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

Kevin Clash with Gary Brozek

Broadway,  September 2006

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.

hardcover | ISBN: 9780767923750 | Publication Date: September 2006

Reviews:
“It should come as no surprise that the man behind America’s most beloved red furball is as wise, warm, witty, and wonderful as Elmo himself. My Life as a Furry Red Monster is an entertaining sneak peak at the life and times of one of the most endearing and enduring characters ever created.”
--Katie Couric

“I love Elmo and I love this book. What a cutie-patootie. Thanks, Kevin!”
--Rosie O’Donnell

“This delightful book illuminates a man’s journey from child to parent, student to teacher, puppeteer to Muppeteer, and reveals to us who our favorite furry red monster really is -- a gifted, humane, empathetic entertainer named Kevin Clash. His book is a meditation on the things that really matter -- to Elmo and to all of us."
--Julianne Moore

“In lively and wonderfully written prose, Kevin tells the story of how he came to be the most popular educator and entertainer of children in the country. His riveting tale weaves together the adventures, idealism, love, and optimism that Kevin has experienced both as himself and as a furry red monster.”
--Joan Ganz Cooney, cofounder of Sesame Workshop and creator of Sesame Street

“Kevin has given life and breath to one of the most beloved characters in contemporary pop culture. His heart and soul radiate not only through Elmo, but up and down Sesame Street, through this book, and around the world. Not only is Kevin a brilliant artist, but he’s a fabulous human being as well.”
--Vanessa Williams

"Kevin Clash is a wonderful storyteller. What a treat to learn about the special neighborhood and family he grew up in. The warmth and humor are contagious. This book is a delight." 
--Cheryl Henson, president of the Jim Henson Foundation

"Kevin Clash has been an inspiration to me as a mentor and a human being. I'm glad this book allows him to share his kindness, humor, and fascinating life journey with the rest of the world!"
--John Tartaglia, Tony-nominated star of Broadway's Avenue Q

"An inspiring success story of an amazing puppeteer. Even though I've worked on Sesame Street for thirty-seven years, I learned things from Kevin's book that I didn't know before. I loved it."
--Caroll Spinney, puppeteer, Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch

"The first time I met Elmo, I knew there was something special that lived inside of him! That something is Kevin. And there is no one kinder, more thoughtful, or more intelligent. Congratulations on a wonderful book and a wonderful life!"
--Alicia Keys