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If you’ve ever seen Pixar’s Oscar-winning short Bao (and cried the whole time – or was it just us?), you know director Domee Shi well. She works magic on screen – and now she’s making her directorial debut with Disney/Pixar’s become red, premieres March 11 on Disney+.
The film’s main character, Meilin “Mei” Lee, gets a nasty surprise when she suddenly starts transforming into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. Come find out, it’s a rite of passage for the women in his family, and it’s the perfect metaphor for the confusing roller coaster that is puberty.
Pulled straight from memories of her own childhood (with a healthy dose of early 2000s nostalgia to boot), Shi described the film as being “for this 13-year-old Domee who struggled with her body and emotions and struggled with his mom every day and wanting to understand what was going on at that time, but in a fun, unique and magical way. It doesn’t shy away from embarrassing body changes and the general embarrassment of being a tween, but presents information in a more comfortable and accessible way for kids of all age.
If you want to bring the magic to the screen of turn red in your library there are a ton of new books that are absolute perfection for any reader. From a little guest book telling the story to a behind-the-scenes look at the art, here are some of our favorite picks for turn red books — and we know you’ll love them too.
Big Red Panda, Little Guestbook
guest books
Anyone who’s ever been a kid recognizes the iconic little guest book – and now there’s a tale of
turn red It’s perfect for kids ages 2-5!
Disney/Pixar turning the little red guestbook
$5.99
on Amazon.com
Buy now
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turn red for kids and tweens
HR/Disney
Going up an age level, this junior novelization of turn red is a perfect story for children aged 6-9 – and includes a dynamic 8-page insert with images from the film.
Disney/Pixar Turning Red: The Junior Novelization
$5.38
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Register
Become red — with stickers!
HR/Disney
This turn red The storybook is great for ages 3-7…or anyone who loves stickers, because there are over 30!
The panda in you! (Disney/Pixar turns red)
$5.99
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Register
Intermediate level magic
Disney Press
Disney Press
Written by mid-level/YA best-selling novelist Lily Quan, this novel
(aimed at ages 8-12) “explores the crazy, amazing, and often hilarious experiences of 13-year-old Meilin Lee.”
Disney/Pixar Turning Red: The Real RPG: The Story of the Red Panda Girl
$9.89
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Register
Little box of big feelings
Disney Press
Disney Press
In this set of five adorable hardcover storybooks
, every emotion is highlighted – and normalized – regardless of its size. It’s humorous, relatable and a must-have for everything turn red fan.
Disney/Pixar Turning Red: Mei’s Little Box of Big Feelings
$11.99
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Register
A glimpse behind the scenes
Books of chronicles
Books of chronicles
This vibrant book
is a fascinating and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Become red. With storyboards, interviews with the creative team, character designs, and more, it’s a glimpse into the work — and heart — that went into making the film.
Become red (and many other colors too)
Amazon
Every page of this turn red The coloring book features high-quality illustrations with scenes and characters from the film – and its thick paper means even markers won’t wash over the next page.
Friendship-Fun Bracelet
Studio Fun International
Do you remember friendship bracelets? Pre-order this book
(released April 19) and introduce them to your children! Not only does it tell the story of Mei’s adventures, but it also comes with the materials – and step-by-step instructions – to make your own friendship bracelets.