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| Our own Carl Barks’ holiday collection |
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to read
A two-book Disney treasury!
With the Christmas and holiday seasons fast approaching - its the perfect time to recommend another fabulous source of pure, unadulterated read aloud pleasure for your kids.
Originally I bought this set and two others (but more about that later), to entice my little ones to read more on their own.
But, what did I know.
These Donald Duck treasuries are also perfect read aloud material!
In order to get them hooked, I thought - I'll just read one story from one of these luxurious treasuries during lunch time to my twins.
Maybe they will like it - and then they will pick them up.
But, boy was I wrong!
It was like magic.
My twins just went bananas about these comics and then didn't let me worm my way out.
I had to read all the stories ... it became our new lunchtime habit.
And my policy is - when the twins insist on a specific book for reading aloud - I have to say yes.
What's the big idea!?
I used to love comic books, and I love American comedy, and neither are afraid to tackle big themes.I know what you want to know ...
Jamie Hewlett
Are these books just comics?
Wait ... wait my friends.
Let go of any preconception that you might have about reading aloud and comics.
Comics are fabulous for reading aloud - they help to foster the interaction between reader and listener even further than a regular book.
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Plus, you sow the seed of future self-sustained reading!
Because kids get "infected" with the comic bug.
But let me rewind the film.
About a year ago, I discovered a group of excellent Disney treasuries celebrating Carl Barks and his amazing contribution to cartoon history.
Surfing through one of my favorite online bookstores (the now defunct Bookdepository) - which was globally renowned for its free book postage around the world (taken over - and shuttered - by Amazon since I wrote this blog post originally) - I learned that several years ago Fantagraphics partnered with Disney to start issuing two multi-volume series based on Disney's most beloved comics assets.
Fantagraphics is a legendary American publisher of alternative comics and classic comic strip anthologies
The two companies agreed that Fantagraphics would publish - the complete Mickey Mouse comic strips by Floyd Gottfredson and the complete Disney works of legendary artist Carl Barks.Since then, this has been expanded to include the Don Rosa illustrated editions, among others.
Well, that was enticing enough.
But then I saw that the editions were fantastic full-color hardcover editions and many of them were being offered in value-for-money gift/slip cases.
So, how could I say no?
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I remembered the hours upon hours that I spent reading Donald Duck comics as a boy - and how I loved to read and re-read them.
I purchased several of the two-edition treasuries that were published by Fantagraphics, a now legendary American publisher of alternative comics and classic comic strip anthologies.
The first two Walt Disney's Donald Duck Box double-issue treasuries that arrived into our home were:
a. Lost in the Andes and Trail of the Unicorn (Carl Barks Disney Library) edition and
b. the Uncle Scrooge And Donald Duck Gift Box Set (The Don Rosa Library)
Those two clinched the deal.
Wow, my kids could NOT get enough of these classical Donald Duck comics.
Whats-more, they were taking me back into my childhood.
The three of us were now like the Three Musketeers on a joint mission.
We started reading aloud these comics for lunch time day after day and it was such an unexpected hit that I knew there would have to be more.
So, I decided to make Christmas a little bit nicer for my twins by surprising them with a new Donald Duck treasury.
The problem was that it was still August.
August!!!!
Four more months until Christmas!
I resisted for a few weeks ... but when September arrived, I could not resist any more.
I ordered what turned out the be probably the two best Christmas stories in comic format ever.
Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy...
Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling.
Edna Ferber
There was no mistake with this present.
Its a piece of history, packed in a modern wrapping.
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| back cover of Christmas on Bear Mountain |
This gift box is a time portal that will take your kids back to the pre-CGI era.
Yes, old comics still rule - and its because nothing can surpass hand drawings.
On top of that, these golden oldies are extremely well thought out and captivate young minds.
Vintage Donald Duck capers are also unique because the focus in these comics is on a strong story, not on special effects or computer graphics.
Today's world is full of disasters, of hate, shocking acts of violence, destruction.
Children need an escape from this horrible reality created by grown-ups.
A beautiful alternative reality for their gentle souls.
And we need to provide it.
All Fantagraphics Disney editions are all amazing, but this one I am recommending to you is special, truly special.
It is like a window into the past, yet it also has the innocence of a freshly drawn comic.
What is so special about the gift box?
First of all - we are talking about practically 400 pages of full-page Disney comics in color!
Second, it comes in a sturdy and attractive gift-box that will look fabulous on any bookshelf.
