My Journey to TPT Flock 2018

                   

 

Not so long ago at a conference far, far away (okay, not really that far away)...I attended my first TPT meet-up.  It's hard to believe that a week ago I was able to gratefully put another check on my hope-to-someday list.

I've been wanting to attend this event ever since I first heard about it four years ago.  The big conferences were always too far and out of budget.  Finally, something similar appeared that was either just within reach or perhaps just the tiniest bit beyond it.  TPT Flock was the best chance I had to attend a Teacher-Author meetup, learn more about my business, and meet the educators behind the icons.  It seemed, however, that one way or another, Fate was determined I could not go.

And this would be a GOOD thing, because it all lead up to 2018.

2015- I was working at a charter school, had a little extra cash, and hopeful my tax refund might just pave the way to New York...

...that was until I found out I would owe tax instead of a refund and experience the joys of both cars deciding to break down at the same time.

2016- I was in my second trimester, using weekends to catch sleep, and looked like BB8.  It wasn't happening.

2017-  Definitely not pregnant this round, but after attempting to work part-time and juggle childcare, my husband and I mutually agreed that the best thing to do would be to stay home with my baby.  Being a stay-at-home mom was and is a joy I am glad to experience, but the change in lifestyle meant a big change in budget.   Flock 2017 was not in the cards.

2018- TPT is my official income as a stay at home mom.  It varies month to month, but Days-out with Daddy and Grandpa's retirement opened up opportunities to get more work done and reinvest in my  store.  I found myself with lots of ideas , a lack of focus (fried mom brain), and of course, that familiar longing to join the Flock.

The seasonal transition, however, brought an exhausting case of pneumonia (poor hubby!) immediately followed by two more weeks of colds and sinus issues for everyone in the family!  I had stopped thinking of the conference when somewhere between sicknesses, I found a way to get to the Rochester.

But there were still complications.  My husband was just getting over his bout with pneumonia and not ready for a weekend getaway just yet.  Then there was the issue of wild  1-year-old who is known for launching off couches and dropping cell phones in toilets....and not known for sleeping through the night (usually calmed down by Mommy).  Keeping him home with my husband would defeat the purpose of his recovery efforts and sending him to grandparents alone could mean a sleepless night or two.

Somehow it all fell together when my parents discovered the nearby "Museum of Play", and made plans to  spend the day with their grandson while I attended the conference.  We packed the car, buckled the car seat, and headed west on a five-hour trip to Rochester.

Along the way, I began to worry.  After all this... the drive, the planning, the babysitting, the threats of a horrendous ice storm (that never really manifested in our area...)...would the conference be worth it?

                            


The conference offered so much that it's hard to really explain, but I can summarize the value of the event in these key points:

 People-When I first arrived, I was admittedly a little nervous.  I'm already a hermit-level introvert, so being in a room full of people I both admired online but didn't really know was somewhat overwhelming.  Thankfully, I made myself at at ease, surrounded by friendly and accepting people with abundant positive energy.

 I was happy to find good company with Liz and Deb, and it was great spending a good chunk of the conference with them.  This was a space filled with great people.  It felt good to get out, connect, and discuss.

Presentations- The conference workshops covered a variety of themes and topics.  Some focused on more specific elements of TPT marketing (Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook) while others went in a broader direction (branding, focus, strategies, trends, business tactics, networking) and some explored more technical aspects of our work (digital resources, TPT in Schools).  I learned something new and important at every presentation I attended.  The speakers were informative and enthusiastic.  My only regret was not being able to attend them all!


Passion- There was an unmistakable enthusiasm in everything and everyone! I wish I could save some in a bottle for those discouraging and brain-melting days.  (Guess I'll have to settle for a different type of bottle!)


Patterns- Patterns were woven here and there,found metaphorically within success stories but also in the beautiful motifs, trinkets, and visuals that brought everything together.


Persistence-This seemed to be a common theme! Keep going, keep trying, and don't give up!

Everything was exciting and worthwhile; from the inspirational keynote speech to the closing remarks that condensed and reiterated that TPT is a different kind of business with a great kind of people.



So all in all, a great time for many reasons!  Even Bubs had such a good time at the Museum of Play that he took a nice long nap for Grandma and Grandpa!

