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Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal
Jim Henson's iconic puppet characters, fantastic worlds, and warm humor have delighted millions of people of all ages. His incredibly diverse body of work, from the Muppets to the world of The Dark Crystal, reveals his charm and genius to fans old and new. Compiled directly from The Jim Henson Company archives, Imagination Illustrated adapts the diary that Jim faithfully kept throughout his career, supplementing it with a trove of little-seen visual material, including rare sketches, personal and production photographs, storyboards, doodles, and much more. Throughout, archivist Karen Falk delves into the behind-the-scenes details of Henson's life and artistic process. Sure to delight anyone who has enjoyed Henson's creations—seeing early drawings of Kermit and Rowlf is like smiling over childhood photos of dear friends—this lovely book celebrates Jim's life and his magic.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 5, 2013
An optional title for this book would be PERSEVERANCE ILLUSTRATED. Jim Henson's journals reveal that he wasn't just a masterful entertainer, but a tenacious follower of his dreams. Despite the fact that many of his ideas hit dead-ends (a psychedelic 1960's night club, a Muppet-performance show at NYC's Lincoln Center) his resolve ensured that other visions became realities – and we are richer for it.
June 13, 2026
This wonderful book is absolutely perfect both for reading all the way through, but also just for picking up, cracking open to a random spot and reading for a burst of several pages before putting it back down. Either way, I am always guaranteed to wind up wearing a toothy smile stretching across my face from ear to ear. Even with all the times I've leafed through Imagination Illustrated, I still manage to notice delightful new details every single time thanks to the enormous treasure trove of items that Henson Company archives director Karen Falk has managed to pack into here.
Even though I sincerely love all the books in the "Muppets" section of my personal library, this book remains a particularly adored gem amongst the gems.
Even though I sincerely love all the books in the "Muppets" section of my personal library, this book remains a particularly adored gem amongst the gems.
January 12, 2018
I am blown away by Jim Henson. He was already one of my heroes, but after reading this book I am just in complete awe of him. He didn't just create the Muppets and present this finished whole to society; his whole life was an explosion of creativity and imagination, evolving and growing. It was a lifetime of work, with successes and failures, to create what we take for granted as effortless.
His journals are pretty straightforward, simple entries, but the book is full of photographs, sketches, ideas, invitations, and concept art. I love the hand drawn story boards and characters sketched out on what appears to be legal pads. This is a book to devour.
The timelines of the book helped put Jim Henson and his impact on me in context with my life. My parents were already fans of The Muppet Show, so when I was born in 1980 I went right into a world that would include the Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, acting out the Fozzie/Kermit twins bit with my dad. I watched a lot of Muppet Babies, a lot of Fraggle Rock. When he talks about creating Fraggle Rock to inspire a generation to kindness and environmental stewardship, he's talking about my generation. (My sister showed up at my house two weeks ago and asked how Marjory was doing...meaning my compost heap...Marjory the compost heap from Fraggle Rock.)
Whenever I do something physical, like run or ride a bike, someone close to me will usually say, "You're such a Muppet." I take that as the highest compliment. Imagination Illustrated is above all truly inspiring and makes me want to unleash every bit of creativity and imagination that I can.
His journals are pretty straightforward, simple entries, but the book is full of photographs, sketches, ideas, invitations, and concept art. I love the hand drawn story boards and characters sketched out on what appears to be legal pads. This is a book to devour.
The timelines of the book helped put Jim Henson and his impact on me in context with my life. My parents were already fans of The Muppet Show, so when I was born in 1980 I went right into a world that would include the Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, acting out the Fozzie/Kermit twins bit with my dad. I watched a lot of Muppet Babies, a lot of Fraggle Rock. When he talks about creating Fraggle Rock to inspire a generation to kindness and environmental stewardship, he's talking about my generation. (My sister showed up at my house two weeks ago and asked how Marjory was doing...meaning my compost heap...Marjory the compost heap from Fraggle Rock.)
Whenever I do something physical, like run or ride a bike, someone close to me will usually say, "You're such a Muppet." I take that as the highest compliment. Imagination Illustrated is above all truly inspiring and makes me want to unleash every bit of creativity and imagination that I can.
