Elmo is a perpetual 3 and a-half-year-old who loves everyone. Early breaks brought him the opportunity to work with Muppet creator Jim Henson on a temporary basis, but this was the opening to his life as a puppeteer for the show "Sesame Street." The concept for Elmo came about with the need for a character that very young children could relate to. The gift of their love is with him throughout his book. He was allowed to use "found" objects for his puppets and this could be anything from his mother's fluffy slipper to a piece of wood found on an abandoned lot. He also shows how the strong influence of supportive parents let him be different from other children by making his puppets and performing. All through the book, the author gives us glimpses of how he related to his older brother and two sisters in those years of growing up in the house in Turner Station. Much of his experiences of growing up sharing a bedroom with 3 siblings, yet finding room to have his own creative space, lets us see how the author has drawn from his early life's experiences to create puppets that can act out real feelings on the puppet stage. "Elmo's World" is based on the world that Kevin grew up in. Kevin Clash didn't just create Elmo, he is Elmo. Reviewed by Audrey Hauser for Reader Views (9/06) The subtitle, "What Being Elmo Has Taught Me about Life, Love, and Laughing Out Loud," pretty much lets you know what this book is about. Chapter Titles 1) Love 2) Joy 3) Creativity 4) Tolerance 5) Courage 6) Friendship 7) Cooperation 8) Learning 9) Optimism The doctor then responded "What are you, a d*** angel?" Kevin Clash may not be an angel but he is indeed a godsend, here to bring smiles and laughter, as well as encouragement, to the children (and their parents) of the world. When asked by the doctor, "Do You drink?" "Do you smoke?" and "Have you had sex?", respectively, Clash responded with "No" to all three. In one revealing reminiscence, Clash recalls a trip to the doctor when, as a teenager, he was stricken with an appendicitis. It is his inherent talent and understanding that makes him an "expert" that can provide valuable lessons in bringing up one's offspring. Though only possessing a high school education, Clash writes as profoundly and intelligently as any degreed child psychologist or educator. Elmo becomes the "universal spokesperson" for children and their right to be acknowledged for all their unique abilities and personalities. Through nine wonderful one-word chapters, the author gives insight that can benefit all parents as they strive to inspire their children to achieve at their best. It is the pursuit of that dream that makes Clash embody "Elmo" with such a strong desire to pull out the "magic" that every child possesses. The author does a good bit of name-dropping for he is truly appreciative of the assistance that all gave him to pursue his dream. Written in a breezy style, Clash reflects on his lifelong desire to entertain with puppets, starting as a neighborhood entertainer to work on local television shows to national exposure on "Captain Kangaroo" and ultimately worldwide success on "Sesame Street." Along the way to stardom among the preschool set, Clash was aided by the loving encouragement of parents, siblings, teachers, and mentors. Multi-Emmy-winning Kevin Clash, the voice and hands behind the beloved "Elmo," has written a book that explores the wonders of childhood and the desire to follow one's dream.
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