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The Wisdom of Big Bird
Caroll Spinney describes how the lessons Big Bird teaches children are the same ones that have brought him success and satisfaction in his own life.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2003
About the author
Caroll Spinney
8 books5 followersCaroll Spinney has performed as Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street since the show's inception in 1969. Prior to that, he performed as many characters on Bozo's Big Top in Boston for ten years, had a career in art and animation, and served in the Air Force. He has traveled the world as Big Bird, won Grammys and Emmys, and been named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. He lives in New England with his wife, Debra. They have three children and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 9, 2007
A Christmas gift, I finally had a chance to read The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch): Lessons from a Life in Feathers by Caroll Spinney.
More of an autobiography than the philosophical musings one might expect from the title - this slim book brought many a smile to my face (and the occasional tear to my eyes) as Spinney recalled his 30+ years working in the world of puppetry and with Sesame Street and Jim Henson. Spinney's interest in puppetry began as a child; he started his career working for the Boston version of The Bozo Show, doing both hand and costume puppetry. He met Henson at a puppeteer convention, and the rest is Sesame Street history. The occasional line drawings are an extra treat.
Spinney talks a little (not quite enough, in my opinion) about the development of Big Bird - originally "the village idiot" instead of the childlike character we've come to know and love. And Oscar was based on a New York cabbie - no big surprise. I don't recall the first season, orange version of him, though! I found it interesting that Spinney had difficulties with any dance choreography for Big Bird, until he determined that Big Bird loved to dance and knew he was good at it... then the steps came much more easily!
One small critique is the lack of a concrete timeline - when was Big Bird in China produced, for instance? And I would have liked to read more about the relationship Big Bird had with Snuffy... and Spinney's perspective on why Snuffy became "real" (after my time).
Recommended to any Sesame Street and/or Jim Henson fan.
More of an autobiography than the philosophical musings one might expect from the title - this slim book brought many a smile to my face (and the occasional tear to my eyes) as Spinney recalled his 30+ years working in the world of puppetry and with Sesame Street and Jim Henson. Spinney's interest in puppetry began as a child; he started his career working for the Boston version of The Bozo Show, doing both hand and costume puppetry. He met Henson at a puppeteer convention, and the rest is Sesame Street history. The occasional line drawings are an extra treat.
Spinney talks a little (not quite enough, in my opinion) about the development of Big Bird - originally "the village idiot" instead of the childlike character we've come to know and love. And Oscar was based on a New York cabbie - no big surprise. I don't recall the first season, orange version of him, though! I found it interesting that Spinney had difficulties with any dance choreography for Big Bird, until he determined that Big Bird loved to dance and knew he was good at it... then the steps came much more easily!
One small critique is the lack of a concrete timeline - when was Big Bird in China produced, for instance? And I would have liked to read more about the relationship Big Bird had with Snuffy... and Spinney's perspective on why Snuffy became "real" (after my time).
Recommended to any Sesame Street and/or Jim Henson fan.
October 8, 2022
There was something I read on Twitter about Caroll Spinney calling a very sick boy to talk to him as Big Bird, just hours before the boy died. In the comment thread, someone had posted information about this book. I have long been a fan of Caroll Spinney, I think he is sincerely one of the nicest men to have graced the planet. That he played Big Bird since inception up until one year before his death is remarkable very touching. The Wisdom of Big Bird is a loving ode to everything he owes to Big Bird. Big Bird means as much to Caroll Spinney as he does to Big Bird. I didn't create the puppet, and I don't write the scripts, but I guess what I do is bring Big Bird his soul.
Spinney is immensely proud that Big Bird is entrenched in the very fabric of American culture and Big Bird has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He's been to China, he's met many numbers of First Ladies (his favourite was Barbara Bush) and his impact on children and adults is immeasurable. This is a wonderful book about embracing the wisdom of Big Bird through personal stories that express thoughts like "Be good to each other", "Wing it", "Hear the Music" and "Find Your Place in the World."
