Exploring the Skipper Canteen Library
Jungle Cruising & Book Cataloguing
Tucked inside Walt Disney World’s Adventureland, and just a stone’s throw away from the Jungle Cruise itself, you will find a restaurant called the Skipper Canteen. Most people are interested in their food, but not me—I’m far more interested in their books!
The Skipper Canteen is home to a unique little library that’s easy to overlook if you’re just focused on this place’s menu. During my last trip to Walt Disney World, I wanted to take a closer look at this library, but I wasn’t sure if I’d be allowed in without a reservation. But in true Skipper fashion, I was not only invited in to explore their shelves, but I was also given a helping hand with finding particular books of interest and treated to far more than I expected—no reservation required.
I can’t wait to tell you all about it, so make sure you keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside this post at all times, because we’re about to cruise into the Skipper Canteen Library!
The Skipper Canteen
The Jungle Cruise, which debuted as an opening-day attraction at Disneyland in 1955, is famous for its witty storytelling, lush jungle scenery, animatronic animals, and of course, its Skippers. These guides are the secret sauce of the ride, combining energy, improvisational wit, and corny-yet-perfect puns, making this attraction, and themselves, truly iconic.
That same playful spirit carries over into the Skipper Canteen. Known for its “World Famous Jungle Cuisine,” the restaurant is imagined as the Skippers’ headquarters and is owned by Alberta Falls, granddaughter of Dr. Albert Falls, founder of the Jungle Navigation Company. When business on the Jungle Cruise was booming, Alberta opened the Canteen, and inside you’ll find nods to both Albert and Alberta woven throughout the theming.
The Skipper Canteen has three dining rooms: the Crew’s Mess Hall, the Jungle Room (which was once Dr. Albert Falls’s family parlour), and the S.E.A. Room, a former secret meeting place of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.
The S.E.A. Room entrance was once disguised by lined bookshelves, which now line the hallway to get from the Mess Hall to the S.E.A. Room. It’s these bookshelves that make up the contents of the Skipper Canteen’s Library.
The Library
The library has floor to ceiling shelves, filled with both books and artifacts. I love the blend of the two, as it adds character to the space and it really gives the impression that this is a place used by explorers, adventurers, and Skippers alike.
During my visit, I ended up finding myself in a bit of a lighthearted-debate with a Skipper about whether this collection of books could truly be considered a “library” or if it was just some shelves filled with books…I’m sure it comes as no surprise to any of you that I was firmly team library, and here’s why:
Curated Collection: Most, if not all, titles in this collection connect to themes of exploration, adventure, travel, knowledge, and humour. Together, they form a clear thematic focus, just like a real library collection.
Organizational Structure: Even though the books are secured to the shelves, making them unreadable in real life, they’re still arranged as if they were meant for everyday use. In story, Skippers would have been able to pull these books off the shelves for reference, research, or simply for enjoyment, again, organized much like a real library would be.
Serves a Specific Community: This library was curated with a particular audience in mind: Skippers, explorers, and adventurers. Even though the books are fictional, they reflect the subjects that would have mattered most to this imagined community.
And honestly, if the collection over at Swiss Family Treehouse can be called a library, then there’s no question that the Skipper Canteen’s collection can absolutely be classified as a library too!
Behind the Books: Kevin Lively on Creating Book Titles for the Skipper Canteen Library
When it comes to the development of the Skipper Canteen Library, one Imagineer played a particularly key role in bringing the bookshelves to life: Kevin Lively. A former Skipper and Disney Imagineer, Kevin helped shape the shelves of this little library by coming up with the titles for each of the books that can be found there.
“I think I wrote about 300 titles and author names for Skipper Canteen library. Not all were used. That project has some of my favorite work; from the books to the awards to the flyers to two audio Easter Egg scripts.
— Kevin Lively https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7317204392963633152/
Wanting to learn more, I reached out to Kevin directly and he was an absolute gem for taking the time to answer my questions about how this Adventureland library came to be.
