Pinocchio Disney Book Review JB Kaufman

Pinocchio Disney Book Review: The Making of the Disney Epic by JB Kaufman

Sometimes a book comes along that is so monumental, it’s hard to describe its impact. In 2012, J.B. Kaufman released two comprehensive volumes on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that raised the bar for Disney scholarship. When Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic arrived, I was already anticipating something extraordinary—and Kaufman delivered. Published by the Walt Disney Family Foundation Press, this 352-page work is a masterclass in Disney history, animation research, and narrative craftsmanship.

Pinocchio Disney Book Review

Kaufman has written extensively on Disney animation, from the South of the Border films to Silly Symphonies and even the silent era. With Pinocchio, he continues his tradition of delivering exhaustively researched yet highly readable books. This isn’t just a “making of” book—it’s the definitive chronicle of one of Walt Disney’s most ambitious and artistically complex animated features.

There’s very little filler in these pages. Kaufman organizes the book in a familiar structure for fans of behind-the-scenes animation histories, but that doesn’t mean it treads old ground. What makes this book stand out is the depth and clarity of the research. Kaufman dives into pre-Disney versions of Pinocchio, laying out the literary and cultural origins of Carlo Collodi’s character and exploring how the original story fits into the broader history of children’s literature. Seeing how Disney chose to adapt and reinterpret those elements—sometimes significantly—adds incredible context to the final film.

Tracing Pinocchio’s Origins Before Disney

One of my favorite aspects of the book is how it explores the development of the film itself. Kaufman meticulously documents how Walt Disney and his team reshaped Pinocchio through countless iterations, rewriting characters, changing plot points, and refining animation techniques along the way. Access to production notes and internal memos allows Kaufman to paint a vivid picture of the creative process. As a reader, it felt like I was in the story meetings, watching Walt and the animators wrestle with the narrative and push their artistic limits.

Inside the Studio: How Walt and His Team Crafted the Film

The section on the production of the film is nothing short of fascinating. Kaufman shows just how difficult it was to bring Pinocchio to life, especially given the pressure to follow up on the massive success of Snow White. The stakes were higher, and the animation more ambitious. Kaufman doesn’t shy away from the challenges the animators faced—tight deadlines, evolving storylines, and the immense pressure to succeed. He gives credit to the hundreds of artists and technicians who poured themselves into the film, often working long hours because they believed in the project.

Pinocchio Disney Book Review: A Visual and Narrative Masterpiece

One thing that really impressed me is how well Kaufman balances visuals and narrative. The book is beautifully laid out, with a generous selection of rare production art, model sheets, and stills from the film. These images support the text perfectly, and the pacing of the book never lags. It’s informative without being overwhelming, and visually rich without ever feeling like a gallery catalog.

Kaufman also dedicates time to the film’s release and reception. He provides insight into how audiences reacted to Pinocchio when it first debuted—a time when many were expecting another Snow White. Instead, they got a darker, more complex story, one that leaned heavily into the moral and emotional weight of Collodi’s source material. Kaufman explores these nuances and offers a fresh perspective on how Pinocchio earned its place as a masterpiece, even if its initial box office didn’t reflect that.

Thanks to his close relationship with the Walt Disney Family Museum and access to Disney archives, Kaufman brings an unparalleled depth of material to the book. His research is both scholarly and accessible, making this a valuable resource for animation historians and Disney fans alike. The clarity of writing and the thoughtful organization make it easy to read and absorb, even for those new to Disney history.

Why This Book Belongs on Every Disney Fan’s Shelf

Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic is more than just a look behind the curtain—it’s a celebration of artistic ambition, narrative transformation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It sets a new standard for what a “making of” book should be. Kaufman cements his reputation as one of the foremost Disney historians, and this book stands as a towering achievement in animation scholarship.

Whether you’re a seasoned Disney researcher or a casual fan with a love for classic animation, this book deserves a place on your shelf. It’s rich, rewarding, and unforgettable—just like the film it so brilliantly explores.

Ready to dive deep into Disney’s most ambitious animated classic?

Pick up your copy of Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic and experience the story behind the story. With Kaufman’s incredible research and rare imagery, this book is a must for Disney fans, animation buffs, and anyone who believes in the magic of moviemaking.

👉 Get the book here and start your journey into Disney history.