100 Best Animation Books of All Time

We've ranked the best animation books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.

The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators book cover1

The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators

Richard Williams

5.0
The definitive book on animation, from the Academy Award-winning animator behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Animation is one of the hottest areas of filmmaking today--and the master animator who bridges the old generation and the new is Richard Williams. During his fifty years in the business, Williams has been one of the true innovators, winning three Academy Awards and serving as the link between D
The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation book cover2

The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation

Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas

4.7
The most complete book on the subject ever written, this is the fascinating inside story by two long-term Disney animators of the gradual perfecting of a relatively young and particularly American art from, which no other move studio has ever been able to equal. The authors, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, worked not only with the legendary Walt Disney himself but also with other leading figures
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration book cover3

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

Ed Catmull

4.7
Preview Summary
“What does it mean to manage well?”
From Ed Catmull, co-founder (with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter) of Pixar Animation Studios, comes an incisive book about creativity in business—sure to appeal to readers of Daniel Pink, Tom Peters, and Chip and Dan Heath. Creativity, Inc. is a book for managers who want to lead their employees to new heights, a manual for anyone who strives for originality, and t
Mark Zuckerberg portraitTimothy Ferriss portraitEzra Klein portrait Recommended by Mark Zuckerberg, Timothy Ferriss, Ezra Klein, and 21 others.
Mark Zuckerberg portrait
Mark Zuckerberg

Founder/Facebook

This book is written by the founder of Pixar and is about his experience building a culture that fosters creativity. His theory is that people are fundamentally creative, but many forces stand in the way of people being able to do their best work. I love reading first-hand accounts about how people build great companies like Pixar and nurture innovation and creativity. This should be inspiring to anyone looking to do the same, and hopefully there will be lessons we can apply to connecting the world! [source]

Timothy Ferriss portrait
Timothy Ferriss

Author & Entrepreneur

No matter your circumstances, storytelling and creativity are two 'meta-skills' that can take your business and life to the next level. Ed is a master. [source]

4

Cartoon Animation

Preston Blair

4.6
In Cartoon Animation, acclaimed cartoon animator Preston Blair shares his vast practical knowledge to explain and demonstrate the many techniques of cartoon animation. By following his lessons, you can make any character—person, animal, or object—come to life through animated movement!

Animation is the process of drawing and photographing a character in successive positions to create lifelike movem
Character Animation Crash Course! book cover5

Character Animation Crash Course!

Eric Goldberg

4.5
Description: Character Animation Crash Course! is a veritable Genie's lampstuffed with everything the aspiring animator could wish for! Renowned animator Eric Goldberg's detailed text and drawings illuminate how to conceive characters "from the inside out" to create strong personalities. Classic animation techniques are analyzed and brought to life through thisunique book and its accompanying webs
6

Timing for Animation

Harold Whitaker and John Halas

4.5
Written by two internationally acclaimed animators, this classic text teaches you all you need to know about the art of timing and its importance in the animated film. This reissue includes a new foreword by John Lasseter, executive vice president of Pixar Animation Studios and director of 'Toy Story', 'Toy Story 2', 'A Bug's Life' and 'Monsters Inc.' He sets the wealth of information in this clas
7

Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation

Francis Glebas

4.4
Francis Glebas, a top Disney storyboard artist, teaches artists a structural approach to clearly and dramatically presenting visual stories. They will learn classic visual storytelling techniques such as conveying meaning with images and directing the viewer's eye. Glebas also teaches how to spot potential problems before they cost time and money, and he offers creative solutions on how to solve t
8

Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes: Volume 1: The Walt Stanchfield Lectures

Walt Stanchfield, Don Hahn

4.4
Discover the lessons that helped bring about a new golden age of Disney animation!Published for the first time ever, Drawn to Life is a two volume collection of the legendary lectures from long-time Disney animator Walt Stanchfield. For over twenty years, Walt helped breathe life into the new golden age of animation with these teachings at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and influenced such tale
The Art of Tangled book cover9

The Art of Tangled

Jeff Kurtti, John Lasseter, Nathan Greno, Byron Howard

4.4
A lighthearted twist on Rapunzel, the beloved fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, Tangled brims with thrilling adventure, a distinctive cast of characters, a daring heroine, and, of course, seventy feet of golden hair. Featuring the stunning concept art behind the newest Disney masterpiece, The Art of Tangled also includes a preface by John Lasseter, a foreword by Directors Nathan Greno and Byron
10

Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes: Volume 2: The Walt Stanchfield Lectures

Walt Stanchfield, Don Hahn

4.3
Discover the lessons that helped bring about a new golden age of Disney animation!Published for the first time ever, Drawn to Life is a two volume collection of the legendary lectures from long-time Disney animator Walt Stanchfield. For over twenty years, Walt helped breathe life into the new golden age of animation with these teachings at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and influenced such tale
Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination book cover11

Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination

Neal Gabler

4.3
The definitive portrait of one of the most important cultural figures in American history.

Walt Disney was a true visionary whose desire for escape, iron determination and obsessive perfectionism transformed animation from a novelty to an art form, first with Mickey Mouse and then with his feature films–most notably Snow White, Fantasia, and Bambi. In his superb biography, Neal Gabler shows us how
Brian Chesky portraitMarc Andreessen portraitDJ Vlad portrait Recommended by Brian Chesky, Marc Andreessen, and DJ Vlad.
Brian Chesky portrait
Brian Chesky

Co-Founder & CEO/AirBnb

Walt Disney … was a hero, he left behind an unbelievable legacy. You kinda hold him regard as the iconic successful founder. He was brilliant. The thing that's amazing is Walt bet everything over and over, was always on the brink of bankruptcy, and almost should never have been successful. [source]

Marc Andreessen portrait
Marc Andreessen

Co-Founder/Andreessen Horowitz

Both Marc and Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, have read and recommended Neal Gabler's biography of Walt Disney. [source]

The Art of Spirited Away book cover12

The Art of Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki

4.3
The Art of Spirited Away collects colour illustrations of Spirited Away for the first time in an English edition! This book includes paintings and designs from the new animated film from the director of Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke. Large-size, hardcover coffee-table book featuring artwork from the renowned animated film, Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Features comment
13

The Art of Brave

Jenny Lerew, John Lasseter, Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews

4.3
Brave is Pixar's thirteenth feature film, but it marks two big firsts for the award-winning animation studio. It's Pixar's first feature film driven by a female lead and its first set in an ancient historical period. Against a backdrop of castles, forests, and highlands, Brave follows the fiery Merida as she clashes with the duty of her royal life and embarks on a journey through the rugged landsc
14

Chuck Amuck: The Life and Time of an Animated Cartoonist

Chuck Jones, Matt Groening, Steven Speilberg

4.3
The illustrated classic, complete with a new preface by Matt Groening.
Winner of three Academy Awards and numerous other prizes for his animated films, Chuck Jones is the director of scores of famous Warner Bros. cartoons and the creator of such memorable characters as the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Pepe Le Pew, and Marvin Martian. In this beguiling memoir, Chuck Jones evokes the golden years of
The Art of Howl's Moving Castle book cover15

The Art of Howl's Moving Castle

Hayao Miyazaki

4.3
Shortly after reaping the rewards from his movie Spirited Away, a project that earned him an Academy Award in 2003, director Hayao Miyazaki set his sites on his next film, Howl's Moving Castle.Based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle gave the internationally renowned director an opportunity to bring to life a fantastical time in 19th century Europe when science
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art book cover16

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

Scott McCloud

4.3
The bestselling international classic on storytelling and visual communication

"You must read this book." — Neil Gaiman

Praised throughout the cartoon industry by such luminaries as Art Spiegelman, Matt Groening, and Will Eisner, Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics is a seminal examination of comics art: its rich history, surprising technical components, and major cultural significance. Explore the
Ev Williams portraitAustin Kleon portraitBret Victor portrait Recommended by Ev Williams, Austin Kleon, Bret Victor, and 1 others.
Austin Kleon portrait
Austin Kleon

Unsolicited, but here’s my advice for visual thinkers (and others) who want to be better writers: … Cartoonists, because their work demands work from two disciplines (writing/art, poetry/design, words/pictures), are highly instructive when it comes to visual people learning to write, writers learning to make art, etc. (Check out Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics for more.) [source]

Will Brooker portrait
Will Brooker

Understanding Comics is a book about how comics work, told in comic form. It’s very accessible, it’s for the general reader and is about comics in general, not just superhero comics. It explores areas like pacing and editing – how motion can be created through static panels on a page, and how arranging those panels in different ways, or drawing in different styles, or combining text and image, has different effects. It’s almost like a book on film study which explores the role of sound, lighting or editing. Scott McCloud is an artist himself, and he draws pastiches to show how different styles produce different effects. [source]

Creating Characters with Personality book cover17

Creating Characters with Personality

Tom Bancroft, Glen Keane

4.3
From Snow White to Shrek, from Fred Flintstone to SpongeBob SquarePants, the design of a character conveys personality before a single word of dialogue is spoken. Designing Characters with Personality shows artists how to create a distinctive character, then place that character in context within a script, establish hierarchy, and maximize the impact of pose and expression. Practical exercises hel
18

The Art of Pixar

Amid Amidi

4.3
Over the past 25 years, Pixar's team of artists, writers, and directors have shaped the world of contemporary animation with their feature films and shorts. From classics such as Toy Story and A Bug's Life to recent masterpieces such as Up, Toy Story 3, and Cars 2, this comprehensive collection offers a behind-the-scenes tour of every Pixar film to date. Featuring a foreword by Chief Creative Offi
19

Animation (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)

