Archive | June 18, 2019

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia New Edition

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia New Edition

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia New Edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Pixar Character Encyclopedia New Edition

DK, 2019

208pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9780241392454

In 1995 movie-goers were introduced to a new world of computer-generated animation with the first in the Toy Story series.  With the fourth in the series about to be released on June 21.2019, the Disney Pixar enterprise will have introduced 21 films of this genre with a host of characters, many of whom have become family favourites and household names.

Each of these is included in this new encyclopedia from DK, listed in order of the release of their movie (with sequels, including Toy Story 4 grouped with the original to make it easier) making a comprehensive guide that demonstrates that even imaginary characters have specific personalities. Each entry includes a large photo of the character and information about their role in their movie, their relationships with the other characters and other fascinating facts. Each movie has its own colour-coded section and there is a comprehensive index to enable young readers to find their favourites quickly.

While it will have particular appeal to those who are fans of the movies, it could also serve as a model for investigating the role and purpose of characters in books and developing character studies that focus on the essential information, using a context that is so familiar to so many.  Using just one set of characters, students could identify the critical elements and map relationships and then transfer this knowledge to a print situation.  Budding writers could also use it as a tool for developing their own characters, particularly if they watch the movie and listen to how the actors bring the characters alive with just their voices so this also becomes part of those they are building! 

Another example of the quality of DK publications and their usefulness in the curriculum.