Kevin explained that his role began when he was assigned as the writer on the project, picking up after a couple of writers had already left. The concept of the library as a secret entrance to the S.E.A. Room was already in place:
“The plan was to have a secret room for the SEA hidden behind bookshelves (with one book, The Jungle Book, permanently sticking out like someone had pulled the hidden lever). The books were just part of my writing work for the project which also included treatments, prop copy, audio scripts, the menu, and more.”
So how do you go about filling shelves with over 300 believable book titles and author names? For Kevin, it became a layered process of worldbuilding, references, and humour:
“I saw the books as a good way to extend the Disney Parks Adventure Universe and connect it. So that was the first batch: Harrison Hightower, Albert Falls, Henry Mystic, etc. Next was paying tribute to different team members, past Imagineers and Skippers I know. Then some other Magic Kingdom references for fun.”
But the assignment kept growing:
“Then I was told we needed more. So I started to add family names and other people I knew. Then I was told we needed even more. At that point, I was walking the hallways of 1401 Flower Street just writing down names from door placards. When I thought I was wrapped on that, legal made me go thru the entire list and cite where I got the names from.”
Among the hundreds of titles, Kevin shared a few of his personal highlights:
“There’s a gag from competing authors that are one upping each other and writing a book each time they break the others’ record. There’s also a reference to a character that didn’t make it into the final Falls Family story, a pet hippo named Rockefeller.”
Kevin’s work was primarily focused on the writing, but he did notice a small (and very practical) design issue during development:
“I just wrote the prop copy for this section. Though when I got my first tour of the workspace I noticed the fire alarm was positioned in a place that would have prevented the bookcase from ‘swinging open.’ So the creative director fixed that before we opened.”
For Kevin, the library remains one of those Imagineering touches that blends story, humour, and detail in a way only Disney can.
“It’s fun to explore, and I know the Canteen crew is proud. But make sure you’re aware of any incoming trays of food!”
Cataloging the Library
When visiting the Skipper Canteen Library, I couldn’t resist what any librarian would want to do with this many books—I wanted to catalogue them. I would never have had time to do it all right then and there, but I did spend some time analyzing the spines and taking pictures, which I later used to look over at home to create an inventory of the collection (yes, I really did zoom in on every blurry book spine picture I had, thank you very much)! To my delight, a few Skippers even joined in on the fun, highlighting titles and helping me spot any little details I might have missed.
My goal with this project was to document and catalogue as many book titles as possible within the library to preserve it as a reference for Disney fans and historians. Based on my photographs and notes, I counted a total of 658 books on the shelves.
Below, you’ll find a not-so-complete inventory of these books—there are unfortunately missing titles and authors on this list due to the lack of clarity with some of the images I captured. My plan is to update this list once I’m able to return to the Skipper Canteen in the future, however, I invite readers who wish to help with this project, to send me any pictures they may have of the library in order to complete this list fully—you can email them to mainstreetlibrarian@gmail.com.
I hope you enjoy browsing through these titles as much as I enjoyed exploring and cataloguing them!
