The Value of Imagination: The Story of Jim Henson (A Value Tale)

In this installment of the ValueTales series, Ann Donegan Johnson helps us appreciate the imagination of Jim Henson (1936-1990). The book introduces a little boy named Jim who liked to draw cartoons. When Jim was older he began to learn about puppets as he designed sets for his high school Puppet Club. Soon Jim was making his own puppets--who had their own very different look. Eventually, the puppets became so popular that Jim and his wife Jane started their own company, Muppets, Inc. The well-known muppets have entertained millions on Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and in their movies. Like other books in the ValueTales series, this book uses a real-life person to exemplify an important value. It is suitable for reading by children in the later elementary school grades. A "Historical Facts" section at the book's end summarizes Henson's life in a single-page bio form suitable for adults. Closing quote: "Jim Henson lives on in the many delightful characters he created and the beautiful world of rainbows and laughter he helped others imagine. His TV shows and movies have brightened the lives of countless children and adults. He built an entertainment empire, all based on the power of imagination." (p. 62)