Muppet-tastic
Nobody can really argue that Sesame Street didn't change childhood, education, and millions of lives when it debuted in 1969. A whole generation was raised on those magical muppet adventures, and another whole generation trusted that their kids would be safe within the confines of this make-believe street. If you're as entranced as I am by Sesame Street and the genius behind it, there are several books that might be of interest to you.
Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams: Inspiration for Living Life Outside the Lines is a tiny book packed with a lot of inspiration. Filled with doodles and drawings from all stages of Henson's life, it allows us a glimpse into the mind that brought us some of the best-loved characters of all times. Although most of the quotes in the book were not said by Henson, they are inspired by his unique life.
Few people recognize Carroll Spinney, as he spent most of his professional life either inside a trash can or a giant yellow bird. Yes, Spinney is the puppeteer who gave voice and action to both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. I had a chance to meet Spinney a few years ago, and he was a delightful man--gentle, funny, and altogether unabashed. That he's been able to reconcile the wildly disparate personalities of his two greatest creations is a wonder to me. The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch) is Spinney's attempt to get at the heart of these characters and share the lessons he's learned in nearly 40 years of exploring both the dark and light sides of childhood.
Do not doubt the subtitle of Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street--it covers things you would never have thought could have tied in to the history of this groundbreaking show. But that's part of what makes this book such a pleasure to read . . . that author Michael Davis is able to take all the threads that don't seem to have any connection, and weave them into a seamless whole. This book is great for anyone who loves Sesame Street, has an interest in the early days of television, works in education, or just loves to read about passionate people bringing their beliefs to the table and making something wonderful.
Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams: Inspiration for Living Life Outside the Lines is a tiny book packed with a lot of inspiration. Filled with doodles and drawings from all stages of Henson's life, it allows us a glimpse into the mind that brought us some of the best-loved characters of all times. Although most of the quotes in the book were not said by Henson, they are inspired by his unique life.
Few people recognize Carroll Spinney, as he spent most of his professional life either inside a trash can or a giant yellow bird. Yes, Spinney is the puppeteer who gave voice and action to both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. I had a chance to meet Spinney a few years ago, and he was a delightful man--gentle, funny, and altogether unabashed. That he's been able to reconcile the wildly disparate personalities of his two greatest creations is a wonder to me. The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch) is Spinney's attempt to get at the heart of these characters and share the lessons he's learned in nearly 40 years of exploring both the dark and light sides of childhood.
Do not doubt the subtitle of Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street--it covers things you would never have thought could have tied in to the history of this groundbreaking show. But that's part of what makes this book such a pleasure to read . . . that author Michael Davis is able to take all the threads that don't seem to have any connection, and weave them into a seamless whole. This book is great for anyone who loves Sesame Street, has an interest in the early days of television, works in education, or just loves to read about passionate people bringing their beliefs to the table and making something wonderful.
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