Left Bookcase
Shelf #1
[Title & author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 1 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 2 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 3 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 4 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 5 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 6 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 7 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 8 - [Author unknown]
The Art of Travel Planning: Volume 9 - [Author unknown]
Droolius Caesar - Shake-Spear
Unmarked brown book [title & author unknown]
This Goodly -Frame the Earth - Tiffany
Cradle of Americans - Kennebec
The Spectator: Vol II
The Spectator: Vol III
The Spectator: Vol VII
The Spectator: [unable to identify volume number]
The Spectator: [unable to identify volume number]
Swiss Family Robinson
Dick’s Works: Vol I
Dick’s Works: Vol II
Sandy Claws: Indonesian Beach Tigers - K.P. Rafferty
Culture of River Guide - Dr. D. Marley
The Crocodile and the Candy Cane
The Lost Tiger of ______ - Mo Willems
Cheetahs Never Prosper - [author unknown]
Friends for Dinner - T. Sam
A Small Village with a Large Heart - Dr. Albert Falls
In Search of ________
[Unable to identify title & author]
The Zebra and the Grass - A. DeBondt
Monsters of the Jungle - Klawitter
A World Through a Lens - B. Lasseter
The Stars Above Us - Quill
Global Night Celebration - Pleasure
Shelf #2
Survival in the Entertainment Jungle - Nigel Greenwater
Let There Be Light ________ - [author unknown]
Legends of the Frontier - Rouse
Stories from the Campfire - A Leahy
The Comedy of Ears - Shake-Spear
Unmarked brown book [title & author unknown]
Dry Socks and Other Basics - [author unknown]
The Search of the Lost Peruvian Hankerchief - Minichiello
Unmarked brown book (title & author unknown)
That Printer of Udell’s - [author unknown]
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1900) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1901) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1902) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1903) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1904) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1905) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1906) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1907) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1908) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1909) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1910) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1911) - Dr Watts
Watts Next: The Future of Exploration Innovation (1912) - Dr Watts
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
The Library of ______ Literature - [author & volume number unknown]
The Library of ______ Literature - [author & volume number unknown]
The Library of ______ Literature - [author & volume number unknown]
The Library of ______ Literature - [author & volume number unknown]
The Library of ______ Literature - [author & volume number unknown]
The Library of ______ Literature - [author & volume number unknown]
Cruising in the East - Vagnini
American Prosperity Abroad - [author unknown]
Native Sports - [author unknown]
Rivers of Paris - [author unknown]
The Gray Area - A. Grayman
Creating a Space for Adventure - [author unknown]
Shelf #3
Tours Around the World - [author unknown]
Banana Trade - [author unknown]
What’s in a Name - [author unknown]
Charting Course - [author unknown]
Birds of East - Watanabe
The History of _____ - [author unknown]
The Green Gorilla - Verde
Ancient Crocodiles - [author unknown]
Caring for Baboons - [author unknown]
The Gorilla Book - K. Lively
The Baboon and the Banana - A. DeBent
Primates As Shipmates - [author unknown]
Croc Wrastlin’ - [author unknown]
The Baboon Book - K. Lively
Exploring Great Waterfalls - Matthew Michaels
Standing Upon Great Waterfalls - Matthew Michaels
Surviving Falls From Great Heights - Matthew Michaels
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: The Two Dianas
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: The Two Dianas
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: [volume unknown]
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: The Regent’s Daughter
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: The Memoirs of a Physician
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: The Queen’s Necklace
The Works of Alexandre Dumas: [volume unknown]
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Tales of the Old West - Durham
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
____ of the Animal Kingdom - [author unknown]
Raising Children - S. Frank
Tales from the Veldt - Dr. ___ Nu
Married into the Jungle - Victoria Marie Falls
Born into the Jungle - Albert Falls Jr.
Married to Someone Born in the Jungle - Sneh Falls
Shelf #4
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Your Satchel and You - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Rare Artifacts of Africa - [author unknown]
Mekong and Youkong - Spleler
Poisonous Fish and How I Learned That They Were Poisonous - [author unknown]
Mysteries of Mystic Manor - [author unknown]
A Manor of Fact - [author unknown]
A Journey to the Stars - [author unknown]
Birds of Song - Tiki Tiki Serrano
A History of Magical Kingdom - [author unknown]
Bears of the Wild Country - [author unknown]
The Sun Above - [author unknown]
Book with ship wheel on spine [title & author unknown]
