the new release of Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+ with a review of the 2018 book Hocus Pocus and the All New Sequel. Released four years apart, the book and the film take different paths to tell the ongoing story of the Sanderson sisters' haunting of Salem. Courtney and Emily compare the two stories and discuss which sequel was liked best and which is more cannon to the origi...
#80: Fairytale Favorites - “Rapunzel” from Grimm’s Fairy Tales
September 13, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBRapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair! Courtney and Emily return to their ongoing series, Fairytale Favorites, with a comparison of Grimm’s Fairytales “Rapunzel” and Disney Animated Studios’ 50th animated feature, “Tangled.” Like most fairytales, the original source material left Disney a lot of room for interpretation but did you know that the story actually moved from Italy, to France, then to Germany? Rapunzel’s history is as long as her hair and changes more times than Pascal during a g...
#79: Legendary Summer Series - “Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years” by Disney Legend Julie Andrews with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton
August 25, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBCourntey and Emily wrap up the Legendary Summer Series with Dame Julie Andrews’ second memoir “Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years.” Andrews’ memoir takes place from 1962-1986 starting with her Hollywood debut in Disney’s “Mary Poppins” and ending with her second husband’s semi autobiographical film, “That’s Life!” Andrews reflects on the work and self discovery it took to balance a new career on the silver screen and a home life which included divorce, a second marriage, two step chil...
#78: Legendary Summer Series - “From Disneyland's Tom Sawyer to Disney Legend: The Adventures of Tom Nabbe” by Disney Legend Tom Nabbe
July 29, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBCourtney and Emily continue their Legendary Summer Series with “From Disneyland's Tom Sawyer to Disney Legend: The Adventures of Tom Nabbe” by Tom Nabbe. A Disney 55er, Tom Nabbe was a newspaper boy hired as a young teenager by Walt Disney himself to personify the youthful adventurer, Tom Sawyer, at Disneyland’s Tom Sawyer’s Island. However, his Disney career wasn’t limited to the shores of Rivers of America. In his 48 year career, he also spent time operating attractions, supervising food a...
#77: Legendary Summer Series - “Forever Young” by Disney Legend Hayley Mills
June 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 97.7 MBLet’s get together yeah yeah yeah…for a Legendary Summer Series! This summer, Courtney and Emily are reading memoirs of Disney Legends. This episode kicks off the summer with “Forever Young” by Hayley Mills. Most known for her performances in Pollyanna(1960) and The Parent Trap (1961), Hayley made six films for Disney and grew up on the silver screen right before the eyes of her audience. Her memoir however, tells the story of the growing up she had to do off screen as she transitioned from ...
#76: Author Interview - “At the Corner of Fantasy and Main: Disneyland, Midlife, and Churros” by Matt Mason
June 03, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBCourtney and Emily are joined by Nebraska State Poet, Matt Mason, to discuss his book “At the Corner of Fantasy and Main: Disneyland, Midlife, and Churros.” This book is a rare genre in theme park literature and a must have for every park goer who has ever wanted to recite an ode to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride or Space Mountain. Disneyland holds memories for a lifetime and with every visit, you relive those memories while making new ones. In this collection, Matt reflects on his midlife and these m...
#75: Author Interview - “Happily Ever Island” by Crystal Cestari
May 24, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBReach out and find your happily ever after…on Happily Ever Island. Courtney and Emily are joined by Crystal Cestari to discuss her young adult novel, Happily Ever Island, in which best friends, “Disney Adult” Madison and “Disney what?” Lanie, win a full week vacation to Disney’s newest immersive island resort. Here, they step into the stories of their favorite Disney characters to live out their hero moments and happily ever afters. In this story of friendship, with a hint of romance, Madis...
#74: Author Interview - Marcy Carriker Smothers on “Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food” & “Walt’s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney”
May 10, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 63 MBWalk down the middle of Mainstreet USA and have a corndog with Walt Disney himself! At least you can imagine you are when you read Marcy Carriker Smothers’ books “Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food” and “Walt’s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney.” In a follow up to episode #70, Courtney and Emily are joined by the author to discuss her books that take you into Disneyland with Walt so you can see the happiest place on earth through his eyes. Review Book of the M...
