My Life as a Furry Red Monster by KEVIN CLASH

Some times a book cover is deceptive. The attractive cover is exciting. While inside the book there is a boring plot. However for "My Life as a Furry Red Monster by Kevin Clash, this is not the case." The book cover is bright and happy. The memoir of  Mr. Clash is just like the cover. It's filled with his and Elmo's excited voices. 

Over the years while my children were growing up, I might have forgotten about Kevin Clash and only thought about the misadventures of Elmo. There is no mistake after reading this book. Kevin Clash has a life story brimming over with a rag to riches theme and other themes not always so happy. Kevin Clash grows up in Baltimore, Md. One of the bad times is when he meets racism for the first time at school. He has been picked for the role of the main character in Guys and Dolls. One night the girl lead calls him. She wants him to give up his part in the play. The reason why is staggering to the mind and awfully sad.

Thank goodness overall Mr. Clash has led a life like a fairy tale. He had wonderful parents. He didn't like to go outside and play ball much. His preference was to play in fabric and make puppets. His parents never forced him to play more ball, go outside more like other boys. It seemed  they just wanted him to feel happy. 

He writes a lot about Baltimore and growing up. He also writes about his working days. His love for the wonderful man, Jim Henson, and what it took to make the toy doll, Elmo, who laughs when tickled. Most of all I enjoyed reading about Kevin Clash's childhood. How many other children have seen and talked to the "real" Captain Kangaroo in their bedroom while he looked through their puppets? Yes, it did happen to Kevin Clash.

If Elmo were telling the story, I'm sure he would use the same chapter layout. I found it exciting to read a character trait before each chapter: courage, tolerance, cooperation, friendship, etc. After I finished the book, I picked it up and looked through it again. I think the dedication explains the fact that Kevin Clash lived a childhood which all children should experience in life."To Mom And Dad, For All The Caring, Love, And Support." It's no surprise such a child should grow up to love children and want to share puppetry with them.  randomhousemy-life-as-a-furry-red-monster-by-kevin-clash

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