Having recently read some Sesame Street monster books, if this were all Kermit, it would have gone one way, and that would have been really good. However, this is really mainly Jim, but also kind of Kermit, and really they had a lot in common. It is touching and there are some good quotes, but it seems a little unsure of what it wants to do, and suffers a little from that.

My illusions have been shattered. Ok, maybe it's not that dramatic. Perhaps they have just been slowly eroded, and now that the erosion has gone on long enough, it is suddenly apparent. This is a small book (like, wallet sized) containing excerpts from It's Not Easy Being Green. A book of quotations from Jim Henson seems, at first glance, to make for a promising read, especially when these are excerpts from a larger volume - leading one to believe that the wisdom contained within is the absolute best of what the lengthier tome had to offer.

Three posibilities exist: the editors of this book are not very good at selecting ideal pearls of wisdom, editors of the original book are not very good at selecting ideal pearls of wisdom, or (clutch my chest in the realization of slowly eroded agony) Jim Henson's pearls of wisdom are not very good.

Don't get me wrong, Jim Henson's Muppets were purveyors of really great messages: be yourself, like yourself, be true to yourself, be true to your friends, it's ok to be a weirdo, do the right thing, don't forget to play, etc. There is very little, however, that goes deeper than that.

I have gained no insight into the world of Jim Henson, nor any insight into my own world. Upon reflection, the same is true of all Jim Henson-related literature I have come across. I unconditionally love Kermit the Frog, like nothing else, but I will stop trying to find something more to his creator.

For Christmas a few years ago, Forrest gave me My Life as a Furry Red Monster. I devoured the book on Christmas day, interrupting the family gathering to share tidbits of Kevin's story. So, when I saw It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider at the discount store today, I knew I had to pick it up (along with Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons-- which I'll read this weekend). Of course, I read the book in under an hour. It's a wonderful tribute to Jim Henson and the work he created which truly touched us all. I've bookmarked so many quotes that I'd like to share with people that I think I should just pick them up a copy of the book!

Quick read. Jim Henson is a classic. Loved Fraggle Rock growing up and Muppets take Manhattan. One of my favorite lines in the book says:
I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked out for me.
Highly recommend.

A very good friend of mine gave me this book for my birthday. It is a series of quotes by Jim Henson and his Muppet characters, describing his views on life and creativity. It also features remembrances and testimonials by Jim Henson's wife, children and co-workers. It is a very touching book which made me appreciate all over again Jim Henson's genius and creativity. Plus the nuggets of wisdom throughout the book were very helpful at this time of the coronavirus pandemic. For example, here are some words by Dr. Teeth that seem especially appropriate:

"Whatcha gonna do when the times get tough,
And the world's treatin' you unkind?
You've got to hang on to your optimistic outlook,
And keep possession of your positive state of mind."

This is one of those little books of uplifting quotes, but I bought it after walking through the Muppet exhibit at the Smithsonian. It includes quotes from various Muppets, Jim Henson, and some celebrities associated with the Muppets.

I loved the Henson sketches that illustrated the book almost as much as the quotes. Very sweet, very funny stuff.

Listening is the first step and the last step. ~Cantus Fraggle

To those of you who know me, you are aware that I am a Muppet fan through and through. I love everything to do with Jim Henson's creations and the puppeteers who bring these loveable characters to life. So when I received It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider as a Christmas gift I was thrilled...I believe there was even an *arm flail* involved.

Jim inspired people to be better than they thought they could be. To be more creative, more daring, more outrageous, and ultimately more successful. And he did it all without raising his voice. ~Bernie Brillstein

There is no denying that It's Not Easy Being Green is a quick read and, in all honesty, one that only a true blue Muppet fan would enjoy owning. It is filled with quotes and little doodles by Jim Henson himself regarding the Muppets, life, his career and his vision for our world, quotes about Jim himself from his family and fellow puppeteers and, of course, quotes and lyrics from songs by the Muppets themselves. But for a those of us who grew up with Kermit, Miss Piggy, the Fraggles and all the other amazing creations that came out of the mind of Jim Henson, it is a treasure that will always have a special spot on our bookshelf.

When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it. ~Jim Henson

So if you are interested in knowing a little more about the man behind the Muppets and what he thought about the world and his creations, as well as, what others thought about Jim without going into a detailed biography, It's Not Easy Being Green would be the perfect little read for you. But, mostly, this is a book for the fans to appreciate and have a little bit of Jim and Kermit in their reading library.


I guess I was wrong when I said I didn't promise anyone. I promised me. ~Kermit

A great meditation

If you are a creative looking for a wonderful book of daily meditations, this is a great choice. It is an inspired book of quotes from both Jim Henson and his collective creative family.

lots of things i needed to read at that moment...

Found this book at our local library’s book sale, and it did not disappoint. A quick, easy read filled with quotes from Jim Henson, his creations, and those that loved him. I grew up watching Sesame Street and I like to think that it influenced who I am in a positive way. I appreciate Henson’s positive outlook on life.

I loved this little book :-) It is written with humor, it brought a big smile on my face, one page after the other.

*Spoiler*


The one below is one of my favorites:

Well, when the path
is steep and stony and the
night is all around
And the way that you must take is
far away
When your heart is lost and lonely
and the map cannot be found
Here's a simple little spell that you
can say:

You've got to face facts, act fast
on your own
Preparation, perspiration,
dynamite determination
Pack snacks, make tracks all alone
Don't be cute. Time to scoot.
Head out to your destinatio.

Chase the future, face the great
unknown.

Gobo Fraggl

Books like this are pure magic at any time, but during 2020... they are lifeboats in a stormy sea. Full of positivity and nostalgia, I dare you to read this book and not smile. You'll learn more about Jim Henson and the impact he had on the world, while also finding a little bit of optimism and whimsy in yourself.