#73: “The Art of Disney Pixar Turning Red” by Pete Doctor and Domee Shi
April 12, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB<3 4Townies 4ever!! <3 Thanks to Chronicle Books, Courtney and Emily are transported back to 2002 in “The Art of Disney Pixar Turning Red” by Pete Doctor and Domee Shi. Disney and Pixar’s latest film is rooted in nostalgia, the turbulence of adolescence, and ride or die family and friends. The episode includes a discussion of the book, as well as the film with plenty of references to boy bands, bucket hats and besties along the way. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play ...
#72: “Women of Walt Disney Imagineering: 12 Women Reflect on Their Trailblazing Theme Park Careers” by Former Imagineers (See Show Notes for Full List)
March 29, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBHappy Women’s History Month! Courtney and Emily discuss Disney Editions’ recent publication, “Women of Walt Disney Imagineering: 12 Women Reflect on Their Trailblazing Theme Park Careers.” This is a collaborative work by twelve former Imagineers who share their stories of designing themed experiences for park guests as well as the uphill battles they faced working in male dominated professions. Contributors include: Maggie Irvine Elliott, Kathy Rogers, Katie Olson, Julie Svendsen, Paula Dink...
#71: Author Interview - “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons” by Dave Bossert
March 09, 2022 11:00 - 59 minutes - 54 MBIt was all started by a …rabbit? The rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit were reacquired by Walt Disney Company in 2006, but prior to his homecoming, few people knew about Walt’s first cartoon character. Oswald was left to a few paragraphs or the footnotes of Disney history books, until David Bossert came along. In celebration of Oswald’s 95th birthday, hosts Courtney and Emily are joined by the author of “Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons.” Bossert discloses how...
#70: “Walt’s Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney” by Marcy Carriker Smothers ft. Guest Reader David Alpert of E-Ticket to Broadway Podcast
February 25, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBWalt Disney once said “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And Walt was right. Over 60 years later, Disneyland has evolved to include new lands, attractions, and a second park. But what was the park like from 1955-1966 when Walt walked down Main Street and took a Rocket to the Moon in Tomorrowland? David Alpert, host of E-Ticket to Broadway, lends his Disneyland expertise to hosts Courtney and Emily as they explore ...
#69: Author Interview - “Cool Cats and a Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney” by Matthew Hodge
January 27, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 73 MBHosts Courtney and Emily kick off the new season with an author interview with Matthew Hodge, college professor, award-winning composer, and award winning author of “Cool Cats and A Hot Mouse: A History of Jazz and Disney.” The Walt Disney Company and jazz music grew up alongside each other since the 1920s. Follow along on our journey with Matthew through his book and the rich history of both. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or sug...
BONUS: Dizney Coast to Coast Crossover Author Interview - “Newsies vs. The World" by Ashley Varela (Hosted by Jeff DePaoli)
January 12, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBSeize the day and Disney fans rejoice! Dizney Coast to Coast and Book of the Mouse are doing a podcast swap! Host, JeffDePaoli of Dizney Coast to Coast - that’s Disney with a Z - is a friend of the show and enjoys Disney books as much as Courney and Emily. Book of the Mouse Club is excited to share one of Jeff’s episodes which features an author interview with Ashley Verela about her book, “Newsies vs. The World." Original Show Notes from DCTC available here. DCTC Info: WEBSITE: ht...
#68: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens ft. Guest Reader Dr. Paul Cote (Celebrating Mickey’s Christmas Carol, The Muppet Christmas Carol & Disney’s A Christmas Carol)
December 13, 2021 03:05 - 2 hours - 125 MB“Marley was dead to begin with…” and what a beginning. Who knew a ghost story would be associated with the merriest time of the year? For their seasonal selection, Courtney and Emily are joined by guest reader Dr. Paul Cote to analyze Charles Dickens’ classic, "A Christmas Carol". The tale has been adapted for the stage since its publication in 1843, with film and tv adaptations to follow. Disney has three Christmas Carols for audiences to enjoy. First, in 1983 with the short film Mickey’s C...