I mentioned that I found a way to get to TPT 2018, but I should say a way found me!  Many thanks to these two ladies who played a big role in my journey to TPT Flock 2018.



 Sherri has been a wonderful supporter of my store, always keeping me in the loop about the conference.  I have no idea how she is able to manage her own obligations, TPT resources, and somehow craft a conference with such detail and love.  Thank you for leading such an incredible day.

 

 I have been a longtime admirer of Gramma Elliott's beautiful hand drawn clip-art and unique visuals. There is something comforting and overall pleasant about her store and resources.  Give her store a visit! You will be glad that you did.



I left the conference with a strong sense of motivation, plenty of inspiration, and an abundance of ideas.   Hopefully I can apply what I've learned and maybe someday my little corner of TPT will grow into something that can help out a hardworking husband who has to juggle two jobs, wonderful grandparents who want to retire, and bring a more stable income as I grow in my role as a stay-at-home mother to an adventurous little guy.


There were many great take tips, pointers, success stories, and words of wisdom shared at the conference. 

One of the most important things that I brought home is a  little card I keep in my new idea notebook.

Clip-Art Interview: The Purple Caterpillar

1. Could you tell us a little bit about your art background? 

I minored in art in college (way back in the 90's!), eventually graduating with a Liberal Arts degree with Special Ed emphasis.  

I've never taken graphic design or any other computer art course in my life!  I still work just with a pencil and paper until I have my final piece.  I only use the computer for scanning and digitizing.

I've done commissioned work, (both paintings of various subjects and pencil portraits), and sold jewelry I made or other crafts at a few local craft shows over the years.  Nothing really ever took off, though.

2. How did you get into creating clip-art? 

A teacher friend knew I was an artist and thought I would do well making clip art for TPT, so she helped me set up shop!  Between her and the wonderful, supportive TpT Clip Artist Tribe, I learned how to use Adobe Illustrator (at least enough to get my work to end up as transparent .png files with the right resolution!!), what teachers find useful, and a little bit of marketing help.  Ok, a whole lot of marketing help.  I stink at marketing.

 3. What is something you've learned in your experience as a clip-art illustrator?

It's a good thing to stick to my own "thing."  It was really hard at first not comparing my clips to others.  I don't have that clean, created-in-Adobe-Illustrator look.  I wondered if anyone would even like what I was doing since it is so different and I really fought (and still fight!) self-doubt.  But I just keep telling myself it's ok to be the tortoise.  He got there by steady work and not being dismayed by his limitations, his style, or his pace.

4. Give one unique fact about your art background. 

When I was younger, I dreamed of being an artist or a special education teacher.  When I got to college, my practical side took over.  The world didn't really need another artist, I thought, and I'm not as good as some of my peers anyway.  So, I majored in Special Ed instead.

5. Tell us about your best-selling clip-art set.

 That would be the Aliens and Monsters.  Did NOT expect that!  I actually drew them back in 1997 as characters for the teacher I was an aide for.  She was going to do an outer space theme the next year and needed some fun guys for the kids.  They were drawn on cheap printer paper with black Crayola markers!  And those very drawings are the ones I scanned in for the line art!  

Really fun fact:  The guy with the big nose is named Oswald for my husband's mother's side of the family.  They have very distinctive noses.  He always said that's where he got his Oz-schnoz!  ;)

6. Describe an experience in your educational or artist background that inspired you or helped you on your journey as an illustrator.

I really have to credit my mother with nurturing my artistic bent.  She spent lots of time taking my sister and I out in nature and pointing out details of the things we saw.  We took time to look, smell, touch, and then go home and draw or write about what we did.  She always had art and craft supplies on hand and lots of ideas of things to make.  Later on, it was my elementary and high school art teachers who were so affirming of my work.  My high school teacher even allowed me in my junior year to do an independent study with her during her prep period.  It was an honor I'll never forget, especially knowing how precious that break time is for teachers!

7. What is your favorite type of subject matter to draw? Least favorite? 

Animals and children are at the top of my list.  I also really enjoy technical illustration for different areas in biology.  I LOVE detail!

I enjoy drawing people, but I get anxious about doing them.

