Where is Walt Disney World? by Joan Holub
Compelling/Interesting Information
Where is Walt Disney World? compiles the extensive history of Disney World plus a short biography of Walt and Roy from their childhood into adulthood into an easily digestible and enjoyable read. The short book, only about 100 pages, covers how long it took to build Disney World took, the history of Mickey Mouse and Imagineers, the creation of the long-standing park centers, and more. There is a generous mix of basic definitions, common knowledge about Disney, and little known facts to keep the reader interested in learning more with each new page. For example, to ensure the younger audience is able to follow along with the historical narrative, factoids are included such as "They're called theme parks because most of what's in each park is built around a main theme or idea" (Holub, 2018, p. 27). When diseccting such a magical place such as Disney World, it can be easy to lose the magic that makes such a place exciting especially to a young audience. However, this book does well with keeping that magic alive. For example, when discussing how cast members move between different park operations, Holub explains the series of tunnels that exist below the park, a lesser known fact that creates intrigue about how the park operates in clever ways. Plus, the hidden trash chutes below each trash can was interesting to learn about as well!
Style and Language
With historical non-fiction, it can be easy for audiences of all ages, not only children, to lose pace of interest in the factual information without a fictional world of characters to keep one's interest. In Where is Walt Disney World?, Holub plays with language in a way that keeps the reader interested as if she is there with us telling us this magical history. Holub uses various forms of figurative language such as similes and imagery, exclamation marks, and italicized wording to indicate tone. Holub (2018) also includes questions addressed to the audience to consider before revealing an explanation such as "Have you ever wondered how Disney characters seem to magically appear in their correct lands?" (p. 50). The overall tone is casual and conversational which is important when relaying historical facts so that they appear accessible and timeless.
Illustrations
Disney World is an expansive place consisting of thousands of cast members, and the history of its creation involves many different agents. The usage of words alone can be challenging when relaying this information, that is why the addition of illustrations in this book is helpful and adds an immersive quality that would be missed if absent. All illustrations are completed in black and white with (I believe) charcoal or graphite. While detailed, the illustrations also add to the casual tone created by the language. They are simple in style and often highlight the happy, smiling faces of children and parents as well as the grand, magical scenery of Disney World. Some images take up entire pages, while others are added in between paragraphs. Whereever they occur, they are seamless with the narration of events and help the reader to experience the feeling one is bound to have in such a happy envrionment built by the dreams of two brothers.