May 2, 2018
Great look at Jim Henson's notebooks and work process
January 4, 2026
such a wonderful compilation of Jim's work. I do wish there was more process to final images but that is such a small gripe for something so well put together. I love the muppets <33 mwah mwah mwah
July 14, 2014
This book was such a pleasure to read. I received it for my birthday from a friend who knows me better than I thought. It's put together scrapbook style with documents, pictures, storyboards, reviews and lots of other really interesting items accompanying Henson's "journal" entries, which, whiteout all the other stuff wouldn't be that interesting really. Karen Falk has sifted through rooms full of archived materials and put together a fascinating view of one of the most creative people of out times. On each page, she briefly recounts what had been going on in that period of Henson's life at that point. Not just the major moments but also many projects which were never to see the light of day or that represented years of preparation. My only gripe is that it all left me wanting more! I bet this book and the recently published biography of Jim Henson would complement one another perfectly. And this is me wandering off in search of a copy...
April 11, 2013
This is a fun glimpse into the education, process, and practice of Jim Henson from the early 1960s through the late 1980s. Unexpectedly, the first part of the book is a good read in anticipation of S6 of Mad Men. Though a child of 1st generation Sesame Street who considers herself a admirer of Jim Henson, I never quite understood that he produced so many ads and that so many "beloved Muppet characters" got their starts as TV pitch creatures. Ahhhh... CONTEXT!
Henson and his crew sure produced a lot of amazing work. It is fun to flip through his notebook and track his creative thinking and the evolution of the business of The Muppets.
The images in the Kindle edition are *almost* high res enough, but not quite. That's the only disappointing thing about the volume.
Henson and his crew sure produced a lot of amazing work. It is fun to flip through his notebook and track his creative thinking and the evolution of the business of The Muppets.
The images in the Kindle edition are *almost* high res enough, but not quite. That's the only disappointing thing about the volume.
May 11, 2013
Excerpts from Henson's journal (more like a date book - just jotted down important dates and appointments) illustrated with photos, sketches, notes, and memorabilia from Henson Studios. A cool reminder of the many MANY amazing projects (and some that never were 'picked up' by television studios) that Jim Henson collaborated on, though I found myself yearning for more intimate detail of his personal life and what he was inspired by as an artist.
November 3, 2019
We should be so grateful that Jim Henson’s journal and other materials have been archived safely. This book is just a glimpse into the incredible creative genius that Henson was. I’m amazed that he was able accomplish so much incredible work. I really wish Disney would release some of his more rarely seen pilots and projects on DVD.
August 23, 2015
A riveting presentation of journal entries, photographs, mementos and more from Henson's life and career. I learned so much about this brilliant man and can't wait to track down some of his lesser known work. This is a must-read for every Henson fan.
May 27, 2017
"When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder? Why Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful!
And I think it's what I want to be."
- Kermit the Frog
The work of Jim Henson transcends all ages and backgrounds, much like the work of Mr. Rogers. The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and his many other projects helped bring out the child in all of us.
Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal uses Henson's own journal alongside a collection of notes and photographs to tell the story of a man who helped touch the lives of millions. While Henson is no longer with us, his creative spirit lives on in so many different ways. As someone who considers himself a huge fan of the man's work, this collection is an absolute delight.
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder? Why Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful!
And I think it's what I want to be."
- Kermit the Frog
The work of Jim Henson transcends all ages and backgrounds, much like the work of Mr. Rogers. The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and his many other projects helped bring out the child in all of us.
Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal uses Henson's own journal alongside a collection of notes and photographs to tell the story of a man who helped touch the lives of millions. While Henson is no longer with us, his creative spirit lives on in so many different ways. As someone who considers himself a huge fan of the man's work, this collection is an absolute delight.
January 29, 2018
Jim Henson is clearly one of the creative/imaginative geniuses of our time. He was taken from our world way too soon. There have been plenty of books which talk of his genius, or his roots, but there have been no books that get to his process, or show exactly what his mind was thinking of and how he translated that to paper--until now. Imagination Illustrated is the perfect book for the creative or Henson fan in your life.
Detailing specific events he jotted down in his many notebooks throughout the course of his life, Imagination Illustrated also shows different ideas and pictures of the things found inside Henson's head as his ideas went from brain to paper. Sometimes they weren't amazing, and other times they turned out far better than anyone could have hoped. This is an inspiring tome for those with a journal, or those who have a creative dream.
Detailing specific events he jotted down in his many notebooks throughout the course of his life, Imagination Illustrated also shows different ideas and pictures of the things found inside Henson's head as his ideas went from brain to paper. Sometimes they weren't amazing, and other times they turned out far better than anyone could have hoped. This is an inspiring tome for those with a journal, or those who have a creative dream.