Walt Disney Animation Research Library

4.3
With an introduction by John Lasseter-and very little else in the way of words-this second book in The Artist Series lavishly showcases the most brilliant animation created by such luminaries as Ub Iwerks, Norm Ferguson, Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske, Dick Huemer, Grim Natwick, Art Babbitt, Fred Moore, Bill Tytla, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball,
20

Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators

Mike Mattesi

4.3
Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for AnimatorsCapture the force in your life drawing subjects with this practical guide to dynamic drawing techniques - packed with superb, powerfully drawn examples that show you how to: • Bring your work to life with rhythmic drawing techniques • Create appealing and dynamic poses in your drawings* Experience the figure's energy in three dimensional space* Use the asym
21

Dream Worlds: Production Design for Animation

Hans Bacher, Don Hahn

4.3
A truly unique visual delight offering insight into the development of animation classics like Bambi, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Lilo and Stitch as well as a tantalizing examination of unfinished Disney projects.
22

The Art of Ratatouille

Karen Paik, Brad Bird, John Lasseter

4.2
Pixar Animation Studios, the Academy Award-winning creator of the Toy Story films; A Bug's Life; Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; The Incredibles; and Cars, presents its latest feature, Ratatouille. In this charming story, Remy, a lovable rat (yes, a rat!) with a fine sense of smell and love for gourmet French food, rises to become a chef in the most famous restaurant in Paris - against all odds and
23

The Art of Up

Tim Hauser, Pete Docter

4.2
This beautifully illustrated volume showcaeses the wide-ranging concept art that inspired the filmmakers, including character designs, storyboards, and full-color pastels, and tells the story of their own adventures in discovering the world of Up. The filmmakers share everything from the challenges of animating Carl's boxy physique to the inspirations they found during their expedition to the over
Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers book cover24

Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers

Marcos Mateu-Mestre

4.2
The ultimate guide to visual storytelling! How to make the audience "feel" the story while they are "reading" the story. Using his experiences from working in the comic book industry, movie studios and teaching, Marcos introduces the reader to a step-by-step system that will create the most successful storyboards and graphics for the best visual communication.

After a brief discussion on narrative
25

Avatar The Last Airbender: The Art of the Animated Series

Bryan Konietzko, Michael DiMartino

4.2
A stunning masterpiece of animated storytelling.

Avatar: The Last Airbender has been syndicated to more than 120 countries around the world, inspiring millions of fans and industry professionals alike and garnering numerous industry honors--including wins at the prestigious Annie, Peabody, and Primetime Emmy awards.

Join series creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino for an unprecend
The Art of Zootopia book cover26

The Art of Zootopia

Jessica Julius, John Lasseter, Byron Howard, Rich Moore

4.2
Disney's newest animated feature, Zootopia, is a comedy-adventure starring Officer Judy Hopps, a rookie bunny cop who has to team up with fast-talking scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to crack her first case in the all-animal city of Zootopia. This lushly illustrated book offers a behind-the-scenes view of the elaborate artistry involved in creating the film.

Copyright ©2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All
27

The Alchemy of Animation: Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age

Don Hahn

4.2
The Alchemy of Animation: Making an Animated Film in the Modern Age is a step-by-step introduction to animated filmmaking from one of the foremost producers of animated features. By drawing (sorry!) upon more than seven decades of Disney's classic and beloved animated films, this stunning book explores the role of the directors, story artists, songwriters, and animators who each play an integral r
28

Story (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)

Walt Disney Animation Research Libr

4.2

With an introduction by John Lasseter-and very little else in the way of words-this first book in The Artist Series lavishly showcases the most brilliant story artwork created by such luminaries as Bill Peet, Don DaGradi, Joe Rinaldi, Roy Williams, Ub Iwerks, Burny Mattison, and Vance Gerry for such films as Steamboat Willie and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Alice in Wonderland and 101 Dalmat
Starting Point: 1979-1996 book cover29

Starting Point: 1979-1996

Hayao Miyazaki, Beth Cary, Frederik L. Schodt

4.2
R to L (Japanese Style). A hefty compilation of essays (both pictorial and prose), notes, concept sketches and interviews by (and with) Hayao Miyazaki. Arguably the most respected animation director in the world, Miyazaki is the genius behind "Howl's Moving Castle," Princess Mononoke" and the Academy Award-winning film, "Spirited Away."
The Art of My Neighbor Totoro book cover30

The Art of My Neighbor Totoro

Hayao Miyazaki

4.2
First published by Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd. in Japan.
31

The Art of The Princess and the Frog

Jeff Kurtti

4.2
This Fall, The Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to its timeless art form of hand-drawn animation. From the creative minds of directors John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid and Aladdin) comes an American fairy tale and musical set in the heart of New Orleans during the Jazz Age. This unforgettable tale of love, enchantment, and discovery features Tiana, a young girl with big dreams
32

