Book Review: Disney Princess: Beyond The Tiara

“Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara”

Written by Emily Zelmer with a foreword by Jodi Benson, the voice of The Litlle Mermaid.

Published by Epic Ink.

Review copy courtesy of Quarto and Disney

Review by Fay Clark

Fans get something truly magical with Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara. As a massive Disney fan myself, I always love learning more about the processes and behind-the-stage details of my favourite characters. This book is a must-have for any Disney lover, but especially any Dinsey Princess fanatic. If like me, you find yourself humming or singing any of the Princess songs this is definitely the book for you.

There are some amazing details throughout the pages of this book. The behind the scene details of initial sketches and how the Princesses were created are fascinating. There are so many things even a massive fan can learn from Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara.

Here’s the publisher’s breakdown of the book:

Everyone knows the Disney Princess characters, but how did they become the cultural icons we know today?

From the Princesses Walt Disney and his artists brought to the screen in the twentieth century, such as Snow White and Aurora, to the recent additions such as Moana, Tiana, and Rapunzel, each Disney Princess character’s influence has expanded beyond their original film. Each of their unique, individual stories create a fabric with the power to inspire our imaginations, spark social conversations, and empower us.

Featured Disney Princesses include:

• Moana
• Merida (Brave)
• Rapunzel (Tangled)
• Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
• Mulan
• Pocahontas
• Jasmine (Aladdin)
• Belle
• Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
• Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
• Cinderella
• Snow White

Organized by themes of origins and inspirations, re-imaginings, toys and collectibles, fashion, music, parks, fandom, and more, Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara features memorabilia and interviews with Disney historians, directors, voice talent, and fans. Explore the different eras, influences, and legacies of the Princesses with Disney Legends such as Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid and author of the book’s foreword), Lea Salonga (the singing voice behind two Princesses, Jasmine and Mulan) and composer Alan Menken.

What is it that has made these characters resonate through so many generations and cultures? How have they become a reflection of pop culture as we know it? Delve into these indelible characters and find the Disney Princess within you!

Everything about this book is amazing. The second you open it, there are stunning depictions of each princess on every page. If you love seeing the magic on screen, you'll love this too.

Being able to see and read how these legendary characters came to life is such an interesting experience. There is a different team who worked on all of these Princesses to make them come to life. Some of the creators are generations apart. Being able to learn about our first Disney Princess, Snow White, to our latest, Moana, all in one book, is amazing.

Emily Zelmer has really done her research and put everything into Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara. Not only do we get sketches and images of the princesses as we know them now, but we get interviews with the talented people who gave our favourite Princesses their voices.

We also learn about the classic and much-loved Disney songs and music from the legendary composer, Alan Menken.

The book has an amazing flow to it because everything's so well laid out. The interviews and origins of the Princesses are all interspersed with images and graphics. Not only is it super educational, but also very fun.

It doesn't feel info-dumpy at all as you get so much out of a couple of pages. It's so easy to dip in and out of this book, although, I do recommend reading all the way through. Getting to learn so much about one of my favourite Princesses has been awesome. Ariel has always been a fan favourite, but she's one of mine too. You learn so much about the wonderful worlds of Disney in a fun format.

Origins of the Princess and some original sketches are followed by something different in each chapter, like merch, music or the Disney Parks. There's something that shows us the scope of what goes into making a magical Princess.

Conclusion

Who knew there was so much to learn about the art of being a Disney Princess? This is a fun-filled, interesting and artistically stunning book. If you're a new Dinsey fan or have been here a while, this is definitely worth a read. I got so much out of this book, so it comes fully recommended for anyone, young or old, who loves a bit of Magic.

Disney fans would be missing out if they didn't pick this book up!

Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara is out now. $40 USD, $53 CAN - ISBN 9780760373620