My Life as a Furry Red Monster - Book Review

It is almost impossible to find anyone in the United States and maybe even in the world who hasn't heard of the cute red monster muppet, Elmo, and Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind him. This book, however, is not so much about Elmo than about Kevin Clash who teaches, through Elmo, life lessons with insight.

As Kevin tells us of his experiences, we learn how he became who he is and what made his creativity flourish. Kevin's lessons are directed at adapting to life and making life successful with tolerance, creativity, humor, cooperation, and love.

From the pages of this book, the reader gets the idea that Kevin as Elmo has had an incredible life, traveling the world and connecting to young and old, through love. The success of Elmo is the success of love and optimism, bringing smiles, encouragement, and laughter to children and adults.

The book grants precious insights to the puppeteer's younger years that signal who he will become in adulthood. "Miss Marie knew of my growing reputation as the neighborhood Ed Sullivan, since I'd been doing backyard shows for the local kids starting at the age of nine." Kevin goes on to say that for his first show he needed a dog puppet and a sailboat. So he built them himself.

As a skillful storyteller, Kevin tells the story of his life and philosophy in nine chapters:

* Love

* Joy

* Creativity

* Tolerance

* Courage

* Friendship

* Cooperation

* Learning

* Optimism

The book not only entertains but also confirms the human side of the man behind the muppet, and it shows, with encouragement, how to teach and relate to children. Kevin says, "When we take the time to be creative in our teaching, chances are that we'll be more successful in engaging a child's mind." Kevin's approach to teaching took him and a dressed-up Elmo to Washington, D.C., in 2002, to testify in front of Congress at the Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Now, that has to be a ground-breaking event for any muppet.

Kevin Clash, the author, was born in Turner's Station, Baltimore, on September 17, 1960. His mother ran a daycare and his father was a flash welder operator at Raymond Metals and a neighborhood handyman. Kevin began building puppets very early in his life and enjoyed performing with them. In 1983 he was hired to perform in Sesame Street, a show which had impressed him since childhood.

Later, Kevin became one of the main performers of The Jim Henson Hour. After that, his career soared, and Kevin won Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding performer in a Children's Series in 1990, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005.
Among Kevin's most famous muppets are Elmo, Mel, Hoots the Owl, Baby Tooth, Benny Rabbit, and Natasha.

The book, My Life as a Furry Red Monster, is in hardcover with 211 pages and ISBN: 0767923758.

My Life as a Furry Red Monster is a wonderful autobiography irresistible to young and old alike. I recommend this book, because the warmth and down-to-earth feeling in its pages are delightful and uplifting.