The Art of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms

Christopher Finch

4.2
Based on hundreds of interviews with Disney staff members past and present, this story of Walt Disney and his company's vast artistic achievements through the decades contains more than 800 illustrations ranging from concept art to film stills to views of the theme park attractions. 0-8109-4964-4$60.00 / Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
33

Design (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)

Walt Disney Animation Research Library

4.2
Whether it consists of quick sketches on a lunch counter napkin, elaborate paintings in oils or watercolors, or dazzling computer renderings, the unparalleled creative process of Disney artists is lavishly showcased in Design, the third volume of The Walt Disney Animation Studios - The Archive Series. Among the incredible talents featured in this volume are Albert Hurter, Ferdinand Horvath, Joe Gr
34

The Art of Wreck-It Ralph

Maggie Malone, Jennifer Lee, John Lasseter, Rich Moore

4.2
In Wreck-It Ralph, Disney's expert team of concept, visual development and story artists explore the hidden world of video games from classic 8-bit arcade games to the most modern and inventive offerings of the digital age. At the center of this hilarious and wildly original video-game-hopping adventure is Wreck-It Ralph, an arcade game bad guy who breaks all the rules when he sets off on a missio
35

The Art of How to Train Your Dragon

Tracey Miller-Zarneke, Cressida Cowell

4.2
Featuring more than 350 pieces of development artwork that includes early character designs, story sketches, and concept paintings never before released by the studio, The Art of How to Train Your Dragon offers a stunning view of DreamWorks Animation's film about an unlikely alliance between a young Viking and a deadly dragon, inspired by the original book by Cressida Cowell.



The Art of How to Trai
The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators book cover36

The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators

Andreas Deja

4.2
Learn from the men who changed animation forever

Walt Disney's team of core animators, who he affectionately called his "Nine Old Men," were known for creating Disney's most famous works, as well as refining the 12 basic principles of animation. Follow master animator and Disney legend Andreas Deja as he takes you through the minds and works of these notable animators. An apprentice to the Nine Old
37

The Art of Finding Nemo

Mark Cotta Vaz, John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton

4.2
Pixar Animation Studios, the Academy Awardwinning creators of Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bugs Life, and Monsters, Inc., are bringing a new animated movie, Finding Nemo, to the screen this summer. This visually stunning underwater adventure follows eventful and comic journeys of two fish-a father and his son Nemo-who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef. The underwater world for the film was c
38

The Animator's Workbook: Step-By-Step Techniques of Drawn Animation

Tony White

4.2
The Animator's Workbook offers a complete course on the principles and techniques of drawn animation. Stressing that animation is a subtle and exacting art form which breathes life into inanimate drawings, Tony White, an award-winning animator, covers every aspect of the process. He provides technical information and explains in easy-to-follow text and step-by-step illustrations, how to capture mo
39

Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons; Revised and Updated

Leonard Maltin, Jerry Beck

4.2
In this revised and updated edition of Of Mice and Magic, Leonard Maltin not only recreates this whole glorious era from the silent days through the Hollywood golden age to Spielberg's An American Tail, he traces the evolution of the art of animation and vividly portrays the key creative talents and their sutdios. This definitive history of American animated cartoons also brings Maltin's many fans
40

Acting for Animators: A Complete Guide to Performance Animation

Ed Hooks, Brad Bird

4.2
41

The Art and Flair of Mary Blair: An Appreciation

John Canemaker

4.2
For more than a dozen years, an unassuming, quiet-spoken woman dominated Disney design. The stylishness and vibrant color of Disney films in the early 1940s through mid-1950s came primarily from artist Mary Blair. In her prime, she was an amazingly prolific American artist who enlivened and influenced the not-so-small worlds of film, print, theme parks, architectural decor, and advertising. At its
42

Layout & Background (Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series)

Walt Disney Animation Research Library

4.2
This fourth installment in The Archive Series showcases the scenic background and layout art that gives every piece of Disney animation a time and place. The Animation Research Library and curator John Lasseter, the Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer, have assembled over 300 pieces of artwork from the company's shorts and masterpieces from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Tangl
43

The Art of Mulan

Jeff Kurtti

4.1
Inspired by a 2,000-year-old Chinese legend, Mulan is the first animated feature film to be primarily produced by Disney's studio in Orlando, Florida. This richly illustrated volume, The Art of Mulan, reveals the story behind the making of the film and includes more than 350 stunning color and black-and-white illustrations, showcasing a variety of art produced by the many talented artists who work
44

The Art of Toy Story 3

Charles Solomon, John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson

4.1
DisneyPixar's next leap forward will take viewers back to the story that started it all. This summer, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Slinky Dog, and Hammalongside a surprising cast of new toysreturn to the big screen in Toy Story 3, a comical new adventure in Disney Digital 3D. In The Art of Toy Story 3 internationally renowned animation historian Charles Solomon takes readers
45