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
[Title unknown] - Charles Dickens
Our Mutual Friend: Part Two - Charles Dickens
Christmas Book - Charles Dickens
Pickwick Papers: Part One - Charles Dickens
Bleak House Part Two - Charles Dickens
Shelf #5
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
History of Rome - [author unknown]
World History - [author unknown]
World History - [author unknown]
World History - [author unknown]
World History - [author unknown]
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 1 - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 1 (2nd Edition) - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 2 - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 3 - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 4 - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 5 - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 6 - Richard ________
My Larger Than Life Adventures Vol. 7 - Richard ________
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Hamlet: A Lion’s Tale - [author unknown]
Babbling Brooks - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Fix Anything with a Wrench - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
In Pursuit of Shells - [author unknown]
The Crocodile Book - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Shelf #6
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
The Harambe Chronicles - Wilson
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Great Engineers of the 19th Century - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
History of the Englishspeaking PEoples
British Natural History
British Natural History
British Natural History
Our Oriental Heritage - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Right Bookcase
Shelf #1
Jungle Commerce - Philip M. Gray
Great Characters of World Literature - J. Lasseter
Left at the Falls - [author unknown]
Meeting Royalty - Sklar
FUZNEWI PDMWH IHF JD U - Albert the Monkey
[Title & author unknown
The Rule Book - Edited by ____
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
South African Penguins - Lewis
A Steady Stream - [author unknown]
Rock or Stone? - [author unknown]
Is This Deadly? - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Like a Fox - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
A View From Above - [author unknown]
The Polar Voyage - Nemo
The Wildest Ride - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Creatures from Space! - Clench
[Title & author unknown]
Keeping Time - Williams
A Flight Through Dreams - [author unknown]
If You Had Wings You Could Fly - [author unknown]
A New Way to Manage Birds - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
The Mystery Castle - Cindy Ella
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Illustrated Guide to Radio Broadcasting - [author unknown]
Tiki, Tiki, Tikis of the South Pacific - [author unknown]
Boat Evacution Procedures - [author unknown]
Scheduling Your Expedition in 1 Simple Step - Franklyn
Primates of the Caribbean - Coats
[Title & author unknown]
Shelf #2
The Congo Queen - M. Pittman
Native Orange Birds of the Southeastern United States - Dr. Sid Tuss
Songs of the Tiki Bird - Prof. Boag
Crooning Flowers - Sherman and Sherman
Bathing with Elephants - Bertha Trunkstein
The Country of Rivers - [author unknown]
The Overwhelming Dodo Population - [author unknown]
The Fountain of Youth - Diego
Treasures From the Manor - Henry Mystic
The Unknown History of Navies - Jack Francis Murphy
[Title & author unknown]
Beneath the Island - [author unknown]
Music to Smile To - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Our Primitive Contemporaries - Murdock
Africa in Midpassage - [author unknown]
Africa in Midpassage - [author unknown]
Man of Mystery - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Hats of the World - Allen
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
________ - Bayard Taylor’s Works
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
________ - Bayard Taylor’s Works
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Shelf #3
[Title & author unknown]
Monkey Business Ethics - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
The Tiger and the Mango - [author unknown]
Leadership on the River - York
The Monkey and the Coconut - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
The Big Book of Fairy Tales I - Friday
The Big Book of Fairy Tales II - Friday
The Big Book of Fairy Tales III - Friday
The Big Book of Fairy Tales IV - Friday
The Big Book of Fairy Tales V - Friday
The Big Book of Fairy Tales VI - Friday
The Big Book of Fairy Tales VII - Friday
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Baboons of Africa - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Savanna Rovers - [author unknown]
Princess of the Nile - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Recipes of the Congo - [author unknown]
Shelf #4
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Funny Drawings Vol I - Runco
Funny Drawings Vol II - Runco
Funny Drawings Vol III - Runco
Funny Drawings Vol IV - Runco
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Hot Peppers of Peru - [author unknown]
The Lion and the Lolli - [author unknown]
The Greedy Gorilla - [author unknown]
Seeking Knowledge - [author unknown]
Poetry of Parrots - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Canterbury Tales in Modern English
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Wishes on a Star - K.L.
