It all started with painting the house. When his parents weren't paying attention, young Walt used sticky, black tar and sticks to paint smoking buildings on the outside of his family's Missouri home. Such ambition led to a lifetime of achievement that garnered the artist fame, fortune, and legendary status in the arts and entertainment profession. Organized chronologically, Ford's book takes us through the life of the man who would be king of the Magic Kingdom, as well as many other venues that required Disney's dogged determination, skill, imagination, and ingenuity. The easy-reading text will appeal to young readers who want the basics of how a dreamer realizes his dreams in 65 short years. Numerous photographs and illustrations help to tell Walt's life story and chronicle the development of the film industry from silent movies to blockbuster, animated feature films. Young readers learn about a mouse that might have been Mortimer had it not been for Mrs. Disney, who suggested Mickey might have greater appeal to a world audience. Ford's text may lead children to pursue further investigations into the history of filmmaking, animation, and entrepreneurship. Part of Enslow's "Meeting Famous People" series, this title will furnish ample information for those who admire and revere the man and his magic. 2003, Enslow Publishers, Inc.,