When Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Club debuted on October 3, 1955, the world fell in love with Annette Funicello, the Mouseketeer whose shy smile captivated the show's young viewers. After she outgrew her Ears, her fans followed her acting and singing career as well as her personal life as a wife and mother. When Annette passed away from complications of multiple sclerosis on April 8, 2013, the world mourned.

There have been many testimonials given about Annette from her family and show business associates. In this book, former Annette Fan Club president Rita Rose offers an in-depth look at Annette's character from the perspectives of lesser-known people in her life, and how her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor impacted them. Several Mouseketeers and other performers offer their insights, too.

What you'll see inside this book:

• Annette's professionalism as she worked with directors, choreographers, and other actors.
• Assessments of her music and how it indirectly helped to build Walt Disney World.
• Her empathy toward a fan whose mother was very ill.
• A touching moment between Annette and a friend heading for boot camp.
• The poignant interactions between Annette and a dedicated friend who accompanied her to treatments after she became ill.
• Her lifelong friendship with actress Shelley Fabares: Their years of laughter, and the painful moments in the hospital room where Annette took her last breath.
• Rare family photos and other images with fans and friends.

This unique look at Annette's relationships behind the scenes is a must-read for all of her fans