#67: “Disney & Dali: Architects of the Imagination” organized by the Walt Disney Family Museum & The Salvador Dalí Museum ft. Guest Reader Dr. Doug
November 30, 2021 05:04 - 1 hour - 94.5 MBIf a collaboration between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali seems surreal, that’s because it is, literally. Hosts Courtney and Emily welcome back Dr. Douglas Kern to the podcast to visit a 2015 Walt Disney Family Museum exhibit through its commemorative book titled, Disney and Dali: Architects of the Imagination, to discuss the friendship between the two artists and, at the time, their unrealized animated short, Destino. The project’s completion in 2003 and the opening of Walt Disney World Reso...
#66: “Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes” by Jeff Heimbuch in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Most Magical Celebration
October 15, 2021 10:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MB“We’re walking right down the middle of Main Street USAAAA..” and taking time to stop and do some window shopping! In honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, Courtney and Emily are honoring Cast Member contributions to the park through Jeff Heimbuch’s book “Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes.” Honoring a Cast Member with a window on Mainstreet dates back to opening day of Disneyland in 1955, a tradition started by Walt Disney himself. Walt...
#65: “The Princess Diaries” by Meg Cabot ft. Guest Reader Leeann Sausser
September 23, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBShe’s a supergirl and she’s here to save the world...or at least not pass out in her high school debate class. Twenty years ago, the world met Mia Thermopolis in the Princess Diaries. This film gave Anne Hathaway her royal debut to the silver screen starring alongside the practically perfect Julie Andrews as the Queen, who reveals to her granddaughter that she is no average teenager, but the heir to the Genovian throne. The Princess Diaries has everything we loved about a 2000s film - butte...
#64: Author Interview - “Voices Behind the Magic” by Spencer Wright
August 26, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBWalt’s Nine Old Men are known for their iconic artistry and animation, but it takes more than ink and paint to make characters come to life. Step away from the animator’s desk and into the sound booth! Courtney and Emily are joined by Spencer Wright to discuss his new book, Voices Behind the Magic, which highlights thirteen actors who gave voice and style to our favorite villains like Yzma, Maleficent, and Captain Hook or magical pals, Mrs. Potts, Fairy Godmother, and Jiminy Cricket. Spencer...
#63: Sinister Summer Series - “Tales from the Haunted Mansion: Volumes III (Grim Grinning Ghosts) & IV (Memento Mori)” by Amicus Arcane and John Esposito
July 16, 2021 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBFoolish mortal, you continued to read the “Tales of the Haunted Mansion”. Your ghost hosts Courtney and Emily materialize for the second half of their Sinister Summer Series to discuss Volumes III and IV of the “Tales of the Haunted Mansion” box set. Reunited with phantom librarian, Amicus Arcane, readers meet more of the 999 happy haunts that inhabit the Haunted Mansion. So join the jamboree. Open breathing doors and have tea with a mummy. This summer is just getting spookier. Review Boo...
#62: Sinister Summer Series - “Tales from the Haunted Mansion: Volumes I (The Fearsome Foursome) & II (Midnight at Madame Leota’s)” by Amicus Arcane and John Esposito
June 30, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBWhen the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, Courtney and Emily come out for a swinging wake. The happy haunts have materialized for the Sinister Summer Series featuring the four book boxset “The Tales of the Haunted Mansion” by John Esposito. In this first of a two part episode, hear the ghost stories of some of the Haunted Mansion’s grim grinning ghosts from the librarian, Amicus Arcane. If you are a fan of the attraction, you will love the allusions to the Haunted Mansion in these...
#61: “The Art of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon” by Kalikolehua Hurley and Osnat Shurer ft. Guest Reader Franky Dalog Jr. of Frankly Franky
June 16, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 70.7 MBCelebrating the full availability of the latest Disney animated feature Disney+, Courtney and Emily are joined by Franky to discuss the Art of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. The book provides an in depth look at the scenery and character design of Ray’s homeland, Kumandra, and its Southeast Asian inspiration. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at [email protected] Follow Our Reading Journey ...
#60: “Hello, Cruel Heart” by Maureen Johnson, The Official Tie-In Young Adult Novel for Cruella (2021)
June 03, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBIf she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will. Hosts Courtney and Emily discuss Maureen Johnson’s, “Hello, Cruel Heart,” in honor of Disney’s latest live action film, “Cruella.” Before Cruella became the fur frenzied fashion icon that we know from the 1961 animated film, 101 Dalmatians, Cruella was Estella. “Hello, Cruel Heart” is a young adult novel that takes place before the events of “Cruella” focusing on Estella's (Cruella) teenage years as an aspiring fashion designer in 1967 London. Yo...