Least favorite? things that need to be in perspective and have straight lines.  I'm a swirly, curvy person.

Thank you so much for the great interview!  I can't wait to see more of your unique style!

Fab Fourteen: Underrated and Unknown Halloween Songs for Kids

There are plenty of simple songs for kids to sing at Christmas.  They know the words, they know the tune, they've heard the songs a million times. Every kid knows Rudolph, Frosty, Away in a Manger, and a gaggle of Santa-related tunes.

For Halloween, there's...Monster Mash.  And....Monster Mash.  Of course, adult/teen pop-culture favorites are usually added to playlists to get kids in the spooky spirit (Thriller, Addams Family, Ghostbusters) but where are all the KID-oriented Halloween tunes?

Truth be told, there are many kid-friendly and kid-focused Halloween songs that should be up there with Monster Mash.

Spooky Spooky (A.J. Jenkins)

This peaceful but silly song has been in our heads all Halloween. From the zany animation to the strangely soothing tempo, I'm pretty sure this one is my toddler's favorite on the Halloween playlist.

I Don't Like Candy Corns (Nickelodeon)

If you are not a fan of the triangular Halloween staple, this one is for you.  Yes, Kids, it's OKAY to not like candy corns...even on Halloween!

Halloween at the House of Spooks (Shiny Toy Guns)

I encountered this treasure by one of my favorite bands on the delightful kids' TV show "Yo Gabba Gabba".   (Note: I binged watched two seasons of this show before I was a parent.)  This song keeps the spirit of Halloween and reminds kids that it's all just for pretend and fun.

It's Halloween (A.J. Jenkins)

In another great feature by 123Kids, the quirky monster animations are back with a cute song that my 1-year-old loves.

Anything Can Happen On Halloween

This downright bizarre segment from the "Worst Witch" movie features a dazed and confused  "Grand Wizard" Tim Curry Halloweening around and seeing  how many words he can rhyme with Halloween.   I kid you not.  This campy Halloween song is full of 80's hilarity that will send kids into a fit of laughter...or run away screaming in terror.

Grim Grinning Ghosts (Disney World)

If the title sounds familiar, there's a good reason...Grim Grinning Ghosts is the fun, spooky, and catchy tune from Disney World's "Haunted Mansion" ride.  It works for the attraction and family Halloween playlists alike!

Too Spooky (A.J. Jenkins)

Yes...another one!  This 123Kids video/song might be "too spooky", but kids love the catchy tune and, of course,  more zany animated Halloween monsters dancing around. WARNING: IT IS SUPER SPOOKY.  Maybe TOO spooky.

One for You, One for Me (Super Simple Songs)

This earworm of a song teaches kids to share candy and gets stuck in your head all night long.  

Five Little Pumpkins (Super Simple Songs)

The familiar tune is great for the littlest trick o' treaters,  and teaches counting and emotions in a fun, spooky, way!

Halloween is Coming (Original author unknown-I can't find the information!)

This nostalgic song comes right from my childhood and my mothers'! Timeless, fun, and easy for  kids to sing, keep this one in the family for generations to remember!

Are You Scared? (Ryan Reviews Toys)

This family has so much fun, and yours will too when this quirky and silly Halloween adventure song gets stuck in your head.  "Halloween?  HALLoween!"

I think the singing vampire- monster-puppet-thing is my favorite part.

I Went Out on Halloween Night (A.J. Jenkins)

This song works as a good cool-down or before bed video.  It introduces Halloween words, teaches counting, and offers a soothing Halloween song if you are looking for something on the quieter side of the full moon.


The Skeleton Dance (Disney)
Granted, it's not really a "song", but the tune is easy to identify and the dance itself is lots of fun to watch.

Get Down Goblin (Jan Terri)

So, if you haven't heard of the fantastic Jan Terri by now, you might need to do some internet research after watching this one.  I don't believe "Get Down Goblin" was intended to be a kid's song, but it works perfectly as a children's song.   This music video is truly one of a kind and I've found myself singing this song  every October  (and sometimes, not in October).









 

Clip-Artist Interview: Sarah Pecorino

               Clip-Art Creator Interview: Sarah Pecorino

1. Thank you so much for taking the time for an interview on my blog!  Could you tell us a little bit about your art background? 

Thank you for interviewing me! I have a bachelors in Fine Art with a focus on illustration. I decided when I was in elementary school that I was going to be a children's illustrator. I tried a couple different careers in the creative professional fields: interior design assistant, theatrical painter, and gift packaging design. But ultimately I have settled on exactly what I wanted to do even when I was younger.

2. What is your favorite subject matter to work with when it comes to your clip-art?I LOVE creating characters. Drawing people is always harder because I tend to get too realistic as I create the character so I have to really monitor the development of the drawing. Turning an animal or an inanimate object into something with personality is always extra fun.



3. What was your favorite comment you ever received from a clip-art set?My main mission is for my illustrations to help students to learn so I love comments, like this one, that show me how students have reacted and benefitted from my work.

 "Hands down the single best clip art purchase I've ever made. I was struggling to find engaging, well made emotions clip art for a Zones of Regulation product I was creating and was thrilled when I came across your work! This was exactly what I needed to create something that will engage my fifth grade students and provide them with clear facial clues to different emotions. Thank you so much for creating such an awesome product!"
 from Light Up Learning Labs

4.  How did you get into creating clip-art?When left my full time job to be home with my son I knew I wanted to build my illustration business based on licensing when I realized there was a market for illustrations as clip art. Since I had experience in art licensing (though my career in gift packaging design) and I was already making these little bitty illustrations to use with my kids at home, creating clip art was a perfect fit. 

5.  What do you enjoy most about making clip-art?What I love the most about making clip art is that I get to help educators communicate concepts to their students. Sometimes words just aren't enough to make an idea click, so nothing feels better to me than when I know that my illustrations help learners make those connections.


6. What is your favorite clip-art set you've created and why?Oh man! Every new one I create is my favorite! I think if I had to pick a favorite I would say my Emotions set. I love how each kid's expression is easy to read and understand. With every character I drew I checked with my own children to make sure they understood the emotion without the aid of text. Plus they're SO useful beyond just describing emotions! I have seen so many creative uses of these characters. My buyers really inspire me!

7.  Describe an experience in your educational or artist background that inspired you or helped you on your journey as an illustrator.

In 5th grade we had an artist-in-residence who worked with each grade level to develop a school-wide book. Each grade had a responsibility. I'm not entirely sure what the 5th grade's job was, but I remember the author asking me to be the single artist to draw the main character, a frog, across the whole book. I hope that one day I can be an artist-in-residence and make an impression on a young mind like that artist did for me.

8.  Do you take requests? 
I take "suggestions". I work about three hours a day. The rest of my time is split between my three kids and super busy husband (who also owns his own bustling business). I hate letting people down and when I don't have a whole lot of time to complete projects I try to keep the focus on the best stuff I can list in my shop to keep the ball rolling. But I know that resource designers are my buyers so I will take any suggestion they have to make my next clip art sets the most useful they can be.

Do you have any related websites to share?Mine! sarahpecorino.com. It's still very much a work in progress.

9.  How do you manage time to create clip-art?

Sometimes I don't know how I manage it! I wake up at 4:30am every morning to get some work in before the rest of my house wakes up. I work when two of my kids are at school and the littlest is napping. I squeeze work in while they're playing nicely and not busting in my studio every few minutes. I also recently switched to a standing desk and gave my L-shaped desk to my kids so now they have a place to work in my studio while I'm working. Lots of crafting and creating happens in this room.

BONUS CONTENT:  

Tips for Artists AND Sellers by Sarah Pecorino

Do you have any tips for TPT sellers (who use clip art) or clip-artists?

 For clip artists:

•  Find your own style. Play, doodle, sketch to find it. Be inspired but DO NOT replicate. Just because another clip artist is successful doesn't mean that style is the only thing buyers want. Buyers are likely hungry for something new. So find a style that resonates with your inner artist, be proud of it, and make it work for you.

•  Listen to your buyer. If you don't know who your buyer is, ask. Your style might be perfect for upper levels. If so, find out what upper level clip art buyers need the most of and make it.

•  As clip clip artists we are often artists first, business owners second. Sometimes it is hard to separate our hearts from our product. It is important to love what you do, be proud of the finished images, but don't take it personally when a product doesn't sell or buyers have suggestions to change it. Remember you are building a business. And to be successful as an artist business you need to find that sweet spot where satisfying your artist heart and meeting you buyer's needs overlap.

• OH! And label each of your graphics appropriately so that a buyer knows what they are by file name, not just "Bug_1", "Bug_2". Try "green_bug_blue_wings". And put either your store name or initials in the title of each file. It will help buyers know who made the art instead of little orphan PNG files floating around their computer.

For clip art buyers:

• - Give credit where credit is due. Clip artists, font designers, and photographers want to help you make your resource the best it can possibly be. Please use a Credits page that credits the artists you ACTUALLY use in the resource. And if you use one or two clip artists primarily in your resource, be sure to give them ample credit, especially if it's an image based product like flashcards or posters. If you're using the images in this format then the artist has allowed it in their Terms of Use because they know how useful it is to you and your buyer. Remember, when you buy a book credit is given to both the author and illustrator.

• And please, DO NOT STRETCH the clip art or borders or backgrounds. Resize them proportionately by holding the SHIFT key and pulling the corner squares of the image. It'll keep your pages looking perfectly pristine.

Wow! Thank you for this in-depth and helpful interview, Sarah! 

Fab Fourteen: 14 Random Things Middle School Kids Love

There is something..."different" about middle school, whether you are a student or teacher.  It's definitely an odd experience full of weird and unique surprises.  (This is one of the many reasons I always felt drawn to middle school).   I've worked in different middle schools and settings, but certain things seemed consistent wherever I went (and I have noticed these trends since 2006!).  At an awkward age when everyone is at different levels of maturity and mastery of social skills, the age group does share a common bond in their love of all things random.  That love of randomness can get strangely specific.  Middle Schoolers, for one reason or another, seem to approve of the subject matter on the following list.  I give you...The Top Eleven Random Things Middle School Students Seem to Love.

 Ninjas

There is something about ninjas that middle school kids can relate to.  Is it the constant movement? The stealth?  Or did they just watch too much anime? I don't have the answers, but what I do know is that middle school students will not resist the power of the ninja.

Rainbows

These delightful arches allows the viewer to choose "all the colors at once!" Perhaps this is why so many middle school kids delight in rainbows.

Llamas
Something about this shaggy camelid appeals to the middle school crowd. Could it have something to do with popular books or experimental Disney films? The appeal of the llama to this particular age group remains a mystery.

Unicorns

These magical and colorful creatures of childhood still have a place in the heart of a middle schooler.

Anime/Manga

Take any academic theme and create a version in anime style=Instant middle school approval.

The term "anime" is often used to describe an animation art style that is popular in Japan.

Manga refers to Japanese comics.

Ironic Humor and Puns

You've seen the t-shirts.  They are funny, punny, sometimes borderline-inappropriate. You know it's true.

Cthulhu

I don't know if middle school kids are Lovecraft fans or how they came to know the feared Cthulhu, but this legendary monster has his own claim to fame in the middle grades.

Adding Extreme Cuteness to Everyday Objects
I've noticed that if you take anything...be it a fruit, school supply, or an asteroid-and add kawaii (cute) anime eyes to it-it will result in middle school happiness.

The Illuminati

Something about this age-old conspiracy theory really speaks to the middle school crowd and I'm not sure why.  Note: Illumismart is not associated with the Illuminati.  ((I am definitely NOT rich and/or powerful enough for that!))

Candy

We all know kids love candy, and middle school students make it quite clear they have not outgrown their love for all things sugar, and will accept it with as much enthusiasm as students in younger grades.  Some schools I've worked at are candy-friendly while others strictly oppose candy distribution.  If you can't give out literal candy, students also respond to stickers and visuals.

 Retro Stuff

How do these kids know about Super NES games? Saved by the Bell? 80's Bands? Bing Crosby?  Middle school kids-despite the modern technology obsession-seem to have an appreciation for very random retro things.  I once had a student ask me if I ever watched "White Christmas" and informed me it was "incredibly good."    I'm glad some of these kids have an appreciation for some great old music.   Though I did shudder the time I asked a class of sixth graders who "Carmen San Diego" was. After being met with silence, one student finally replied with ,"the founder of San Diego."  Made me feel kinda...old.

Zombies

Add zombies to any academic activity in grades 6-8 and it will be an instant hit.  Trust m e. This age group is old enough to not be scared by cartoon zombies, and most of them have seen at least one zombie-theme movie, TV show, webcomic, video game, or youtube video at this point.  Zombies need not be gruesome, but these delightfully undead creatures of the night can actually be used to stimulate young braaaaaaaaainnnnnssss.....

Bacon

There is indeed something magical about this crispy meat strip, something that has caused this timeless breakfast staple to come up in many middle school conversations, clothing items, jokes, and yes, I have even seen bacon jewelry.

Narwhals

Last but not least, there is something about the majestic narwhal that middle schoolers love.  Fact: I noticed the narwhal obsession well before the catchy commercial.  Students seem to love narwhals and appreciate when they come up in classroom conversation.  This unicorn of the sea is indeed a magical creature, one that brings excitement, joy, and wonder to middle schools across the world.

Sound off below! Does this sound familiar, middle school teachers?  Do you notice any other "quirks" or "themes" beloved by this age group?

Geekery: Top Twelve Fairy Tales and Stories Disney Should Make Into Feature Films

 I love Disney.   Thus, it is no surprise one of my  childhood (current)  pastimes was coming up with my own versions of fairy tales and stories for my favorite company ever.  I decided it would be fun to rework and extend my "list" including illustrations and explanations of my choices.  Three of my childhood headcanon Disney dreams came true with my hope of seeing animated versions of The Frog Prince (The Princess and the Frog), Rapunzel (Tangled), and The Snow Queen (Frozen). Though I will admit my versions were just a bit different. 😄

Below you will find my current To-Be Disney Daydreams.  Of course, as a 2D enthusiast, I imagine these in the fluid and gorgeous animation of The Disney Renaissance.



The Firebird
Igor Stravinsky-Ballet Version 
Slavic Folklore

There are many versions of this Russian folktale, but my favorite is the story told in the famous Igor Stravinsky ballet.  The story centers around Prince Ivan, a hunting enthusiast who spares the life of the enchanted firebird.  This triggers a series of events leading to an magical castle, a lost princess, and an evil sorcerer-great elements for a Disney feature.  I think this fairytale would be a great addition to the Disney films, and would provide an opportunity to explore Russia as a setting.  Fun Fact: The Firebird Suite from the ballet is actually used in Disney's Fantasia 2000, but the music was set to a very different story (featuring the beautifully designed Nature Sprite).  I would love to see the fairy tale version as a classic Disney feature, with the addition of a Russian Disney Princess.

Noah's Ark
The Holy Bible

Speaking of Fantasia 2000, this story was also featured in the animated collection.  The Fantasia version was cute (featuring Donald Duck as Noah), but I would love to see this story tackled with the same seriousness, respect, and stunning visuals that made Dreamworks' The Prince of Egypt so memorable.  Biblical stories have movie potential, but they can be tough to translate to film.  The Prince of Egypt found ways to keep the story of Moses fresh and exciting without pop-culture jokes or kiddie humor.  The excellent soundtrack, stunning animation, respect of the source material, and the decision to focus on the brotherly dynamic of Moses/Pharaoh made for a fantastic film.  I would love to see an animated version of Noah's Ark that treats the story with the same integrity.  I think Disney could come up with incredible flood visuals, unique animal characters/designs, and of course, a musical score.  Perhaps the story could be told through the eyes of  Noah's dove or raven.

Jorinde and Joringel
Grimm

My love of this fairytale stems from this quirky anime fairytale show I used to watch on Nickelodeon once upon a time in Nostalgialand.   The show introduced anime before it became "a thing" and also introduced many lesser known fairytales I've come to love.  One of my favorite episodes was "Jorinde and Joringel" which is based on a German fairytale.  The story follows a couple (Jorinde/Jorinda and Joringel) who are to be married.  Their wedding plans are cut short when a shape-shifting witch turns Jorinde into a bird and takes her to an enchanted castle.  Joringel must then fight his way to the his love, fending off the spells of the witch who has turned many townspeople into animals.  I used to imagine this one taking place in Scotland instead, but since Brave took its place in the Disney movie spectrum, I have reimagined it as an Irish fairytale involving the fantastic fae legends of Ireland.  Why not add some leprechaun and pooka sidekicks?

The Goose Girl
Grimm

The Goose Girl is a European fairytale reminiscent of the Price and the Pauper...but with a twist.  A princess and her evil handmaiden (who resembles her royal counterpart) are sent on a journey, and that's when the adventure begins.  The servant is a villainous and greedy character who forces the princess to switch roles when the two women are sent to meet the handsome prince the real princess is to marry.  This plot makes for a lot of interesting misunderstandings, as the prince (who is a kind man) finds the "princess" a heartless and cruel woman. Of course, he falls in love with the handmaiden who is actually the real princess.  I think there is a lot Disney could do with this story.  In my "Disney" version, the story would take place in India.  We've seen a little bit of India in "The Jungle Book" but I would like to see more of the people and legends in this vibrant country.


Lady of the Lake
Arthurian Legend

Based on Arthurian legend, this would actually be a sequel if to Sword in the Stone.  The Lady of the Lake is a magical being in the tales of King Arthur.  In my version, the story is told from the Lady of the Lake's point of view, as she describes what really happened to King Arthur, Queen Gwenevere, and Sir Lancelot.  I enjoyed the unique take on Sword in the Stone (with Arthur being more of the supporting character).  I think that the Arturian tales of the king's later years would have plenty for Disney to work with.  Like Sword in the Stone that was more of "Merlin's story", Lady in the Lake would be told from the mysterious deity's point of view.


The Odyssey
Homer

Homer's Greek legend has it all...a seafaring adventure, mythological monsters, and a loving family at the heart of the story.  I would hope to see "The Odyssey" in its pure form...with an adult father as the main character.  Newsflash: Everyone does not have to be a teen! Look at the success of Avengers and Marvel heroes for assurance! I feel like an animated reinterpretation today would probably involve a teen Odysseus-but I'd love to see the story as it was intended to be; the tale of an adult father finding his way home to his family and reclaiming his kingdom.  While I did enjoy Disney's experimental Hercules, I always hoped to see Disney take on a feature-length Greek legend in its classic form (similar to Pastoral Suite in Fantasia).  I would love to see the clever hero take on the cyclops, sirens, witches, and gods in this timeless tale.

Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare

Okay, so maybe without the tragedy...and the excessive love scenes...and the suicide...and the murder...   Hear me out. I think they could make it work...if the famous Shakespeare family rivals were cast as cats and dogs!  I always imagined this one in the same animated style and storytelling as Robin Hood; anthromorphic characters in another time. This version would differ vastly from the original, but I think Disney could have some fun coming up with designs for  mutt Mercutio and tomcat Tybalt.  And the star-crossed lovers *probably* wouldn't die tragically.  Would they go for another single-word title (Brave, Tangled, Frozen) to trick kids into thinking it wasn't just a yucky romance?  (Rivals? Starcrossed?)

The Wonderful Adventures of Nils
Selma Lagerlöf

You probably haven't heard of this childhood favorite.  However, the memory of a dim lamp, sitting on my mom's lap, and a great book are fresh in my mind after all these years.   I'm sure children of all ages would look forward to an animated feature based on the same story if they knew about this great book.  Nils is a Swedish story that centers around a rascally little boy who likes to tease the animals on his family farm.  He captures a gnome/sprite/fae who shrinks him but gives him the ability to speak to animals.  Nils manages to forge a friendship with one of the domestic geese on the farm. When the farm goose makes an impromptu decision to join a flock of wild geese, Nils finds himself on an accidental adventure soaring over Sweden.  Both Nils (who learns to become a man and to treat all creatures with respect) and the goose (who learns the ways of the brave, wild geese) grow together as they encounter many new friends and foes. This story is my mother's first choice for "hypothetical Disney movies", and it's easy to see why.  Nils Holgersson would give Disney a fun new hero and a chance to utilize Sweden as a setting.

