Monday, February 13, 2017

I AM JIM HENSON by Brad Meltzer / Book Review


By: Brad Meltzer

Illustrated by: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published by: Penguin Kids
Released on: January 10th, 2017
Series: Ordinary People Change The World
Ages: 5 & up
Purchase from: The PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. This volume focuses on Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street.
 
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great–the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Jim Henson, for example, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people. Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor, and he used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history: The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Through his Muppets, Jim showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination, especially when it’s accompanied by laughter and kindness.
 
Each book in this series tells the story of one inspiring individual through lively text and art that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. 


In a time when the world needs more kindness, this book is just what you need.

I AM JIM HENSON doesn't just give readers a wonderful insight into the man who's imagination and inspiration, was a huge part of my childhood. Henson's creations were a reminder to his viewers that there is always a need for kindness, laughter, fun, endless imagination, and a lot of possibility. This book continues that legacy. 

"With my imagination, I could do anything. I could be anything."

With a lot of practice, determination, never giving up, and plenty of imagination, Jim Henson proved he could accomplish his dreams. And he did. Both shows featuring his muppets, Sesame Street, and The Muppet Show, where widely successful shows. He brought people together, and made them laugh, just like he wanted to do. He also inspired people.

Henson inspired people to be kinder, and that nothing was impossible. Dreams are obtaininable. Believe, keep practicing, and never give up. Most importantly, he has taught us to believe in, and look for the good in the world. This book is a wonderful reminder for this simple, yet important message. We need this now, more than ever. 

Be kinder. Believe in the good in the world. There's good all around us, if we just look. 

A few of my favorite quotes from the book include:

"There's good in all of us."

"Goodness lives within each of us."

"Believe in the good of the world. Create something new. Share what you love. And find others who believe in those favorite things you dream about." 

"Never stop being kind. There's nothing wrong with being a do-gooder."

"I will keep believing, and keep pretending"

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~