#59: Author Interview - “The Disney Interviews: Volume I” by Lou Mongello of The WDW Radio Show
May 14, 2021 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBThe “godfather of Disney podcasting” is back! Lou Mongello returns to the Book of the Mouse Club to discuss with Courtney and Emily his book, “The Disney Interviews: Volume I.” In his career spreading magic to listeners on his podcast, The WDW Radio Show, Lou has had the opportunity to talk to several Disney Legends including Richard Sherman, Julie Andrews, Dave Smith, and Marty Sklar, which are just a few of the twelve conversations included in the volume. Review Book of the Mouse Club on...
#58: “The Great Mouse Detective: Basil of Baker Street” by Eve Titus ft. Guest Readers Conor Perkins and Caroline Aimetti of Poor Unfortunate Podcast
April 22, 2021 11:00 - 2 hours - 111 MBIt’s elementary our dear listeners! Hosts Courtney and Emily are joined by the co-hosts of Poor Unfortunate Podcast, Conor and Caroline, to discuss Eve Titus’ “Basil of Baker Street”, the original source material for Disney’s 1986 animated feature, “The Great Mouse Detective”. Maybe it is not your favorite Disney film, but all four hosts highly recommend the book series for any reader who enjoys a good mystery and Sherlock Holmes allusions. And who knows? By the end Conor may convince you th...
#57: Author Interview - “ The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide” by Nikky J of Theme Park Hipster
April 12, 2021 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBGet ready for a Me Party and plan a solo trip to Walt Disney World and other Central Florida destinations! Hosts Courtney and Emily are welcome back to the podcast Nikky J, the founder of ThemeParkHipister.com and author of “The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide” to talk about using that solo rider line and traveling to central Florida theme parks by yourself. Traveling alone can often seem daunting but at the same time it limits your experiences when you have to coordinate with others schedu...
#56: Author Interview - “Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career” by Kevin Rafferty
April 01, 2021 17:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBCourtney and Emily celebrate Imagineer Kevin Rafferty’s retirement after 40 years with the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering. Back on Episode 40, Courtney, Emily, and Brett from the Notably Disney podcast, discussed Kevin’s memoir about his career, “Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career”. Almost a year later, Kevin agreed to talk to the Book of the Mouse Club! Enjoy this interview with Kevin Rafferty and help Courtney and Emily congratulate him on a we...
#55: “The Queens of Animation: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History” by Nathalia Holt
March 25, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 68.4 MBFor women’s history month, Courtney and Emily immersed themselves in the stories of the working women of the Walt Disney Animation studio during its classic and golden age. Often the story of women in the early days of Disney Animation begins in Ink and Paint, but author Nathalia Holt instead focused on the more male dominated work spaces like the story, concept art, and animation departments. Moved by the tribulations and triumphs of Bianca Majoli, Grace Huntington, Retta Scott, Sylvia Holl...
#54: “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” A Junior Novelization by B.B. Hiller and Neil W. Hiller ft. Guest Reader Jeff DePaoli of Dizney Coast To Coast
March 04, 2021 11:30 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBA little big adventure awaits in your own backyard! Courtney and Emily are joined by Dizney Coast to Coast host Jeff DePaoli to discuss a Disney family film favorite, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and its junior novelization published by Scholastic. In this episode Courtney, Jeff, and Emily discuss how the novel compared to the film while reminiscing about Scholastic Book Fairs and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So grab a giant cookie, cozy up in ...
#53: Author Interview - “Jim Henson: The Biography” & “George Lucas: A Life” by Brian Jay Jones in Honor of The Muppet Show on Disney+
February 17, 2021 11:30 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBIt’s time to play the music; it’s time to light the lights. It’s time to get things started on the Book of the Mouse Club tonight! In anticipation of The Muppet Show’s release to Disney+, hosts Courtney and Emily interview New York Times bestselling author, Brian Jay Jones, about “Jim Henson: The Biography” (along with a dabbling of “George Lucas: A Life). Today, the world knows of the Muppets and the magic of puppetry, but Kermit the Frog and Sesame Street didn’t come out of thin air. They ...