Life in the Cosmos - [author unknown]
Flights of Fancy - Hicks
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Teaching in the Field - Professor Bice
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
__mple Crashing - [author unknown]
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Temple Tours: _____ - Paco
Shelf #5
Encyclopedia Explorers - [author unknown]
Encyclopedia Explorers - [author unknown]
Encyclopedia Explorers - [author unknown]
Encyclopedia Explorers - [author unknown]
Encyclopedia Explorers - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Ancient Architecture - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Wonderful Music of Atlantis - [author unknown]
Wonderful Music of Asia - [author unknown]
A Graphic Past 382-1209 - Tepper
A Graphic Past 1210-1445 - Tepper
A Graphic Past 1446-1701 - Tepper
A Graphic Past 1701-1885 - Tepper
From North to South: Journey Between the Arctic Poles - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Getting Even Part II - R.E. Venge
Getting Even Part IV - R.E. Venge
Getting Even Part VI - R.E. Venge
Getting Even Part VIII - R.E. Venge
Getting Even Part X - R.E. Venge
Getting Even Part XII - R.E. Venge
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Shelf #6
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Photos of Morocco - [author unknown]
Photos of Mexico - [author unknown]
Photos of Canada - [author unknown]
Photos of Norway - [author unknown]
Photos of Florida - [author unknown]
Photos of Congo - [author unknown]
Photos of the Tropics - [author unknown]
Photos of Scotland - [author unknown]
Photos of Persia - [author unknown]
Photos of Egypt - [author unknown]
Photos of Brazil - [author unknown]
Photos of the Nile - [author unknown]
Photos of Peru - [author unknown]
Photos of Mekong - [author unknown]
Photos of _______ - [author unknown]
The Gorilla and the Salad - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Truck Repair in the Field - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Tramp Steamers of Africa - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Kipling: _______ - [author unknown]
Door Bookcase
Shelf #1
Reasonable Expectations - Charles Skippens
Nocturnal Flying Mammals of the American Northwest
Emergency Transportation Techniques
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Times of Changes - C. Carter
Scaling the Matterhorn -
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Steam in the Victorian Era - K. Reid
Law of the Land - SFE
[Title & author unknown]
________ in Exploration - Lemoine
An Odd Set of Stories Vol 1 - Morris
An Odd Set of Stories Vol 3 - Morris
An Odd Set of Stories Vol 3 - Morris
An Odd Set of Stories Vol 7 - Morris
An Odd Set of Stories Vol 9 - Morris
The Scarlet Pimpernel, Tom Sawyer, The Good Earth, Robin Hood
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
En Krise: Til Lykkens Land - Johanna Schjoring
Dickens’ Works: Our Mutual Friend
Legend of Mythica
Great Recipes of Africa - [author unknown]
The Jungle Book - Rudyard Kipling
The Tiger Book - K. Lively
In the Jaws of a Butterfly - [author unknown]
Fleas Navidad and Other Winter Insects - Hart
Huts! - Prof. Potter
How to Survive a Lava Flow - U.B. Ash
Genius Papio - Babette Boon
Old World Monkeys - Babette Boon
The Hippo Book - [author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
101 Ways to Split a Banana - B.N. Peale
A Tail Tale - Lot
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Shelf #2
The Majestic Sloth - S. Low Poke
The Might Termite - Willow
Shades of Khaki - B. Land
Rockefeller: Hippo, Pet, Family - Albert Falls
Another New Year - M.A. Pleasure
The Eyes of Mara - Jones
[Title & author unknown]
Days in Old Spain - Gertude Bone
[Title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Underwater Basketing Weaving for Beginners - Burress
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Running in Kenya - [author unknown]
Fishing in the Amazon - Oscar Fisher
Swimming in the Amazon - Doug E. Paddle
The Ten Minute Voyage - S.H. Tick
Top Hats and Umbrellas - T. Sam
The Missing Mask - T. Sam
True Life Adventures - W.E.D.
A Small World of Traditional Wardrobe - A. Davis
Myths of the Supernatural - Gracey
Castles of Magical Kingdoms - Professor Ryman
Traditional Juju Charms - MacGuffin
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Drums of the Congo - Dr. Vile
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
A Look to the Stars - B. Strong
The Great Book Cover Up - [author unknown]
Suspicious Tikis - D.B. Olly
Enjoying Life in the Jungle - MBR
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
A History of Dirt - Gezurian
Keep Your Head Up High - Prof McCan
Blue Skies Ahead - [author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
[Title & author unknown]
Shelf #3
Those are My Eggs - [author unknown]
Seven Blusterous Days - Gus T.