Spinney is immensely proud that Big Bird is entrenched in the very fabric of American culture and Big Bird has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He's been to China, he's met many numbers of First Ladies (his favourite was Barbara Bush) and his impact on children and adults is immeasurable. This is a wonderful book about embracing the wisdom of Big Bird through personal stories that express thoughts like "Be good to each other", "Wing it", "Hear the Music" and "Find Your Place in the World."
December 1, 2009
Spinney knows The Secret - living your life (inner and outer) in such a way so as to manifest your dreams into reality. That said...
...was disenchanted to learn that Jim Henson once kicked Ernie out of the way...and when Spinney picked up, brushed off and apologized to Ernie, Henson was, like, "Whoah, dude. You don't really talk to puppets do you??"
...was shocked to learn that a guest punched Big Bird's beak for flubbing a line. And the effect - to the cast and crew - was that the guest (an unnamed rapper) had broken Big Bird's neck.
...was creeped out whenever Spinney began to sound like Anthony Hopkins in Magic: "I'm dealing with a mental entity who isn't me, even though I'm empowering him. Oscar has taught me the power of the puppet."
And those looking for in-depth reportage on the dead social worker found in a shed on the Spinney estate should look elsewhere.
...was disenchanted to learn that Jim Henson once kicked Ernie out of the way...and when Spinney picked up, brushed off and apologized to Ernie, Henson was, like, "Whoah, dude. You don't really talk to puppets do you??"
...was shocked to learn that a guest punched Big Bird's beak for flubbing a line. And the effect - to the cast and crew - was that the guest (an unnamed rapper) had broken Big Bird's neck.
...was creeped out whenever Spinney began to sound like Anthony Hopkins in Magic: "I'm dealing with a mental entity who isn't me, even though I'm empowering him. Oscar has taught me the power of the puppet."
And those looking for in-depth reportage on the dead social worker found in a shed on the Spinney estate should look elsewhere.
December 14, 2016
I wanted something different and this looked cute. I've never been a raving fan of the show, nor or celebrity memoirs, but this scratched my itch. I can definitely say that fans will enjoy it. The art, by Spinney himself, is whimsical, the factoids and anecdotes interesting, and the whole thing short enough for a single day's read (or one sitting if you immerse yourself).
June 1, 2022
My 5 year old picked this one out at the bookstore, and it was really beautiful.
February 10, 2024
5 Stars
This book stirred up "big feelings" for me. I love Jim Henson, The Muppets and Sesame Street. Feelings of nostalgia for my own childhood and now for my little guy who loves Elmo and Big Bird. I cried, laughed, and cried again.
This book stirred up "big feelings" for me. I love Jim Henson, The Muppets and Sesame Street. Feelings of nostalgia for my own childhood and now for my little guy who loves Elmo and Big Bird. I cried, laughed, and cried again.
May 10, 2018
This book! ❤️
Von, two, tree, four, five...Five giant stars! MwaHaHa!
(Ok, The Count doesn't make any appearances in this book, but his long-time, original performer, Jerry Nelson, is mentioned.)
This book is every bit as charming, lovable, warm and sweet as Big Bird himself. Really, how could it not be?
Sesame Street is, of course, intended for young children. I can't say I've really watched it since I was about seven. (I clung to it for a while after I'd realized I was "too old" for it, because turning away from it was not unlike parting ways with dear friends. Luckily for me, there was still Fraggle Rock, plus numerous Jim Henson movies yet to come.) This was not before it had had a profound impact on me.
The show that was - that remains - "an experiment" in children's educational programming, set out to not only help children learn to read and count, but to instill a social awareness and understanding that children in the audience may not otherwise be exposed to until later - all in an engaging and entertaining way. Ultimately they wanted to make the world a better place. No pressure or anything.
I consider myself very fortunate to have lived my formative years when there was such a positive influence, tailored to young minds. Sesame Street and The Muppet Show contributed to who I am. Caroll Spinney played no small part in that.
