8 Kids’ Books for Mulan Fans
by Dena McMurdie
Mulan is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies and I am so excited to watch the live action adaptation with my daughters when it hits Disney+ on September 4. With a strong female lead who risks everything to protect her family and country, this movie feels especially relevant right now. It’s no wonder my kids love this story as much as I do.
From retellings of the Disney film to stories you should read next, here are some books to explore if your child loves Mulan. These stories are filled with headstrong female characters, adventure, magic, and folklore.
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Mulan’s Story (Disney Princess)
Available from:Experience your favorite movie all over again with this beautifully illustrated picture book, just in time for the live action movie! The included stickers and cards enhance the experience and let your child live in Mulan’s world a little longer.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
How to Solve a Problem
Available from:There’s no question that Mulan is good at solving problems. Kids that like her headstrong nature and perseverance will enjoy this picture book from world-class rock climber Ashima Shiraishi. She teaches young readers that with hard work and determination, you can tackle any problem that comes your way.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Red Butterfly
Available from:A young Chinese princess must leave home and marry a king in a faraway land. While this brave girl knows she must fulfill her duty, she wants to take a piece of her beloved home with her. She hides silkworms and mulberry leaves in her hair, cleverly smuggling them out of China. If your kids are interested in Chinese culture and history after watching Mulan, pick up a copy of this beautiful picture book.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
Day of the Dragon King
Available from:Tasked with saving books from times and places throughout history, Jack and Annie travel to Ancient China with the help of the Magic Tree House. The emperor has ordered all the books in his kingdom to be burned. The two children must rescue a book and bring it back to the present day.
(Ages 7 - 10)Also available from: -
China: Land of the Emperor’s Great Wall
Available from:Kids that want to explore Ancient China and its customs, culture, and history will love this easy-to-digest nonfiction book. Young readers can dive into the world that Mulan lived in with this companion to Day of the Dragon King.
(Ages 7 - 10)Also available from: -
Disney Mulan: The Story of the Movie in Comics
My kids love comics and graphic novels, so they’re especially excited about this retelling of the animated film. Join Mulan as she courageously takes her father’s place in the army and becomes a warrior. With the help of a few friends, Mulan rises to the challenge and fights for her kingdom and her honor.
(Ages 8 - 12) -
Disney Mulan’s Adventure Journal: The Palace of Secrets
Graphic novel lovers will be thrilled to get their hands on this book. Mulan’s story continues in an all-new adventure as she goes undercover to protect the emperor from an assassin. With pages of Mulan’s journal woven throughout the story, this graphic novel is a must-read for any young fan.
(Ages 8 - 12) -
A Wish in the Dark
Available from:When a boy named Pong escapes from the prison where he has spent his entire life, the warden’s daughter Nok determines to capture him and restore her family’s honor. The two children embark on a fast-paced game of cat and mouse through this Thai-inspired fantasy novel. With headstrong young characters and plenty of action, fans of Mulan will love this magical twist on the story of Les Misérables.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from:
