The Spark of Imagination: A Fireworks Memory
At the D23 Expo 2015, Richard Sherman first introduced us to A Kiss Goodnight. It’s the story of a young Walt Disney, a poor farm boy from Marceline, Missouri, who was fascinated by the annual Fourth of July fireworks. It was those fireworks that sparked Walt’s boundless imagination—imagination that would ultimately bring us Disneyland. Remembering those fireworks from home, Walt wanted to leave every Disneyland guest with a “Kiss Goodnight,” a nightly fireworks celebration. We first heard Ashley Brown sing the title song at the 2015 Expo, and it later featured during Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary fireworks.
The Book Premiere at D23 Expo 2017
Two years later, the story returned with even more heart. At the D23 Expo 2017, the book A Kiss Goodnight made its official debut. Co-created by Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Floyd Norman, the illustrated hardcover starts with “Long ago, there was a farm in Missouri…” and closes with the touching line, “There was always a kiss goodnight.”
The book includes a CD featuring the original Ashley Brown recording, accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. Floyd Norman, the legendary Disney animator, illustrated the book and brought Walt’s story to life with charming, nostalgic visuals.
A Book Born from Song and Memory
The D23 2017 panel, A Kiss Goodnight with Disney Legends Richard Sherman and Floyd Norman, gave fans a deep dive into the story’s origin. Hosted by Wendy Lefkon, Editorial Director for Disney Editions, the session added new behind-the-scenes details. According to Richard, A Kiss Goodnight was originally created as a theme song for an unproduced Disney Channel television series. Though the show never materialized, the song lived on.
The emotional story Richard shared at D23 Expo 2015 moved Wendy Lefkon, inspiring her to turn it into the book. That musical moment and memory of Walt Disney’s childhood fireworks inspired something much bigger—a lasting tribute to Walt’s imagination.
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