Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2025 Gr 3–6—Young readers will enjoy discovering and learning about the woman who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring joy to the world. This stunning biography introduces readers to Lillian Bounds Disney, a largely unknown figure in the global legacy. Born in Idaho as the youngest of 10 children, Bounds grew up in a poor but joyful family, always finding magic in everyday moments. When her siblings moved away, a sister invited her to Hollywood, where Bounds soon found work as an animator at the newly opened Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio. Though new to animation, Bounds quickly grasped its importance and, with her business school background, recognized the studio's need for organization—becoming its first secretary. Romance blossomed between Bounds and Walt Disney, leading to marriage, and she remained a guiding force behind the scenes. She played a crucial role in shaping the company, even influencing the name of Mickey Mouse. Despite preferring to stay out of the spotlight, Lillian made significant contributions to Disney and later became a generous benefactor to arts, education, and humanitarian causes. Stone's illustrations thoughtfully depict key moments from the subject's life, including ink cell drawings that introduce young readers to early animation techniques. Back matter includes a time line and additional details about her lasting impact. VERDICT An insightful and inspiring biography that shines a well-deserved light on a little-known figure who quietly helped shape the magic of Disney.—Heidi Dechief - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 05/01/2025 This narrative biography introduces Lillian B. Disney, one of the first employees of the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio and the eventual wife of Walt Disney. The youngest of 10 children, Lilly moved to Hollywood as a young adult and was hired as an inker for Disney cartoons. Over their decades together, she reliably provided “behind-the-scenes magic” for Walt Disney’s grand ideas, including naming Mickey Mouse. The illustrations have a classic early Disney sensibility (including a scene of Lilly greeting a bluebird while doing laundry), which reinforces the text’s time frame and generally light touch. Back matter notes that researching Lilly’s perspective is a challenge, as she was a private person in an era when even prominent women were primarily expected to support their husbands. This may explain the text’s overall feeling that Lilly’s life was a series of reactions to outside forces, driven only by a vague fondness for “magic” and working “behind the scenes” rather than by a specific individual outlook. Recommended for large collections, or readers with a particular enthusiasm for all things Disney. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.