The Wisdom of Big Bird carries the reader back to that time from the perspective of the man inside The Bird (and The Grouch), allowing us to appreciate the magnificent vision of what Jim Henson, The Children's Workshop and everyone involved with them set out to do, all from the inside, behind the scenes.
With his beautifully personal telling, Mr. Spinney shares wonderful anecdotes from his life as two of the most iconic characters in children's entertainment, making this memoir a true treasure.
I found it fascinating that Big Bird was originally intended to be something of an idiot as a character (along the lines of Goofy, no offense to Goofy); that it was Mr. Spinney who decided to portray him with the outlook and personality of a child instead.
When Jim Henson invited him to become a part of this experiment of a children's show that he was working on, Mr. Spinney was working as several characters on The Bozo Show. It just so happened that he'd been feeling unfulfilled there because he wanted to do something that would have a bigger impact...that would be more important, more meaningful.
He. Had. No. Idea.
The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch) is most definitely going on my Favorites list. This is a book to be treasured. I'm sincerely grateful that Mr. Spinney shared his "Lessons from a Life in Feathers" with us.
I'd recommend it to anyone who watched Sesame Street as a child, especially to those who took its messages to heart and were influenced by it; to anyone who's a Jim Henson fan and appreciates his vision; and to anyone who needs a reminder that there are still genuinely wonderful, decent people in the world who try (and succeed) to make a positive difference.
Von, two, tree, four, five...Five giant stars! MwaHaHa!
(Ok, The Count doesn't make any appearances in this book, but his long-time, original performer, Jerry Nelson, is mentioned.)
This book is every bit as charming, lovable, warm and sweet as Big Bird himself. Really, how could it not be?
Sesame Street is, of course, intended for young children. I can't say I've really watched it since I was about seven. (I clung to it for a while after I'd realized I was "too old" for it, because turning away from it was not unlike parting ways with dear friends. Luckily for me, there was still Fraggle Rock, plus numerous Jim Henson movies yet to come.) This was not before it had had a profound impact on me.
The show that was - that remains - "an experiment" in children's educational programming, set out to not only help children learn to read and count, but to instill a social awareness and understanding that children in the audience may not otherwise be exposed to until later - all in an engaging and entertaining way. Ultimately they wanted to make the world a better place. No pressure or anything.
I consider myself very fortunate to have lived my formative years when there was such a positive influence, tailored to young minds. Sesame Street and The Muppet Show contributed to who I am. Caroll Spinney played no small part in that.
The Wisdom of Big Bird carries the reader back to that time from the perspective of the man inside The Bird (and The Grouch), allowing us to appreciate the magnificent vision of what Jim Henson, The Children's Workshop and everyone involved with them set out to do, all from the inside, behind the scenes.
With his beautifully personal telling, Mr. Spinney shares wonderful anecdotes from his life as two of the most iconic characters in children's entertainment, making this memoir a true treasure.
I found it fascinating that Big Bird was originally intended to be something of an idiot as a character (along the lines of Goofy, no offense to Goofy); that it was Mr. Spinney who decided to portray him with the outlook and personality of a child instead.
When Jim Henson invited him to become a part of this experiment of a children's show that he was working on, Mr. Spinney was working as several characters on The Bozo Show. It just so happened that he'd been feeling unfulfilled there because he wanted to do something that would have a bigger impact...that would be more important, more meaningful.
He. Had. No. Idea.
The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch) is most definitely going on my Favorites list. This is a book to be treasured. I'm sincerely grateful that Mr. Spinney shared his "Lessons from a Life in Feathers" with us.
I'd recommend it to anyone who watched Sesame Street as a child, especially to those who took its messages to heart and were influenced by it; to anyone who's a Jim Henson fan and appreciates his vision; and to anyone who needs a reminder that there are still genuinely wonderful, decent people in the world who try (and succeed) to make a positive difference.
February 25, 2025
This is a beautiful book. It's the best way to describe it. It's a lovely, light, beautiful book. It's especially nostalgic for me. It made me laugh and it made me tear up. Carol is a little self important at times, but his work was incredible and he had the right to be. A phenomenal book when you're going through and tough time and just need a book that feels like a hug.