Bamboo Princess
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter-Japanese Folklore

Speaking of shrunken people adventures (a favorite subgenre of mine...more on that later ;)), Disney needs to look no further than "Bamboo Princess" for another strong heroine.  Think Thumbelina in Japan.  I know I would love to see a peapod-sized princess taking on Japanese insects.  I thought of this idea many years ago,  before new Studio Ghibli movies were available. Currently this lovely Japanese fairytale does exist within the Disneyverse (in a way)distributed  in the form of the great Miyazaki's Princess Kayuga.  I would still like to see a Disney musical version of this story.  (In the original tale, the princess is found in a bamboo shoot (similar to how Thumbelina is found in a flower).  In the story, she is courted by princes whom she rejects. My husband came up with a cute idea of how she falls for one of the prince's servants.  However, if you wish to see a version that is a little more authentic and true to the source material, add Princess Kayuga to your watch list!

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
By John Steptoe

I was obsessed with this book in third grade. I loved the illustrations and the themes and I remember trying to copy and draw the style on the back of my worksheets. This African fairytale follows two sisters; kindhearted Nyasha and cruel Manyara.

(Spoilers Ahead....!)

 In the story, the good prince is seeking a bride and both girls go on a journey to meet him to see who he will marry.  Along the way, the sisters encounter different people and a talking snake who serves as a "fairy godmother" role.  Nyasha treats all of the people (a sick boy, old woman etc.) with kindness and helpfulness no matter their station in life, but selfish and arrogant Manyara is cruel to all she encounters, including the snake.  In a surprising twist, the snake (and the other people) turn out to be prince in disguise.  Having befriended Nyasha and seeing her kindness, she is chosen to be his bride, and both their fairytale dreams come true.  I think this Cinderella-story African fairytale would be a great fit in Disney's worldwide collection, and I would especially love to see Manyara as a Disney villain.

And the #1 story that should be a Disney animated feature is...

A Midsummer's Night's Dream
Shakespeare

This story was Disney before Disney existed.  Ever since I "starred"* in this Shakespeare play in high school, I could not help but wonder...WHY is this not a Disney animated feature?  It has everything Disney could ask for...public domain material ;), romantic misunderstandings, fairies, comedic relief (a bumbling acting troupe), mischievous sprites, and a dude with a donkey's head on his shoulders.  A Disney "Puck" could have the same claim to fame as Jiminy Cricket if they got it right. There is room for memorable musical numbers, exciting character design, and an opportunity to get the kids interested in Shakespeare.   In my version, Oberon (King of the fairies) would be the villain, but much of the original would remain the same. I mean, wouldn't you love to meet Titania at Disneyworld or buy a Hermia doll? There isn't much Disney needs to change with this one. It already has all of the elements that would make for a great animated feature.  Just add music!

*(I played Moth.)

Bonus #12...The Twelve Dancing Princesses
Grimm

Because why would Disney not want to have 12 more princess to sell in the toy stores?!  In the original story, the princesses are "defiant" daughters who just want to go out dancing with their princes in a secret world.  A soldier is hired to find out what is happening, and reveals the truth to the king when he brings back proof of the hidden realm.  Then... he gets to marry one of the princesses.

Well, there are plenty of reasons why Disney wouldn't go with *that* version, but most  fairytale origins tend to be too macabre or downright strange for today's audiences.

I have two ideas for this one. Idea #1 involves a reunion of all the Disney princesses.  Imagine seeing Rapunzel, Jasmine, Belle, etc. dancing under one roof and fighting evil together. (Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Rapunzel, Anna, Merida, Jasmine, Belle,  Pocahontas, Moana, and Ariel).   

My version involves twelve original princesses who are named after the months in the year.  The story follows enthusiastic-yet-socially-awkward Princess September, who is better at inventing than dancing (and is known for her atrocious footwork).  She desperately wants to dance and wishes to fit in with the other princesses, who have gathered at Princess January's castle to celebrate a royal event.  Despite being complete opposites, elegant and popular Princess January is Princess September's loyal best friend.   However, when she is lost to a secret and enchanted monster world, Princess September sets out on a quest to find where the princesses were going-and venture into the unknown world to save the others....




I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and your own Disney Dreams in the comment section below! Which ideas or illustrations do you like, and which unused/forgotten fairy tales or stories would YOU like to see as the next Disney animated feature?


P.S.  I am planning a book and a blog post with my story of The Twelve Dancing Princess...coming soon!