The Art of Frozen: (Frozen Book, Disney Books for Kids )

Charles Solomon, John Lasseter, Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

4.1
In Disney's Frozen, fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister, Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingd
46

The Art of Moana: (Moana Book, Disney Books for Kids, Moana Movie Art Book)

Jessica Julius, Maggie Malone, John Lasseter, Ron Clements, John Musker

4.1
The Art of Moana is the latest title in our exceptional series showcasing artwork from the creation of Walt Disney Animations' latest releases. Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world ventured across the Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped—and no one today knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana is a C
47

Setting the Scene: The Art & Evolution of Animation Layout

Fraser MacLean

4.1
The art of animation layout takes center stage for the first time in this gorgeous, full-color volume. Animation fans and students can finally take a behind-the-scenes peek at the history of layout, the process by which artists plot scenes and stitch together the many elements of animated works. With in-depth text by veteran animator Fraser MacLean, this extraordinary book features previously unpu
48

Disney's Art of Animation #1

Bob Thomas

4.1
A celebration of the magic behind the world's most famous animated films, this complete update of the classic Disney's Art of Animation debuts in time for the video release of Disney's latest animated spectacular, Beauty and the Beast. Four-color throughout.
49

Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Beauty and the Beast

Charles Solomon

4.1

The Beauty and the Beast legend has a universal appeal; the fairy tale exists in numerous versions throughout the world. During the process of being translated into a Disney film, Beauty and the Beast had several false starts. It was originally conceived as an eighteenth-century period piece, directed by the British husband-and-wife team of Richard and Jill Purdum. After some changes, two new dire
The Art of the Princess Mononoke book cover50

The Art of the Princess Mononoke

Hayao Miyazaki

4.1
51

The Art of The Incredibles

Mark Cotta Vaz, Brad Bird, John Lasseter

4.1
From Pixar Animation Studios, the Academy Awardwinning studio that brought us such blockbusters as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo, comes The Incredibles, a hilarious, action-packed story of a family of superheroes living an underground suburban existence. The sleekly designed settings and characters were conceptualized and developed by writer/director Brad Bird and Pixar's creative te
52

The Art of Monsters, Inc.

John Lasseter, Pete Docter

4.1
The Art of Monsters, Inc. opens the door into Pixar's colorful archives of concept art and to the endearing story of Monsters, Inc. Since the very first bedtime, children around the world have known that once their parents tuck them into bed and shut off the light, monsters lie waiting behind closet doors, ready to emerge. But what they don't realize is that these monsters scare children because t
53

The Art of WALL•E

Tim Hauser, Andrew Stanton

4.1
Pixar Animation Studios, the innovators behind Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Ratatouille, created its latest genre-defying film with an intriguing and unorthodox question in mind: What if mankind had to leave Earth, and somebody forgot to turn off the last robot? WALL•E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter – Earth Class) is this last, soulful robot. When his lonely work is interrupted by the arrival of th
54

The Art of the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Stephen Rebello

4.1
In Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the artists of Walt Disney Feature Animation - inspired by Victor Hugo's literary masterpiece Notre-Dame de Paris - bring to life the visual and theatrical themes of light played against dark, heaven cast against hell, good opposing evil, inner beauty outshining emotional ugliness. The stunning art and evocative text of The Art of The Hunchback of Notre Dam
55

Disney's Aladdin The Making of an Animated Film

John Culhane

4.1
A breathtaking inside look at the making of Aladdin. From screenplay to storyboard to recording studio--featuring interviews with the animators and 200 full-color photos--every facet of Aladdin's creation is explored in fascinating detail. This is a keepsake volume that every fan of the film must have.
56

The Art of The Lion King

Christopher Finch

4.1
Simba and trusty friends Pumbaa, Timon, and Nala set out to challenge Simba's evil uncle Scar and regain his rightful place in the Circle of Life. Relive the excitement, humor, and adventure in this elegant miniature.
57

The Art of Pocahontas

Stephen Rebello

4.1
This beautifully produced companion to the Disney animated feature celebrates and chronicles the creation of the film with pre-production and concept art, storyboards, an in-depth look at the design and refinement of the character of Pocahontas, layouts and backgrounds, and a history of Stephen Schwartz's wonderful musical score. More than 200 color and black-and-white illustrations.
The Art of Ponyo book cover58

The Art of Ponyo

Hayao Miyazaki

4.1
Relive the story of Ponyo and Sosuke in this full-color movie art book!

From the animators of Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Academy Award winner Spirited Away, comes the new Studio Ghibli film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, is a hand-drawn feature-length film. The art of the film involves n

59

The Art of Hercules: The Chaos of Creation

Stephen Rebello, Jane Healey, Peter Schneider

4.1
60

The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service

Hayao Miyazaki

4.1
A 13-year old girl sets off on a journey to become a witch. In the process, she learns how to be a woman. Based on the movie of the same name, this prestige format, lavishly illustrated hard-bound book gives fans a rare glimpse into the creative process of Academy Award-winning director Hayo Miyazaki.
61

The Animation Book: A Complete Guide to Animated Filmmaking--From Flip-Books to Sound Cartoons to 3- D Animation

Kit Laybourne, John Canemaker

4.1
The first edition of The Animation Book, published in 1979, became the authoritative guide to making animated movies. Now, as we enter the twenty-first century, the explosion in computer technology has created a corresponding boom in animation. Using desktop hardware and software, animators can easily produce high-quality, high-artistry animation and mix the aesthetics of traditional cel animation
62

Walt Disney: An American Original

Bob Thomas

4.1
Walt Disney is an American hero. From Mickey Mouse to Disneyland, he changed the face of American culture. His is a success story like no other: a man who developed animated film into an art form and made a massive contribution to the folklore of the world.
After years of research, respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas produced a definitive biography of the man behind the legend of Disney: the
The Master Guide to Drawing Anime: Tips Tricks: Over 100 Essential Techniques to Sharpen Your Skills book cover63

The Master Guide to Drawing Anime: Tips Tricks: Over 100 Essential Techniques to Sharpen Your Skills

Christopher Hart

4.1
The third title in Christopher Hart’s bestselling Master Guide to Drawing Anime series is essential for all anime artists who want to fine-tune their skills.

This is the guide that all anime and manga artists—of any level—need! Chris Hart delves deep into the specifics of drawing anime characters and scenes and explores every aspect of anime forms. He reveals his secrets for composing a complete p
Fantastic Mr. Fox: The Making of the Motion Picture book cover64

Fantastic Mr. Fox: The Making of the Motion Picture

Wes Anderson

4.0
Originally published in 1970, Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox tells the story of the Fox Family. After twelve years, the Fox Family’s quiet home life proves too much for Mr. Fox’s natural animal instincts. When his young nephew arrives, Mr. Fox slips back into his old ways as a smart bird thief and, in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community as well.

In Fall 2
65

The Art of Cars

Suzanne Fitzgerald Wallis, Michael Wallis, John Lasseter

4.0
In the tradition of the Toy Story films; A Bug's Life; Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; and The Incredibles comes the newest film from Pixar, Cars, the story of a race car who learns that it's not all about the fast lane. In fact, life begins at the off-ramp. The Art of Cars invites you on an illustrated road trip with the most successful animation studio at work today. Ride with Pixar's exceptionall
Rick and Morty: Talking Pickle Rick book cover66

Rick and Morty: Talking Pickle Rick

Robb Pearlman

4.0
67

The Art of Monsters University

Karen Paik

4.0
In 2001, Pixar introduced audiences to Mike, Sulley, and the world of Monsters, Inc. Now they take audiences back in time to Monsters University, where the world's #1 Scaring team are just your average freshmen with dreams of making it in the Scaring Program. Including a cast of characters that are both familiar and new, Monsters University gave the film's designers a chance to expand the Monsters
68

That's all folks!: The art of Warner Bros. animation

Steve Schneider

4.0
The Lego Animation Book: Make Your Own Lego Movies! book cover69

The Lego Animation Book: Make Your Own Lego Movies!

David Pagano and David Pickett

4.0
Have you ever wondered what your LEGO creations would look like on the big screen? The LEGO Animation Book will show you how to bring your models to life with stop-motion animation--no experience required! Follow step-by-step instructions to make your first animation, and then explore the entire filmmaking process, from storyboards to post-production.

Along the way, you'll learn how to:


Create speci
70

The Art of Rise of the Guardians

Ramin Zahed

4.0
In Rise of the Guardians, North, Bunny, Tooth, and Sandman recruit the mysterious Jack Frost to help them stop Pitch from putting an end to childhood belief and sending the world into eternal darkness. Based on the children's book series by William Joyce, Rise of the Guardians is both an exciting adventure and a poignant exploration of the hopes and dreams of youth.

Rise of the Guardians is one of
71

Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo

Chris McDonnell, Cartoon Network, Guillermo del Toro

4.0
Adventure Time: The Art of Ooo is the first book to take fans behind the scenes of Finn the Human’s and Jake the Dog’s adventures in the postapocalyptic, magical land of Ooo. Packed to the seams with concept art and storyboards, this lavishly illustrated tome offers an all-access pass into the Emmy Award–winning show team’s creative process. The Art of Ooo traces series creator Pendleton Ward's ea
72

Warner Bros. Animation Art: The Characters the Creators

Warner Brothers, Will Friedwald, Jerry Beck

4.0
73

A Disney Sketchbook: Introduction by Charles Solomon

Ken Shue

4.0
Imagine if one sketchbook had been passed down through the decades from one Disney animator to the next, with each one making a contribution before leaving it in the talented hands of another artist. That idea was the inspiration for A Disney Sketchbook. The drawings contained within it represent the entire range of animation development, from the origins of ideas to fully conceived characters. Pe
74

The Art of Anastasia

Harvey Deneroff, Don Bluth, Gary Goldman

4.0
A tribute to Fox Animation Studio's feature-length animated debut, The Art of Anastasia provides an inside look at the spectacular artwork of Anastasia.

