The Story of Jim Henson: A Biography Book for New Readers

by Stacia Deutsch

Discover the life of Jim Henson―a story about being creative and trying new things for kids ages 6 to 9

Jim Henson was the talented puppeteer who made some of the most famous puppets of all time―the Muppets. Before he created Big Bird, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Oscar the Grouch, and many other well-known characters, Jim was an ambitious kid who loved trying new things and using his imagination. He learned how to make puppets and went on to invent new ways in which puppets could be used in TV and movies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

#1 New York Times Best Selling Author, Stacia Deutsch has written more than 300 books.

In addition to her award-winning creative chapter book series entitled Blast to the Past, Stacia has also ghostwritten for a popular girls' mystery series, published non-fiction texts, and penned a young adult romantic comedy called In the Stars. She has also penned popular titles for Girls who Code Books 1 & 2 and several Spirit: Riding Free books.

Additionally, Stacia has written junior movie tie-in novelizations for summer blockbuster films, including HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, the New York Times Best Seller: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS JR. MOVIE NOVEL, and THE SMURFS MOVIE NOVELS.

Check out Stacia's website for more titles!

A bit more about me:
✥ Lives on a Ranch with 4 horses, 2 cats, 2 dogs and a lot of lizards
✥ Has an Masters in Fine Arts from Western State Colorado in Genre Fiction
✥ Was recently awarded a Doctor of Divinity honorary degree from Hebrew Union College
✥ Grew up in Denver, lived in Cincinnati, and now lives in California

Find her at www.staciadeutsch.com.
Email: staciadeutsch.writes@gmail.com
Twitter: @staciadeutsch, www.facebook/staciadeutsch, and www.instagram.com/staciadeutsch_writes/
Stacia lives in Temecula, California.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Muppet Show was what we watched every week, when I was young. I laughed at all the jokes. I love Kermit and Miss Piggy and of course Staler and Waldorf making fun of them from their seats. It was an amazing show, and all thanks to Jim Henson and everyone who worked for him.

Jim Henson, upon reading this biography, had an amazing life, and strove to do amazing things with his puppets. Some times it was being in the right place at the right time, and sometimes it was his persistence.

This is a delightful, well written biography of a great man, for the gifts he has left behind, as well as how they got there. I'm hoping that when children read this, they will get more interested in watching all the shows he worked on, as well as finding more about the man himself.

Thanks to the publisher and callisto publishers club for making this book available for an honest review.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered The Story of Jim Henson: A Biography Book for New Readers to supplement our homeschool reading curriculum. This biography is perfect for early elementary readers. With its colorful illustrations and engaging narrative, it easily holds the reader’s attention. The quiz at the back is a nice addition for checking reading comprehension. Other than associating Jim Henson with the Muppets Christmas Carol Movie, I knew little about him until I read The Story of Jim Henson by Stacia Deutsch. This little chapter book informs and educates while weaving in subtle themes about the value of working hard and never giving up.

I recommend the entire “The Story Of…” series, including this installment focused on Jim Henson, for early elementary readers who enjoy biographies.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Jim Henson was 13 years old when he saw his first television show.

A early chapter book biography of the legendary Jim Henson. It is a biography that covers his whole life focusing mostly on his career and legacy. It isn't just the story of Sesame Street or the Muppet Show.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the illustrations. It was great for nostalgia. I don't know that I learned anything as an adult reader. (I grew up watching many though not all of Henson's works). I think for the target audience it would be a good--though basic--introduction. I do love the inclusion of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Though it would have been awesome to see the inclusion of the BEST Christmas production that he did--The Muppet Family Christmas (1987).

[Aviann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a massive fan of biographies for children and this is a wonderful series for early readers. (I’d say about 7-10 year olds.) The book is about 50 pages with illustrations, graphics, timelines and maps. There are also bolded words which are defined in a glossary at the back.

As for actual content, I loved learning more about Jim Henson. His Muppets are iconic with an impressive journey and creative methods. I hadn’t realized Henson passed away so young, but appreciate his continued legacy. And now I have “The Rainbow Connection” stuck in my head.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely written and illustrated children's biography for younger readers about Jim Henson, who created the Muppets we see on Sesame Street and the Muppet Show.