Third, this is a double-book hardcover edition that will make any kid jump with joy as it contains a double-whammy of the best in Christmas comic stories.
The first book, Christmas on Bear Mountain, contains 17 different Donald Duck comics- ranging from short affairs that are just one page long, such as "Fashion in Flight", to the 20+ page comic stories like "Christmas on Bear Mountain".
Christmas on Bear Mountain is a real piece of Americana ... or should I say Duckburgiana - as it represents the very first introduction of Uncle Scrooge into the Donald Duck Saga.
The story was created in 1947 when Carl Barks was asked to develop a Christmas themed comic with Donald and his nephews (and arch-rivals) Huey, Dewey and Louie.
Uncle Scrooge was not introduced by chance, as Carl Barks was drawing inspiration from the famous Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol and its principal character - Ebeneezer Scrooge.
By the way, if you have not checked our my earlier recommendation for the best illustrated children's book collection for Christmas (which includes a fabulously illustrated version of A Christmas Carol) - be sure to check it out.
Back to Donald Duck and the first appearance of Scrooge McDuck. Although his is a relatively subdued entry onto the stage, Scrooge's full potential is already evident and your kids will enjoy the testy encounters between Donald and his nephews.
The other stories in this treasury include Donald's Posy Patch, Donald Mines His Own Business, Volcano Valley. Magical Misery, Ring Wrongs, Adventure Down Under, The Waltz King, Masters of Melody, Donald Duck and The Ghost of the Grotto, Fireman Donald, The Terrible Turkey, Three Good Little Ducks and several Donald Duck one-pagers.
Finally, a lovely addition to Christmas on Bear Mountain, is a short bio of the man behind these fabulous comics. Parents will enjoy a two-page short biography of Carl Barks - the story man behind the Donald Duck animation unit at Disney.
The second book in the gift case, A Christmas for Shacktown, is a similar package of amazing quintessential Donald Duck comics - but the highlight is the opening story A Christmas for Shacktown.
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| Interior page from Carl Barks’s “Donald Duck: Christmas on Bear Mountain” |
The other stories in this treasury include Donald's Posy Patch, Donald Mines His Own Business, Volcano Valley. Magical Misery, Ring Wrongs, Adventure Down Under, The Waltz King, Masters of Melody, Donald Duck and The Ghost of the Grotto, Fireman Donald, The Terrible Turkey, Three Good Little Ducks and several Donald Duck one-pagers.
Finally, a lovely addition to Christmas on Bear Mountain, is a short bio of the man behind these fabulous comics. Parents will enjoy a two-page short biography of Carl Barks - the story man behind the Donald Duck animation unit at Disney.
The second book in the gift case, A Christmas for Shacktown, is a similar package of amazing quintessential Donald Duck comics - but the highlight is the opening story A Christmas for Shacktown.
But hey, this two-item book set isn't everything that is available.
The triplets (Huey, Dewey and Louie) are looking forward to another Christmas and the joyous season. However, one day they stray into a part of town that they never visited before.
The kids in Shacktown are living in poverty, without toys, candy and any hope for a better life. This sparks a change in Donald's nephews and they decide to help the Shacktown kids experience a true Christmas for once in their lives.
The nephews enlist the help of Daisy Duck, Donald and Uncle Scrooge - with varying success.
This fabulous read aloud treasury also includes comics such as: The Big Bin on Killmotor Hill, Gladstone's Usual Good Year, The Screaming Cowboy, Statuesque Spendthrifts, Rocket Wing Saves the Day, Gladstone's Terrible Secret, The Think Box Bollix, The Golden Helmet, Houseboat Holiday, Gemstone Hunters, The Gilded Man, Spending Money and many Donald Duck one-pagers.
The quality of the printing is fabulous, while the colors are amazing, almost sparkling!
I love that you can read this book from the beginning, but you can also open it anywhere it suits your fancy and read a comic that draws your attention.
I love that this is a piece of history in young hands.
I love that this book will open children's eyes to the early masterpieces of comic art.
I love that this edition is a Christmas gem that was just waiting to be (re)discovered.
Welcome back to our homes Donald Duck!
The triplets (Huey, Dewey and Louie) are looking forward to another Christmas and the joyous season. However, one day they stray into a part of town that they never visited before.
The kids in Shacktown are living in poverty, without toys, candy and any hope for a better life. This sparks a change in Donald's nephews and they decide to help the Shacktown kids experience a true Christmas for once in their lives.
The nephews enlist the help of Daisy Duck, Donald and Uncle Scrooge - with varying success.