From the phone call that started it all to the mastery of the latest computer-animation and 3D technology to the use of CinemaScope in an animated feature, The Art of Anastasia illuminates the creative process behind one of the most anticipated mot
75

Ideas for the Animated Short: Finding and Building Stories

Karen Sullivan, Kate Alexander, Gary Schumer

4.0
76

Walt Disney Animation Studios The Archive Series Walt Disney's Nine Old Men: The Flipbooks

Pete Docter, Walt Disney Animation Research Library

4.0
This box set of nine flip books pays tribute to Walt Disney's original animators--the Nine Old Men: Les Clark, Eric Larson, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, Ward Kimball, Ollie Johnston, Mark Davis, Wolfgang Reitherman, and Milt Kahl. Each flip book features an iconic scene from an animated Disney feature in its original line-drawn form, having been selected from among a wide range of films for great
77

The Disney Villain

Ollie Johnston

4.0
Disney villains have had a special place in the hearts of moviegoers for generations, and here at last is a book that does them justice. Two of the original Disney animators reveal stories behind such characters as Cruella De Vil and the Queen of Hearts. Original jacket hologram. Gatefold. Full color.
78

The Art of Big Hero 6

Jessica Julius, John Lasseter, Don Hall, Chris Williams

4.0
Walt Disney Animation Studios' Big Hero 6 is the story of Hiro Hamada, a brilliant robotics prodigy who must foil a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. This new title in our popular The Art of series, published to coincide with the movie's U.S. release, features concept art from the film's creation—including sketches, storyboards, maquette sculp
79

The Art of Finding Dory

John Lasseter, Steve Pilcher, Andrew Stanton

4.0
What can Dory remember? Who are her parents? In Finding Dory, Pixar Animation Studios sets out to answer these questions, to the delight of Finding Nemo fans. The Art of Finding Dory offers a look at the creative process behind the making of this much-anticipated sequel, shining a light on the many inspiring and beautiful layers of creation the artists at the studio explored during years of develo
80

Animation from Pencils to Pixels: Classical Techniques for the Digital Animator

Tony White

4.0
Just add talent!Award-winning animator Tony White brings you the ultimate book for digital animation. Here you will find the classic knowledge of many legendary techniques revealed, paired with information relevant to today's capable, state-of-the-art technologies.White leaves nothing out. What contemporary digital animators most need to know can be found between this book's covers - from concepti
81

Cartoon Modern: Style and Design in Fifties Animation

Amid Amidi

4.0
Between the classic films of Walt Disney in the 1940s and the televised cartoon revolution of the 1960s was a critical period in the history of animation. Amid Amidi, of the influential Animation Blast magazine and CartoonBrew blog, charts the evolution of the modern style in animation, which largely discarded the "lifelike" aesthetic for a more graphic and often abstract approach. Abundantly foun
82

Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look At Making the Magic Real

Disney Book Group

4.0
Making dreams come true is what Disney does best -- and the Imagineers unite art and science to create a world in which reality surpasses imagination. The Imagineers are like Santa's elves: they are the nuts-and-bolts workers who allow Disney's magic to take flight. Walt Disney Imagineering explains in colorful detail the making of the magic of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and
83

Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation)

Susannah Shaw

4.0
To make great animation, you need to know how to control a whole world: how to make a character, how to make that character live and be happy or sad. You need to create four walls around them, a landscape, the sun and moon - a whole life for them. You have to get inside that puppet and first make it live, then make it perform. Susannah Shaw provides the first truly practical introduction to the cr
Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search (Avatar: The Last Airbender, #2) book cover84

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search (Avatar: The Last Airbender, #2)

Michael Dante DiMartino

4.0
The biggest mystery of Avatar—the fate of Fire Lord Zuko’s mother—is revealed in this remarkable oversized hardcover collecting parts 1–3 of The Search, from Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko!

Featuring annotations by Eisner Award–winning writer Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and artistic team Gurihiru (Thor and the Warriors Four), and a brand-new sketchbook, th
85

Steven Universe: Art & Origins

Chris McDonnell

4.0
The Art of Steven Universe is the first book to take fans behind the scenes of the groundbreaking and boundlessly creative Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe. The eponymous Steven is a boy who—alongside his mentors, the Crystal Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl)—must learn to use his inherited powers to protect his home, Beach City, from the forces of evil. Bursting with concept art,
Sketching for Animation: Developing Ideas, Characters and Layouts in Your Sketchbook book cover86

Sketching for Animation: Developing Ideas, Characters and Layouts in Your Sketchbook

Peter Parr

4.0
87

Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas: The Film, the Art, the Vision

Frank Thompson

4.0
On-screen, Jack Skellington leaps with joy, singing with wonder at his discovery of Christmas Town. He seems so real, so alive, that we believe both he and his fantastical worl must somehow exist.

But in reality it is not Jack who is the star of the show; it is the over 140 artists and technicians who spent more than two years bringing Jack and all his cohorts to life on the sceen. Every gesture Ja
The Art of Stop-Motion Animation book cover88

The Art of Stop-Motion Animation

Christopher Wals

4.0
89

The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design

Tod Polson, Chuck Jones, Maurice Noble

4.0
This extraordinary volume examines the life and animation philosophy of Maurice Noble, the noted American animation background artist and layout designer whose contributions to the industry span more than 60 years and include such cartoon classics as Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½th Century, What's Opera, Doc?, and The Road Runner Show. Revered throughout the animation world, his work serves as a founda
Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels book cover90

Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels

Scott McCloud

4.0
"Magnificent! The best how-to manual ever published." — Kevin Kelly, Cool Tools

Scott McCloud tore down the wall between high and low culture in 1993 with Understanding Comics, a massive comic book about comics, linking the medium to such diverse fields as media theory, movie criticism, and web design. In Reinventing Comics, McCloud took this to the next level, charting twelve different revolutions
Bret Victor portrait Recommended by Bret Victor.
91

Animation: From Script to Screen

Shamus Culhane

4.0
Shamus Culhane, the animator who made the dwarfs in Snow White, achieves something few are able to: He makes it possible to learn a concrete skill from a book. Covering every aspect of film animation, from basic mechanics to giving creativity full play, and including writing, recording, acting, dialogue-even how to mange an animation studio of one's own, Culhane fulfills the promise of his title-"
92

The Human Figure in Motion

Eadweard Muybridge

4.0
This is the largest selection ever made from the famous Muybridge sequence high-speed photographs of human motion. Containing 4,789 photographs, it illustrates some 163 different types of action: elderly man lifting log, woman sweeping, woman climbing ladder, men boxing and wrestling, child crawling, man lifting weight, man jumping, and 155 other types of action, some of which are illustrated by a
93

To Infinity and Beyond!: The Story of Pixar Animation Studios

Karen Paik, Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, Leslie Iwerks

4.0
In 1986, gifted animator John Lasseter, technology guru Ed Catmull, and visionary Steve Jobs founded Pixar Animation Studios. Their goal: create a computer animated feature, despite predictions that it could never be done. An unprecedented catalog of blockbuster films later, the studio is honoring its history in this deluxe volume. From its fledgling days under George Lucas to ten demanding years
94

Paper Dreams: The Art & Artists of Disney Storyboards

John Canemaker

4.0
It's a technique that first helped bring Mickey Mouse to life -- and today's greatest movie makers, from Martin Scorcese to Tim Burton, couldn't make a film without it. The storyboard started as a series of sketches, fastened to a cork board with pushpins, that helped a director conceptualize a film's narrative and visual flow. Today, storyboarding is a multi-tiered process, involving numerous ste
Disney Dreams Collection Thomas Kinkade Studios Disney Princess Coloring Book book cover95

Disney Dreams Collection Thomas Kinkade Studios Disney Princess Coloring Book

Thomas Kinkade

4.0
Color your favorite Disney Princess in a setting imagined by Thomas Kinkade. The large-format Disney Princess Coloring Poster Book features exceptionally detailed black line art so fans of all ages can create their own interpretations of classic Disney stories such as Snow White, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty, and The Princess a
96

Elemental Magic, Volume I: The Art of Special Effects Animation: The Classical Art of Special Effects Animation

Joseph Gilland

4.0
97

Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts

Nancy Beiman

4.0
Packed with illustrations that illuminate and a text that entertains and informs, this book explains the methods and techniques of animation preproduction with a focus on story development and character design.Story is the most important part of an animated film-and this book delivers clear direction on how animators can create characters and stories that have originality and appeal. Learn how the
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story book cover98

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story

Charlie Mackesy

4.0
99

They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Golden Age (The 1930s)

Didier Ghez, Pete Docter

4.0
As the Walt Disney Studio entered its first decade and embarked on some of the most ambitious animated films of the time, Disney hired a group of "concept artists" whose sole mission was to explore ideas and inspire their fellow animators. They Drew as They Pleased showcases four of these early pioneers and features artwork developed by them for the Disney shorts from the 1930s, including many unp
100

Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in Its Golden Age

Michael Barrier

4.0
In Hollywood Cartoons, Michael Barrier takes us on a glorious guided tour of American animation in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s, to meet the legendary artists and entrepreneurs who created Bugs Bunny, Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, Wile E. Coyote, Donald Duck, Tom and Jerry, and many other cartoon favorites.
Beginning with black-and-white silent cartoons, Barrier offers an insightful account, taking us in