Homecoming Destination Disneyland / Carlene Thie : 3 of 5

This book is the fifth in a series of photography books presenting the work of Mell Kilpatrick, the author's grandfather, who took hundreds of photos of Disneyland construction, opening day, and other early park events. Much like the last book, this is a wide-format, hardcover volume, with most pages filled with a single rare, black and white photo. The photos themselves are definitely treasures (although there are a few repeats here from the other books), but what's really great about this book are the many short remembrances written by those who knew Walt or had a part in the creation of Disneyland, which were all collected to make this a special 50th anniversary book. Of course, there are anecdotes written by Disney legends such as Ollie Johnston and Fess Parker, but what I really enjoyed were the obscure ones, such the son whose mother sold their home and lot to Disney to make room for the construction, and a giant palm tree that used to be in their front yard (which is pictured) was moved to the Jungle Cruise, where it still stands today! Each section of the book, divided into the lands of Disneyland, is set off with a classy sketch on see-through paper that matches the photo beneath, helping to make this a quality book (though a little clunky in its simple layout and fonts). Carlene must be running out of pictures by now, but I hope not!