Minnie Mouse Archives - Homeschool Holiday

As unbelievable as it sounds – Mickey Mouse is more recognized around the world than Jolly ole St. Nick! Today, November 18th we celebrate Mickey (& Minnie’s) Birthday.

Traditionally a characters birthday is celebrated based on their first public appearance in a cartoon. That’s why today is doubly special and both Mickey and Minnie are honored. On November 18, 1928 Mickie and Minnie sailed into our hearts aboard a little tug boat in the famous cartoon: Steamboat Willie.

Did you know that’s not the ACTUAL first cartoon appearance for Mickey? The very young Walt Disney company actually released two cartoons before Steamboat Willie that were a flop. The difference in Steamboat Willie was SOUND. This cartoon was the first animation to use fully synchronized sound. If you watch the two previous cartoons, they have had sound added after the success of Steamboat Willie!

While Sorcerer Mickey is busy giving an autograph… there is trouble afoot. Douglas clearly does not know the consequences for what he is about to do….

In ways only “Disney Magic” can make happen… the Disney photographer captured Douglas’ attempt to transform into the Sorcerer himself. Mickey was nothing but kind and loving! (I was actually horrified for a minute that Douglas was putting on Mickey’s hat…but it turned out happily ever after. )

According to Disney, Mickey Mouse has a 97% recognition rate among children ages 3 – 11. That’s even higher than Santa Claus. You can even hunt for Hidden Mickeys all over Disney parks and in movies.

Cactus planted in Disney’s California Adventure. They form a “hidden Mickey”.

For his 50th birthday he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Mickey is blessed to share the day with his Love, Minnie Mouse.

Minnie had the same debut as her mouse-friend Mickie, so her Birthday is also celebrated on November 18th. The Mickey Mouse comic strip story “The Gleam” published for a few months in 1942 gave her full name as Minerva Mouse, although this is rarely used now. It took a little Longer for Minnie to be recognized with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of fame, she was 90 when she received hers. Minnie also is rarely the star of a cartoon or movie. It wasn’t until 1988 when she was the star of her own Television special – Totally Minnie.

You can celebrate today with a FREE download of THE SENSATIONAL SIX by Happy Hive / Homeschool Holiday. This Set includes activities for EACH of the 6 main characters in the group.

For each character there is a brief history, information about their first animated appearances as well as some fun facts. I have linked to the best quality version of the cartoons mentioned as possible, for educational / historic purposes only.

I have also included a brief explanation of the literary terms personification and anthropomorphism. This is aimed at older learners in grades 5 and above as all of the characters except Pluto are considered anthropomorphic.

There are Comic Book Templates, a Cartoon Discussion guide as well as a link to a short video on the 5 Types of Animation all included for extension activities. This is a JAM PACKED FREEBIE! to celebrate 6 Amazing characters and their impact on cartoon culture.

If you would like to read more about the Sensational Six, be sure to check out their special days: THE SENSATIONAL SIX

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With Love,

“Mrs. Crabtree”

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