August 30, 2022
I honestly think this was the right time to read this book. A lot is happening all around me and I needed something light and positive.
I knew a lot of what was written in this book from the documentary "I am Big Bird" but it was so nice to read. There is such a kindness to Spinney that I can't even begin to explain. It is something that you have to experience yourself. If anything it just made me love Caroll Spinney even more...Even if people didn't know who he was.
I knew a lot of what was written in this book from the documentary "I am Big Bird" but it was so nice to read. There is such a kindness to Spinney that I can't even begin to explain. It is something that you have to experience yourself. If anything it just made me love Caroll Spinney even more...Even if people didn't know who he was.
August 1, 2017
Confession: I still love Sesame Street. It breaks my heart that my son is now "too old" for the show, and I still force him to watch any new specials they make, or movies with the Muppets. Conversely, I really hate most of today's totally shitty children's television that plays 24/7 on several channels. Just blech, as Oscar would say.
Onto the book--I enjoyed this short memoir, wherein Spinney (now about 85 years old) desceibes not only how he came to be involved with Sesame Street, but how he helped create and evolve his two major Muppets, Big Bird and Oscar. He tells some sweet and interesting anecdotes about the opportunities being Big Bird have given him in his life (presenting an Emmy, receiving a Living Legend Award, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, performing at the White House, spending time in China), but the very best chapter was towards the end, where he eulogizes his long time friend and and mentor Jim Henson. I won't lie- made me cry. I fell in love a bit more with Carroll Spinney as I read that chapter. Ultimately, he comes across as a humble, compassionate, gracious and sincerely GOOD human being--The kind of man you would expect Bug Bird to grow up to be if he ever wasn't perennially six years old. His life's work has made the world a kinder, better place. Four stars.
Onto the book--I enjoyed this short memoir, wherein Spinney (now about 85 years old) desceibes not only how he came to be involved with Sesame Street, but how he helped create and evolve his two major Muppets, Big Bird and Oscar. He tells some sweet and interesting anecdotes about the opportunities being Big Bird have given him in his life (presenting an Emmy, receiving a Living Legend Award, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, performing at the White House, spending time in China), but the very best chapter was towards the end, where he eulogizes his long time friend and and mentor Jim Henson. I won't lie- made me cry. I fell in love a bit more with Carroll Spinney as I read that chapter. Ultimately, he comes across as a humble, compassionate, gracious and sincerely GOOD human being--The kind of man you would expect Bug Bird to grow up to be if he ever wasn't perennially six years old. His life's work has made the world a kinder, better place. Four stars.
October 18, 2016
It's entirely plausible that the 2012 US presidential election's outcome was due to one candidate threatening to cut funding for PBS. This would have ultimately deprived the world of Big Bird.
Big Bird may not be your favorite "Sesame Street" character, but he is the heart and soul of the show. Oscar the Grouch and Grover are my favorites, yet when I think of "Sesame Street", it's that big yellow beloved bird that comes to mind.
There's no way I can give a book written by the lovely man who has been delighting the young and young at heart for several decades now anything less than 5 stars. Carroll Spinney left a very successful career as a puppeteer and costumed performer to take a chance to work with Jim Henson. Mr. Spinney's suggestions eventually created Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
Mr. Spinney takes his role as Big Bird very seriously. It's not just a job to him. So he's learned a lot about life from inside the feathered puppet. He shares these little tidbits with us lucky readers. The most touching is the sweet story about how he asked his future wife out 3 times before she said yes. This man really does believe in believing in your dreams. A great book to read for a pick me up or just to get to know the man behind the bird.
May 26, 2022
A condensed autobiography of Caroll Spinney, which was stripped down against Caroll's wishes by the publisher, and marketed as a self-help book. If you wish for a more in-depth story, please watch "I AM BIG BIRD." I knew Caroll Spinney and operated his fan site from 2001-2019, which I built to honor and showcase the many talents of the late gentleman. May he rest in eternal peace.
August 26, 2015
Moving personal account from an international treasure. I wish he was my grandpa.
July 23, 2017
Caroll Spinney is the man behind (or in?) Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. This novel is presented as life lessons learned from being Big Bird, but it's really a short look at how Spinney became Big Bird and the adventures he had as him. Sesame Street was a big part of my childhood. I watched it fairly frequently, enjoyed the muppets, and even had my own little version of Big Bird at home. This path down memory lane for Spinney was enjoyable to read as a grown up fan.
It gives you a bit of insight in to how Sesame Street was produced, how they came up with their characters, and how they hired new talent. I didn't learn any lessons or really have any wisdom imparted on me, but the story that Spinney told was interesting. I wish Spinney had spoken a bit more about his wife. It's obvious that he is deeply in love with her and we only got a few pages on how they met and got engaged in a quick period of time.
More detail could have been provided in many parts of this book, but it was a good overview of the man behind Big Bird.
It gives you a bit of insight in to how Sesame Street was produced, how they came up with their characters, and how they hired new talent. I didn't learn any lessons or really have any wisdom imparted on me, but the story that Spinney told was interesting. I wish Spinney had spoken a bit more about his wife. It's obvious that he is deeply in love with her and we only got a few pages on how they met and got engaged in a quick period of time.
More detail could have been provided in many parts of this book, but it was a good overview of the man behind Big Bird.
February 22, 2026
i was hoping for an advice book written from the perspective of big bird & oscar the grouch. i would’ve also settled for a comprehensive behind the scenes look into the production of sesame street, so i was a bit disappointed it seemed to be an extended version of caroll spinney’s wikipedia page. there were a few poignant anecdotes i particularly enjoyed (e.g. highlighting will lee & his passing), but spinney and milligan seemed more focused on delivering factual information about spinney’s accolades and name dropping celebrities he got to interface with as the Bird than providing an emotional hook for readers.
i think i would’ve been more receptive to their writing style if i hadn’t just come off of two backman books (a man called ove & things my son needs to know about the world), because man backman can just pack a punch. still, a delightful entry point to peeking behind the curtains of jim henson’s legacy
i think i would’ve been more receptive to their writing style if i hadn’t just come off of two backman books (a man called ove & things my son needs to know about the world), because man backman can just pack a punch. still, a delightful entry point to peeking behind the curtains of jim henson’s legacy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2022
When I found out that the same man voiced Oscar & the Bird, I couldn't believe it. Admittedly, Oscar has always been my favorite. He says it like it is. We need more like him on Children's tv.
Big Bird is timeless. And what makes him great is that he can be any age. As Spinney points out - pre-Elmo, some seasons he was a young toddler & some times he was a preteen. Now that Elmo has come on the scene, he's taken on the role of a toddler and Big Bird represents the older brother/sister.
I was surprised to hear how popular Big Bird is in China. China was even permitted to have its own version of Sesame Street & even Big Bird (which no other country would have had) but the Chinese government didn't fund it so despite its popularity - the show stopped. Too bad -all kids can use educational tv.
Big Bird is timeless. And what makes him great is that he can be any age. As Spinney points out - pre-Elmo, some seasons he was a young toddler & some times he was a preteen. Now that Elmo has come on the scene, he's taken on the role of a toddler and Big Bird represents the older brother/sister.
I was surprised to hear how popular Big Bird is in China. China was even permitted to have its own version of Sesame Street & even Big Bird (which no other country would have had) but the Chinese government didn't fund it so despite its popularity - the show stopped. Too bad -all kids can use educational tv.
December 31, 2022
Is this a spectacularly game changing book? No… but some of the best things are small, simple and beautiful. I loved this book! It was wonderful to finally hear the words of big bird (carroll) and hear his view and his perspective on big bird, Sesame Street and life. Big bird was just a fluffy puppet on a television show but now nearly everyone knows who he is if you point at a picture or stuffed animal of big bird. He is such a great character and personally one of my favorites growing up, and Sesame Street for sure was a part of my youth. It just goes to show you don’t have to be a doctor, teacher or president to make a big difference on others and the world…. Perhaps you can just pretend to be a big fluffy yellow bird and bring joy and love to others.
