A heartfelt thank-you to the readers whose messages and stories have buoyed me at low moments, spurring me to write further. This book would not have been possible without Maggie Richardson, who from the beginning has encouraged me, made available seemingly endless research materials, and strengthened my resolve with her own powerful storytelling ability. I am very grateful to all the current and former Disney employees I spoke with as well as their family and friends, who shared both their memories and archival material: the wonderful Jeanne Chamberlain, Berkeley Brandt, Ben Worcester, Theo Halladay, Ann Tarvin, Steve and Suzi Onopa, Carol Hannaman, Michael Giaimo, Pete Docter, Brenda Chapman, Ellen Woodbury, Rita Hsiao, and many others. I am indebted to the many Disney historians who helped me in my research, in particular John Canemaker. Without their invaluable collections of photographs, artwork, interviews, story-meeting transcripts, and so much more, this book would not have been written. A special thank-you to the many librarians and archivists, including Katherine Platz, who aided my search and helped me find documents that I didn’t even know existed. I am also very grateful to the members of the Hyperion Historical Alliance, who have not only assisted my research but also allowed me to join their rich community.
I would be lost without Laurie Abkemeier, my wonderful agent who supports and inspires me. I have infinite gratitude for my editor, the talented Asya Muchnick, and am so fortunate to benefit from her expertise. Thank you to Jayne Yaffe Kemp and Tracy Roe, who not only improved the manuscript considerably but also made me smile with their witty edits and comments.
For my Met Hill family: Rachael and Gerry Coakley, Susie and Ben Bird, Elizabeth Keane, Sean Cashman, and Sarah Elliott. For my Ventucky crew: Elizabeth Shaw, Emlyn Jones, Jennifer and Payson Thompson, Tim Flanagan, J. A. and Joline MacFarland, Amy Cantor and Scott Ambruster. For my dear friends: my BFF Anna Seltzer, Dorothy and Mariano Deguzman, Jeremy Bennett, Rebecca Lee and Rich Cegelski, Darcie and Mark Tuite, Lisa and Luther Ward, Deborah Ward, and Megan Furniss. I am so grateful to my little turkeys who have lifted me up during the darkest of days: Kristin Rascon, Ashlee Mikels, Amy McCain, Amanda Webb, Shelly McGill, Kate Brum, Michelle Danley, Lisa Funari, Samantha Wilson, Jessica Sakaske, Erika Hilden, AJ Lund, Andrea Alexander, Stacey Williams, Holly Button, Jenna Wood, Rachael Nelson, Erica Johansen, Jessica Mydland, Callie Slama, Becky Brown, Kimberly Philip, Amanda Schuster, Valerie Halsey, Clare Rice, Rosie Forbes, Karyln Goodman, Kiersti Pilon, and Amy Blackwell. For the teachers: Jennifer O’Reilly, Ms. McCool, Koresha Braxton, Stacey Isles, and Jacqueline Rosario. For my family: Marco Katz, Betsy Boone, Joyce Boone, Rose Grundgeiger, Claire and Jerry McCleery, Shane, Frannie, Ruby, Harrison, and Andrew Vesely, Scott Holt, and Shea Holt. For my sweet Hannah Holt. In memory of a loving father and grandfather: Kenneth Fry Holt.
To the most important people in my life: my husband, Larkin, and the girls who inspire me every day with their curious minds: Eleanor and Philippa.