My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud

Kevin Clash

Crown Publishing Group, Sep 5, 2006 - Self-Help - 208 pages

Hello, Everybody!

The furry red monster known as Elmo has charmed his way into hearts and homes throughout the world with his unmistakable laugh, over-the-top enthusiasm, and boundless love. Elmo’s appeal is nothing short of magical. Kids adore him, and parents find him irresistible. What is it about this little monster?

Meet Kevin Clash, the man behind the Muppet and the unassuming heart and soul of Elmo. At last, the puppeteer who has performed Elmo for nearly twenty years comes out from behind the stage to share his story. Weaving together his memories of growing up with the life lessons gained from his furry red alter ego, Kevin reveals himself to be as caring, and as eager to grow and learn and love, as the very special character he brings to life.

You will discover how young Kevin honed his talent entertaining the kids in his mother’s home day care with puppets he made from slippers and coat liners; how, as a struggling young artist, he realized his dream to meet and then work for his idol, Muppet creator Jim Henson; and how each and every day of performing Elmo reinforces for him what is most important in life.

As Kevin has been inspired by Elmo, now we can all learn from his furry red ways. Kevin’s (and Elmo’s) thoughts on love, creativity, friendship, and optimism remind us of life’s simple truths and ultimately encourage us all to be a little bit more like Elmo—to live with joy, to love more easily, and to laugh more often.

What people are saying

Review: My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud

User Review  - Allison - Goodreads

This was very cute. Kevin Clash talks a lot about growing up in a loving home. He also talks about the universal appeal of Elmo. But I couldn't finish it. I had to stop reading after the second ...

Review: My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud

User Review  - Megan - Goodreads

206 pages Biography Well this book wasn't the best but it was cool learning about Elmo. Well first off the story tells you about Elmo or Kevin Clash life growing up. It was all about how he loved ...

About the author

Kevin Clash began making his own puppets and performing for live audiences when he was a boy. He turned his childhood obsession into a professional passion, forging a career in television and making an indelible mark on children’s imaginations. Kevin has been with Sesame Street for twenty-six years and is coexecutive producer of “Elmo’s World.” He has won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series and five for his work as coexecutive producer of an Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Series. He has a daughter, Shannon, and lives in New York City.

Bibliographic information

• Title: My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud
• Author: Kevin Clash
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group, 2006
• ISBN: 0767926323, 9780767926324
• Length: 208 pages
• Subjects: Self-Help / Motivational & Inspirational