01/01/2017
Gr 1–3—A brief but entertaining introduction to Muppets creator Jim Henson. The text, narrated by Henson, presents his life story as if he were still alive but as a child version of himself (complete with a beard!). The factual information provided is solid, as is the back matter, which includes a time line of Henson's life and a few photographs. Some readers may be a bit perplexed when the time line reveals that Henson passed away in 1990. However, the effect of a miniature Henson narrating his own story is charming. The graphic novel—style illustrations are friendly, with speech bubbles and factoids peppered throughout. There are a few instances where the pages are a bit busy, but ultimately these incidents don't detract from the overall appeal of the work. VERDICT This bite-size biography of Henson is an endearing, attractive selection. Consider where the series is popular.—Taylor Worley, Springfield Public Library, OR

2016-11-02
Meltzer holds up the great Muppeteer as a role model.As in previous profiles in his Ordinary People Change the World series, the author crafts a first-person narrative that is light on biographical details and heavy on message. After pointing to significant early influences, from Edgar Bergen to Kukla, Fran and Ollie, the fictive Henson carries his career through Sesame Street, leads a chorus of Muppets singing "Rainbow Connection," and concludes with a homiletic lecture: "Believe in the good of the world. Create something new. Share what you love….And never stop being kind. There's nothing wrong with being a do-gooder." Per series formula, Eliopoulos depicts his subject in cartoon illustrations as a bobblehead doll who remains child-sized throughout despite sporting a heavy beard from early youth. Recognizably drawn Muppets and co-workers are introduced by name, and a late scene extends the Henson story to its sadly premature end with a multiethnic group of children viewing a museum exhibit of selected monsters and movie posters. Nearly every child will know his work already: here's at least a superficial glimpse of his character. (photos, timeline, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 3-6)