This fabulous read aloud treasury also includes comics such as: The Big Bin on Killmotor Hill, Gladstone's Usual Good Year, The Screaming Cowboy, Statuesque Spendthrifts, Rocket Wing Saves the Day, Gladstone's Terrible Secret, The Think Box Bollix, The Golden Helmet, Houseboat Holiday, Gemstone Hunters, The Gilded Man, Spending Money and many Donald Duck one-pagers.
The quality of the printing is fabulous, while the colors are amazing, almost sparkling!
I love that you can read this book from the beginning, but you can also open it anywhere it suits your fancy and read a comic that draws your attention.
I love that this is a piece of history in young hands.
I love that this book will open children's eyes to the early masterpieces of comic art.
I love that this edition is a Christmas gem that was just waiting to be (re)discovered.
Welcome back to our homes Donald Duck!
2025 update
"I lost my parental power when the kids started quoting the the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica back at me - every turn they could. I was powerless in face of the onslaught of random facts and knowledge."A certain anonymous dad who likes to read aloud
If you ever wonder - if children's book blog authors really listen to their own advice and buy books. I am about to answer your question.
Since I wrote this post, some years ago, we have taken a leaf out of Uncle Scrooge's book. Not literally - as we abhor tearing pages from our books.
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| (Left) half of our home collection of the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica |
However, just like Uncle Scrooge, we have been diligently hoarding. Hoarding cash?
No, actually the opposite. Exchanging money for comics.
The best kind of trade.
I am happy to show you in two photographs - part of our stuffed bookshelves with two sides of a large shelf that is dedicated only to the Fantagraphics Donald Duck, Uncle Scrooge comics.
We all now call it the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica. Why?
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| (Right) half of our home collection of the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica |
Well, for a long long long time, as my kids were growing up, every now and then - my son and daughter would surprise me with random utterances:
"Hey! We saw that in Uncle Scrooge!"
"Hey, I know that country. That's from Uncle Scrooge!"
"Wait a moment. That tale is from Uncle Scrooge!"
"I know, I know. Don't explain it to me. It was in the Junior Woodchuck Guidebook!"
I almost felt that it was as if everywhere I try to explain a concept or where we learned about something new, the kids already knew about it.
So, the collective body of life wisdom and earthly knowledge contained in the Fantagraphics Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck comic books - became known as the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica in our home.
My tip: look at our shelves.
No regrets.
PS You thought this blog post was over. Well you are wrong!
We later came across even more Christmas books in this collection - now known globally as the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica.
We later came across even more Christmas books in this collection - now known globally as the Encyclopaedia Scroogatica.
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| Our copy of Carl Barks’s “Donald Duck: Christmas in Duckburg |
The third Christmas themed book in this series of comic books is Christmas in Duckburg. Like all the books in this series, it is another successful Christmas-themed 200+ pager!
Yes, you may say - Carl Barks comics are pure escapism.
However, isn't that what most of day to day life is all about?
However, isn't that what most of day to day life is all about?
The pure enjoyment of escaping from the drab reality of work, or school, or homework, or daily routines.
Why not transport your kids - every night- to a new destination?
Most of us simply can't travel whenever we want and where ever we want.
Or at least we think we can't.
The Carl Barks collection of Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge hardcover comic books - can take us for a spin to an unexpected location every day.
You just need to grab one and open the cover.
Bon voyage!
Happy reading,
Read Aloud Dad
Where to buy
These are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Amazon.com (US) – Check price
ThriftBooks – Check price
Amazon.ca – Check price
Bookshop.org – Check price
Better World Books – Check price
AbeBooks – Check price
Amazon UK – Check price
Tip: choose your local store for fastest delivery and the right edition.
Further resources for parents (opens in new window - not affiliate links):
- D23 (Official Disney) – Scrooge’s debut: D23 feature on how Christmas on Bear Mountain introduced Scrooge McDuck
- Fantagraphics – Christmas on Bear Mountain (Vol. 5): Volume page with contents, preview and notes (first Scrooge appearance)
- Fantagraphics – A Christmas for Shacktown (Vol. 11): Volume page with story list and editorial extras
- School Library Journal – Review of Christmas on Bear Mountain: Librarian review on why the volume works across ages
- Duck Comics Revue – Deep dive on Christmas on Bear Mountain: Story-level analysis by a long-running Duck scholar blog
- MousePlanet – Carl Barks & the “unmade” Scrooge short: Historical context on Barks, Scrooge’s origins and creative choices
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