Carol Stream, Ill. (March 4, 2022) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Jodi Benson, Disney Legend and original voice of Ariel in the Disney classic The Little Mermaid, has penned her memoir, Part of My World, to release in September.
Beyond her best-known work as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jodi Benson also gave voice to Barbie in Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 2 and 3, and delighted Disney fans with a cameo in Enchanted before reprising her role as Ariel in Ralph Breaks the Internet. She made her starring-role debut on Broadway performing “Disneyland” in Smile, and she earned a Tony nomination as Polly Baker in Crazy for You. In 2011, Disney bestowed upon Jodi their highest honor, naming her a Disney Legend. Jodi continues to share her gift, entertaining audiences across the country and around the world.
In Part of My World, Benson takes readers on a magical journey from a Midwestern town to the bright lights of Broadway and the recording booth where she brought to life one of the most beloved Disney princesses of all time. A treasure trove of colorful characters and unforgettable anecdotes, Part of My World reads like a real-life fairy tale as a girl with a big voice and even bigger dreams sets out on the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, Jodi shares lessons she’s learned about faith, friendship, love, loss, taking chances, making mistakes, following God’s call, and chasing your dreams.
Written with warmth, humor, and disarming vulnerability, Part of My World is a captivating glimpse behind the curtain at the making of one of the most celebrated animated movies of all time, and a must-read for Disney fans of all ages.
“Every now and again, a book comes along that makes me just keep pinching myself because I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to publish it,” says Sarah Atkinson, publisher of the Tyndale Momentum nonfiction imprint. “Part of My World is that book! Working with Jodi Benson is a dream come true, and her memoir is every bit as delightful as she is—it’s sparkly, witty, fun, full of backstage stories and ‘you’ll never believe it’ showbiz moments. Disney, Pixar, and Broadway fans will be enchanted by her tales! And at the same time, Jodi shares—with candor and vulnerability—the hard times and missteps that have been part of her journey, and how she’s trusted God to turn ashes into joy through it all. I am so thankful that Jodi has entrusted Tyndale with her story, and I cannot wait for readers to experience this book and become part of Jodi’s world.”
Paige O’Hara (the voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast) contributes the foreword in Benson’s upcoming release, and legendary Disney composer and songwriter Alan Menken endorsed the book by saying, “Jodi is a treasure on every level, both personal and professional. And we’re truly blessed that fate (through Howard Ashman) made her a part of our world and allowed her to occupy such a precious position in all of our lives. It is so special for her to write this book and share her experiences.”
Jodi Benson’s debut release will be supported by a significant marketing budget as well as a national media tour. Tyndale has acquired world rights, in all languages.
For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.
