Like millions of people, I grew up on Sesame Street. My children grew up on Sesame Street. And like millions of people, we have always loved the characters, in particular, the little red monster, Elmo.

Elmo is sweet and funny and innocent – characteristics that we love seeing in our children – characteristics that we wish, we ourselves, could embody.

Well, this book is all about Elmo’s creator, Kevin Clash, and Kevin is every bit as sweet and funny and innocent as Elmo. “My Life as a Furry Red Monster” is about Kevin’s journey as one of the most popular puppeteers in children’s television today. And in Kevin’s own words “what being Elmo has taught me about life, love and laughing out loud.”

But this book is more than just a delightfully written autobiography. It’s a guide book on how to live a life filled with happiness and innocence.

There are nine chapters in “My Life as a Furry Red Monster,” and each chapter covers a topic that is (or should be) important to all of us (Love, Joy, Creativity, Tolerance, Courage, Friendship, Cooperation, Learning and Optimism). In each chapter Kevin talks about a part of his life where he had the opportunity to learn a lesson about the topic, and then he talks about how Elmo handled a similar lesson on his show.

This book is absolutely charming and one of the most inspirational books I have read. It is very well written, easy to read and it’s not too long, only 207 pages.

Don’t let the cuteness of Elmo fool you. Life is about kindness, love and compassion. These are characteristics that we would all do well to personify in our own lives if we are to see a better world for ourselves and our children and grandchildren.