North to the Orient - [author unknown]
We’ve Got It Covered - Patterson Montoya
Bending the Rules - M.D. Intern
Small But Mighty - [author unknown]
Treehouse Construction - Mills
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Classic American Theatrical Staging - A. Myers
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
The Strange Bazaar - James Q. Treeface
Remembering Kwango Kate - Lingley
The Monkey Book - K. Lively
Letters from Egypt - Cleo & Pat ____
[Title & author unknown]
The Snake and the Prune - A DeBont
[Title & author unknown]
The Skipper Handbook for River Navigation
Banjos and Baboons - Goff
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Treasures of the Animal Kingdom - [author unknown]
Baboons of the Zambezi - Zelda
Large Teeth and the Things They Do - F. Ang
Decades in the Jungle - Grant
Parrots as Pets - Mary Oceaneer
Mine! - Hightower
Havets Datter - [author unknown]
Gydens Pioneer I - Maxim Gorki
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Discovery of the South Seas - S. Sky
Elephant Graveyards - [author unknown]
Beautiful Birds of the Tropics - Rubenstein
The Snake Book - [author unknown]
The River ___ Through
Two Bees or Not Two Bees - [author unknown]
Traditional Native Holiday Decor - [author unknown]
Tribal Trading - [author unknown]
The Panther Book - [author unknown]
Shelf #4
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Pink Elephants and Othe Rarities - Lopez
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Art of the Wild - S.K.E.
Unmarked book [title & author unknown]
Living with the Lambs - [author unknown]
Teaching from the Heart of the Jungle - Prof. Reinard
Chomp! - Allison Gator
The Monkey and the Coconut - [author unknown]
A Resourceful Human - J.P. Lopez
Shelf #5
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Main Street - Sinclair Lewis
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Encyclopedia Explorers: _______
Shelf #6
Family Flight Through Mexico
[Title & Author unknown]
[Title & Author unknown]
[Title & Author unknown]
[Title & Author unknown]
[Title & Author unknown]
[Title & Author unknown]
[Title & Author unknown]
My Quest 23,000 Leagues into the Pacific
An Adventure 6,000 Meters Above the World
My Journey 6,1000 Meters in the Sky
Soaring 6,200 Meters above Sea Level
A Breeze at 6,250 Meters
Blue Skies at 6,274 Meters
Ballooning at 6,283 Meters
At the top of the World at 6,287 Meters
Thoughts from the Heavens 6,291 Meters
A Rocket to 6,891 Meters
Sam IV: Part I - Shake-Spear
Sam IV: Part II - Shake-Spear
Sam V - Shake-Spear
Sam VI: Part I - Shake-Spear
Sam VI: Part II - Shake-Spear
Sam VI: Part III - Shake-Spear
Games of Far Away Lands - Ahern
Unmarked Book [title & author unknown]
The Spin - Reilsynder
Heroes Throughout History - Spiegel
Performing on the Great Wall - Dr. David _____
Ancient Structures of Wonder
Adventure Lodging Principles - P. Fisher
Management Down the Hall - Timothy Hall
Myths of the Galaxy - [author unknown]
This little library matters, not only because of it’s incredible puns, but for it’s worldbuilding. Disney didn’t have to create a fully-realized library inside a restaurant, but they did, and that decision speaks volumes about the depth of storytelling and imagination woven into every corner of the parks. Every title, object, and reference in this library adds another layer to the Jungle Cruise universe, connecting guests to a larger story.
For me, the magic of this place wasn’t only in the books themselves, but it was also the Skippers who brought it to life. The evening I visited, I wasn’t just allowed into the library, but I was welcomed in. The Skippers joined in as I photographed and searched for particular titles, pointing out clever ones and sharing laughs along the way. In true Skipper fashion, they had me in stitches the entire time.
And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any more magical, they surprised us with a little behind-the-scenes tour, showing details like the opening day ribbon on display in the restaurant. To top it all off, we were escorted over to the Jungle Cruise and placed right at the front of the line for the next boat! I’ve had plenty of memorable moments in the parks, but never one quite like this. Thank you, Skips—you truly made this a research adventure for the books!
A big thank you to Kevin Lively as well for taking time to answer my questions and for sharing insights into the creative process with this library project.
References
The Jungle Cruise: The Wild History of Walt’s Favorite Ride by David “Dr. Skipper” Marley















