Disneyland is celebrating its platinum anniversary! This episode introduces the Celebratory Summer Series with a Disneyland theme to commemorate 70 years of the Happiest Place on Earth. Courtney and Emily kick off this three book summer series by meeting some original cast members around Disneyland in David Koenig’s book “The 55ers: The Pioneers Who Settled Disneyland”. The book memorializes almost 700 original cast members in its pages who helped build and operate Disneyland for its inaugural y...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Welcome Class of 2025 to Kermencement! In honor of Kermit the Frog’s commencement speech at his, and your hosts’ alma mater, the University of Maryland, Courtney and Emily read Kermit’s book, “Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons.” Kermit has 70 years of wisdom to share with graduates and readers and in honor of the Muppet Anniversary, Kermit published a third edition of his book and used it to help create his commencement speech. In this episode, Courtney and Emily remi...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 12 min
You may recognize her from social media: she loves churros, Orange Bird, and telling her followers all about Disney history in the late hours of the night. Danielle Kelly, aka the Dapper Danielle, joins Courtney and Emily to give them a tour around the Magic Kingdom in her new book “I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom 100+ Surprising Facts, Magical Quizzes, Fan-Favorite Trivia, and More about Disney's Magic Kingdom!” Danielle’s guide book shares history, design details, and park tips in an accessible ...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min
There’s a girl in the castle! Courtney and Emily invite you to be our guest for a latest Fairytale Favorite episode. The tale as old as time, “Beauty and the Beast” by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, was the inspiration for the 1991 Walt Disney animated film. There are many differences between the 14 page fairytale and the 90 minute film, but there is beauty found within both. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Hi-ho the me-ri-o! Courtney and Emily have no strings to hold them down as they celebrate the 85th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation’s second motion picture, Pinocchio, by comparing the film to Carlo Collodi’s original novel, “The Adventures of Pinocchio: Story of a Puppet.” Collodi’s episodic adventure takes readers to the puppet show, the not so wondrous meadows, Playland, the bottom of sea…pretty much everywhere that is not school as Pinocchio learns to accept the consequences of his actio...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Courtney and Emily are all in this together for this nostalgic discussion of Disney Channel and Ashley Spencer’s book, “Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire.” The Disney Channel was falling behind in children’s programming in the 1990s until they discovered the tween market and launch millennial defining television programs such as Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, the Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Camp Rock, and W...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 28 min
Courtney and Emily welcome back Michael Lyons to the Book of the Mouse Club to discuss his latest book, “Magic Moments: Stories, Lessons and Memories from a Twenty-Year Career at Disney.” This book is a perfect selection for the end of the year because it is about reflecting on past experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Michael talks about his two decades of experience at the Walt Disney World Resort and your hosts reflect on their magical work experiences in the park as well. Micha...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min
What is one step short of crazy? Passionate. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s 2004 live action film, National Treasure, Courtney and Emily welcome Aubrey and Emily from the National Treasure Hunt Podcast to the show to talk about their book “National Treasure Hunt: One Step Short of Crazy.” National Treasure is an action, adventure, fictional heist rooted entirely in real history. Its unique plot, historic connections, and cast of characters are what make the film so memorable two d...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min
It's not spooky season without the Sanderson Sisters. Courtney and Emily relight the black flame candle to chat with Shannon Carlin about her debut book, “Witches Run Amok: Disney Hocus Pocus the Oral History.” Shannon conducted over ninety interviews with the cast and crew to present stories from the making of the film to its legacy. This booooOOOoooK is one that should be added to any Hocus Pocus’ fans shelf and is a great companion to the film. Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Offi...
Oct 15, 2024•58 min
Inbetweeners are the animators who draw the pages in between the lead animators’ key frames. The in between doesn’t get a lot of attention, but it is essential to move the animation forward. The same concept applies to the “in between era” that connects Walt Disney’s passing to the Disney Renaissance. A tumultuous time period which often only gets a few chapters in history and is usually known only for mediocre box-office hits, now has its own book. Courtney and Emily welcome storyboard artist, ...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 12 min
And now you are about to see the eighth wonder of the world…the final installment of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series! Courtney and Emily welcome former Jungle Cruise Skipper, Allie Ring, to discuss “Skipper Stories: True Tales from Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise” by David John Marley. This collection of stories allows readers to learn about the iconic attraction outside of its design and park history. Join your hosts on their own expedition as their Skipper Allie relates her experience to...
Aug 09, 2024•1 hr 29 min
The birds sing words and the flowers croon in this episode all about The Enchanted Tiki Room. In this second installment of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series, Courtney and Emily interview author Ken Bruce about the enchanting context and early history of the attraction in his book, “Before the Birds Sang Words”. Go beyond the origin myth of the mechanical bird Walt picked up in New Orleans and take a deep dive into the several milestone moments and people who helped make this attraction...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 12 min
S.O.S! Courtney and Emily are stranded on the island of New Switzerland. Luckily, there is a terrific treehouse complete with a library where they can read and be safe from the jungle’s wild animals. Join your hosts for their first selection of the Adventureland Attraction Summer Series, “The Swiss Family Robinson” by Johann David Wyss, and compare it to the 1960 live action film and iconic treehouse theme park attraction. Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Instagram : @Bookoft...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Many are familiar with Disney’s theme parks, cruise ships, resorts, and broader media empire, but did you know Disney tried to build a ski resort in Mineral King, California in the 1960s? Courtney and Emily are joined by authors Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer to discuss how this resort never broke ground despite over a decade of planning. Their book, “Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort that Never Was”, does a deep dive into this niche piece of Disney hist...
May 10, 2024•56 min
Only one book is appropriate for episode #101 and that is Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Join Courtney and Emily as they compare the original source material to Disney’s 1961 animated feature and 1996 live action film. Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Instagram : @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Goodreads Emily: Instagram @emily_mickde and Goodreads Youtube References: 101 Dalmatians (Pongo & Perdita) | Disney Sing Along Son...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 14 min
We 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 with ...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 23 min
The 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 write ...
Feb 16, 2024•46 min
The 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 : @BookoftheMous...
Jan 23, 2024•56 min
The 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 Valentin...
Dec 12, 2023•41 min
Those 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. Wayne Sz...
Nov 16, 2023•58 min
During 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 Walt...
Oct 17, 2023•47 min
What’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 magic of ...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Consider 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 classi...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 47 min
Curiouser 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 question...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 41 min
Tally 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 Google ...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 45 min
It'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, and ...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 51 min
“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 guest r...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Drama, 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 Barbara ...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Courney 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 Eric d...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Courtney 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 interviews...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 5 min
