In support of the rollout of its new learning brand Disney Imagicademy, Disney is donating US$55 million in apps and books to bolster reading programs for under-fives across the US.

The donation is also part of US President Barack Obama’s Invest in Us initiative that challenges business leaders, philanthropists, public officials and everyday Americans to improve early childhood programs.

Over the next three years, Disney is providing US$5 million in apps to nonprofit organizations like First Book, and US$50 million in books to foster a love of reading in children from low-income families.

Included in the package are apps from Imagicademy, the new digital learning initiative from Disney Publishing Worldwide.

Geared to kids ages three to eight, Imagicademy combines Disney characters and stories with research-based curricula in a way that takes learning outside the classroom. The program includes 30 educational apps, along with a companion app for parents that lets them follow their children’s progress.

Disney plans to support the digital content with physical products like books and learning toys, which will be available at US retailers during back-to-school 2015.

The first five apps launch tomorrow on the App Store, including Mickey’s Magical Math World for iPads. A second suite of iOS apps are focused on the creative arts and scheduled for release in January.

Screengrab from Disney Imagicademy clip