Your child has memorized every word of the Cinderella story. They can recite Ariel's adventures. They've watched The Princess and the Frog so many times you can quote Tiana in your sleep. The Disney princess phase is in full bloom — and you love it. But you're also wondering: what comes next?
As someone who has written Disney princess books — including Cinderella's 75th Anniversary Edition, The Little Mermaid: Adventures on Land, and Tiana and the Mardi Gras Parade — I think about this question constantly. And as a mom of two girls, I've lived it.
Here's the good news: that Disney princess love is actually building exactly the reading skills your child needs to make the leap to chapter books. And I know the perfect bridge.
Why Disney Princess Fans Are Ready for More
Think about what your child loves about Disney princesses. It's not just the sparkly dresses (though those help). It's the courage. The heart. The characters who face impossible situations and refuse to give up. Cinderella's kindness in the face of cruelty. Ariel's curiosity about a world she's never known. Tiana's work ethic and dream of something bigger.
Your child is already connecting with complex characters and emotional storylines. They're ready for chapter books — they just need a character who gives them that same feeling of excitement, connection, and "I want to be like her."
Meet Millie Magnus: The Next Heroine Your Child Will Love
After writing for Disney's most beloved princesses, I created a character entirely my own: Millie Magnus. She's an exuberant, fashion-forward third-grader with a pet chicken named Extra Spicy, a closet full of hot pink rain boots, and the kind of personality that can't be contained.
Millie isn't a princess. She's something even better — she's a real kid. She goes to school, has a best friend named Poppy Anne, gets into trouble, makes mistakes, and learns from them. She's brave like Ariel, determined like Tiana, and kind like Cinderella — but she's dealing with the same things your child deals with every day.
The Perfect Reading Path: Disney to Millie Magnus
Step 1: Disney Picture Books (Ages 3–5)
Start with picture books that your child can enjoy together with you. Cinderella: 75th Anniversary and The Little Mermaid: Adventures on Land are beautiful read-alouds with gorgeous illustrations. Tiana and the Mardi Gras Parade is perfect for introducing your child to cultural celebrations. These books build vocabulary, listening comprehension, and a love of story.
Step 2: Bridge Books (Ages 4–6)
My debut picture book, Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras Prize, works beautifully as a bridge. It's a picture book with a slightly more complex story — themes of friendship, competition, and learning what really matters. It's the perfect "in-between" before chapter books.
Step 3: The Millie Magnus Chapter Books (Ages 5–8)
Now they're ready. Millie Magnus Won't Be Bullied is the ideal first chapter book for Disney princess fans. It has a strong female protagonist they'll instantly love. It has humor, heart, and beautiful illustrations by Ebony Glenn. And it deals with real-world challenges — bullying, standing up for yourself — in a way that's empowering without being heavy.
From there, Millie Magnus for Mayor introduces themes of leadership and community. And Millie Magnus Is NOT Jealous (coming September 2026) tackles jealousy and friendship — emotions every child understands deeply.
More Chapter Book Series for Princess Fans
Once your child has made it through Brittany's Disney books and into the Millie Magnus series, they'll be hungry for more. Here are four chapter book series that hit the same sweet spot — strong heroines, a touch of magic, and stories that keep kids turning pages.
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale (Ages 5–8)
Princess Magnolia wears pink, hosts tea parties — and has a secret monster-fighting alter ego. This NYT bestselling series is laugh-out-loud funny and packed with action, blending princess charm with superhero energy. With 11+ books, it's the kind of series kids devour and then immediately start rereading. If your child loved Millie's fearlessness, Princess Magnolia is their next obsession.
The Never Girls by Kiki Thorpe (Ages 6–9)
Published by Disney, this 18-book series whisks four friends to Never Land where they befriend Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. It's full of gentle magic, real friendship dynamics, and just enough cliffhangers to keep kids begging for the next book. A perfect bridge between Disney picture books and longer chapter book series.
The Rescue Princesses by Paula Harrison (Ages 6–9)
Four princesses from different kingdoms have a secret — they're trained in ninja skills, and they use their bravery and gadgets to rescue animals worldwide. If your child wants their princesses to do more than attend balls, this 10-book series delivers adventure, teamwork, and heart in every installment.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (Ages 8–12)
When your young reader is ready for something meatier, this Newbery Honor fairy tale retelling is the perfect next step. Ella is cursed with obedience — she must do whatever she's told — and her journey to break the curse is funny, feminist, and deeply satisfying. It's the book that inspired the movie, and it's even better on the page. A wonderful "graduation read" for kids who've outgrown early chapter books.
What Parents Are Saying
Publishers Weekly called the series "a charming series kickoff." The Washington Post described Millie as "personality-plus." Kirkus praised its "well-paced narrative" and authentic voice. But the feedback that matters most comes from parents who tell me their daughter went from reading Disney princess books to devouring the Millie Magnus series — and asking for more.
That's the magic of finding the right next book. It's not about leaving Disney behind — it's about taking everything your child loves about those stories and showing them that there's a whole world of books waiting for them.
From This Disney Author to Your Family
I write for Disney because I love those characters and what they mean to children. But I created Millie Magnus because I wanted to give kids something they couldn't get anywhere else — a heroine who looks and feels like the kids I see every day in classrooms and communities across the country. A heroine who isn't a princess, but who's every bit as brave, kind, and unforgettable.
If your child loves Disney princesses, give Millie a chance. I think she'll become their next favorite.
Brittany Mazique is available for school visits and author presentations nationwide. She brings Disney magic and Millie Magnus energy to interactive programs for grades K–5. Book a visit →