May 21, 2026
Spinney’s observations on life and especially his remembrances of his career as Sesame Street’s Big Bird are the foundation for this gem of a book. I found it interesting to learn how Big Bird operated as well as the evolution of Big Bird, Oscar, and several of the other Street characters. Spinney was lucky to spend his life doing something he loved and that provided joy to so many others. I didn’t grow up watching Sesame Street. But I watched plenty of episodes with my children when they were growing up. I found this brief memoir delightful and hopeful.
December 27, 2022
Spinney was a very kind, gentle, and genuine human (probably as one might expect for the man behind Big Bird). He played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for 49 years and had a positive influence on multiple generations of children. In this short memoir, Spinney shares some highlights of his professional journey. He links his reminiscences to various life lessons like “Find your inner bird”, and “Remember the future.” It’s a quick but memorable and enjoyable read.
October 27, 2017
A few years back, the producers decided to put some rappers on the program. They found a trio of young men to do some scenes with Big Bird. One of the bits written for them was to rap the alphabet. The lead rapper chanted, "A to the B, to the C, to the D, E, F..." Unfortunately, he had to do the scene three times because he kept leaving out some of the alphabet.
April 23, 2018
What a delightful book by a man who reveals himself to be wise and full of personality and fun. This is the story of how the author learned to be the master puppeteer who became Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, and how, with the input of Jim Henson, he developed these two very different puppets into the beloved characters he lived for 34 years.
February 28, 2021
I truly enjoyed the stories and anecdotes that were sprinkled throughout this memoir. I wanted more depth and detail in some of the stories. Overall, Caroll’s life was led by compassion, kindness, creativity, and desire to teach others these values. This book highlights his amazing career and achievements.
August 7, 2021
I guess I’ve found my niche of non-fiction, because nothing gets me interested and inspired like reading a book about the Muppets. This one in particular is so sweet and simple and it made me feel like a warm sunny day does - content and loving being alive. I’m thankful for the work Spinney has done and getting an insight into it makes it all the more wonderful.
June 23, 2024
A pleasant look behind the scenes of Sesame Street and inside that Big Bird puppet! He had a small TV in there so he could see where he was and where to move. Also his right arm formed the neck and head of the bird - so that arm was constantly raised! Lots of good stories. There is an exciting story about a stage light falling to the floor and the sparks setting the Bird’s leg on fire!!!
June 18, 2019
4.5 stars! Better than 4. I save 5 for life changing books. I love learning a little bit of insider info about my favorite puppets. I also watched his documentary and loved it. Very few good children’s entertainers left in the world. I want to know all about Carroll Spinney. Very quick, easy read.
June 11, 2020
I wanted to read this book after watching the documentary, I Am Big Bird. Caroll Spinney’s wisdom and compassion from a life of going after his dreams is the exact type of positivity the world needs more of. This was a great, quick read.
February 2, 2022
Absolutely a must read, Spiney tells what life was like as Big Bird, Oscar and a myriad of other characters. Little tidbits of fun just prompt you to read more. I have read it twice to this date and I can see me reading it again.
October 30, 2025
Sweet nostalgia and bits of Sesame Street history. Essays with little life lessons Spinney learned from playing Big Bird. I loved reading how he viewed his job, his relationship to the Bird, and how he brought Big Bird and Oscar to life.
February 27, 2026
5/5 stars, This wholesome and heartfelt read mirrors the life Carroll Spinney lived. There’s such a sweet modesty about Spinney, as his love of his work shines through his performances without any ego. I especially love his own illustrations peppering the book! A must read for any muppet fan.
May 8, 2026
Sweet, adorable and very interesting look at the behind the scenes of Henson, Big Bird, etc. I’m a fan! You’ll be surprised at some of the things this book reveals. A nice look back and a respite from life today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews