Customer Reviews

The Lion King (Disney's Storybooks)

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This is the new Disney classic that everyone knows, about a young lion forced from his homeland when his father, the King, is murdered, and who returns to depose the usurper, his uncle.

The movie was so beautiful and moving that I think it's only natural for Disney to churn out as many renditions and versions as possible in order to make money. But make no mistake, this book is no substitute for the movie, and just doesn't work on its own.

The problem is that it tries to encapsulate the entire movie, which is just too much story for a picture book. The pictures are beautiful, but there is too much text per page, and the language is very straightforward, without any particular attempt to make it exciting or child-oriented.

Strangely, the book addresses the death of Musafa, the King, explicitly, but never comes right out to say that Scar is killed in the end, opting to note instead that "Simba's wretched uncle fell to the ground below. Scar's terrible rule was over."

Disney makes many works of art that are crafted to speak to the audience. But this particular book represents all of the worst that Disney has to offer. This book has been created just to make money via brand-marketing, and little to no thought has been given to making ownership of it a pleasant experience. They know that the picture of Simba on the cover will make parents and children alike pick it up, and that's good enough for them.

Animals had gathered to witness the presentation of the first cub, Simba to be born to Mufasa, the Lion King, and his queen, Sarabi. Rafiki stood on Pride Rock and held him for everyone to see. He was to be the future king. Scar was mad, because if Simba hadn't been born, he would've been king. Mufasa told Simba to never go to the shadowy place, and about how every creature has a place in the Circle of Life. Simba was good friends with Nala and decided to go to the shadowy place. The hyenas were there and Mufasa saved them. He told Simba that being brave doesn't mean going to look for trouble. Scar wanted to kill Mufasa and Simba so he could be the king. Scar set up his brother, and pushed him til he fell to his death. He made Simba believe he had killed him so he ran away. Timon and Pumbaa found him and they became friends. One day he came upon his childhood friend Nala, everyone thought he was dead. Nala told him how Scar's the king and they have no food or water and he must come back, its his responsibility. Rafiki appeared and led Simba to the jungle, he heard his fathers voice. He said you are my son, the one true king and to take his place in the Circle of Life now, and then faded away. Simba then returned to his kingdom. Simba approached Scar, and he told him how he killed his father so then he chased him til he fell to his death. Scars rule was over, a healing rain began to fall. Simba claimed his kingdom and the Circle of Life continued as a cub was born to Nala, and Simba. The pride lands future king.
This was a very good story, and I think it is good for kids all ages to read. It teaches you to always obey your father, and always take your responsibility and never run away from your problems in life.