He is a man who lifted America's spirits through the Great Depression and two World Wars, and he is still present in spirit today as his company, Walt Disney Productions, continues to define family entertainment in the United States. The legacy of Walter Elias Disney strongly impacts the movie industry, toys, children's clothing and accessories like backpacks and toothbrushes, books and music, and vacation plans. In Children's Books and Their Creators, Terri Payne Butler wrote that "Nearly three decades after his death, 'Disney' is no longer a name, but a conjuring word, summoning collective memories of poisoned apples, pumpkined carriages, and raucous blue genies."

Although his accomplishments are many, Disney is best known as the creator of the character Mickey Mouse, as the producer of a myriad of films for children and adults, and as the creator of the theme parks Disneyland and Disney World. In his lifetime...