February 21, 2021
I've loved the Henson productions since I was a child. Being able to get even the tiniest glimpse into the mind of a genius was such a treat. My only qualms were the most intriguing parts of the narrative, that being the network shows and motion pictures, took a back seat to the earlier commercials and late-night talk show spots, and that some of the information felt disconnected from the rest (e.g. when in a chapter discussing the rise of the Muppets films, a section is dedicated to Henson's love of cars).
July 14, 2025
Such a joy to read about the work of an artistic genius whose work has had such a gigantic impact on the world. Loved seeing all the hand drawn art and thinking about how all of these creatures were created by hands (and, early on, without computers!). I feel so fortunate to have grown up getting to watch Henson’s Muppets make so many debut appearances. He made magic for children everywhere. I really enjoyed this! Thanks to whoever left it in my Little Free Library — I wouldn’t have known it existed otherwise.
July 11, 2022
Lots of fun, great illustrations/bits and pieces that show you things you didn't know about Jim Henson and bring to life his adorable creations - The Muppets, Sesame Street Creations and behind the scenes on Labyrinth, The Storyteller and The Dark Crystal. I particular liked some storyboards for ads I had no idea he used to do. It shows a lot about the creative mind. A lot of this is just a taste and peek though into what is clearly a very imaginative mind and what looks like an amazing life.
January 5, 2025
Very cool to see Jim Henson’s personal notes. They ranged from projects he worked on, his children being born and going to college, when new puppeteers joined the crew and more!
It was nice to have the added explanation/commentary throughout, but honestly I would’ve liked even more. I highly recommend reading Brian Jay Jones’ biography on Jim Henson before reading this book
It was nice to have the added explanation/commentary throughout, but honestly I would’ve liked even more. I highly recommend reading Brian Jay Jones’ biography on Jim Henson before reading this book
January 19, 2018
I read this book as a companion to Brian Jay Jones' autobiography of Jim. This was a great way of having visual context to much of what I was reading about. I highly recommend this to any Henson fan.
October 22, 2018
High-quality book, basically a biography fused with a museum. Enjoyed reading to see the pictures and also learn about Jim Henson's life -- he was really impressive, all the more so because he was so wholesome without being naive.
March 2, 2020
If you are a Jim Henson fan, this is such a wonderful book to go through. It contains his scribbles, doodles, storyboards, and entries of professional and family events. Lots of photos too. I enjoyed this book very much.
February 7, 2021
Imagination Illustrated was a perfect title for this book! I learned so much about the creativity and imagination of Jim Henson, as his range of work truly entertained millions. This book left me wanting to rewatch everything that Henson’s hands and mind ever touched.
January 23, 2025
Seeing what Jim Henson wrote in his notebook of big moments is beautiful and instructive of what he valued. This work is both an extraordinary testament to how much he created in so little time and a tragic reminder of how many ideas he had left.
November 11, 2025
This fantastic book is a must read for any Jim Henson fan! With lovely illustrations and deep insight into his life and work, you will see just how talented he was as well as how he continues to inspire creation to this day.
June 1, 2026
Fun with the odd gem of interest but it's mainly fluff (and I honestly struggled with the man's handwritting).
Found myself scanning every inch of the Dark Crystal pages though.
Guess I'm actually looking to read a book about the Dark Crystal.
Found myself scanning every inch of the Dark Crystal pages though.
Guess I'm actually looking to read a book about the Dark Crystal.
January 4, 2018
Savoured every page of this book. Great insight into the world of Jim Henson.
August 13, 2019
Beautiful. Absolutely amazing.
January 12, 2021
Great book but really only a surface level view of Henson's life and work. The pictures are great. Fun to read through!
October 24, 2021
Amazing! I felt like I was given exclusive access into the mind of a genius.
April 4, 2024
So behind fascinating to see all his storyboards & drawings. What a talent.
January 18, 2025
he was so passionate about his precious muppets i’m actually gonna cry
September 26, 2012
Very neat scrapbook-style timeline of Jim Henson's work, with copious photos, sketches, scripts, notes, playbills, ads, posters, PR material, and more from the Henson archives. A little disappointing in that it's billed as information largely from his personal work journal, but that journal mostly consists of his log of dates of big developments in his home life and career — there are excerpts throughout in his handwriting, but they mostly read like "Feb 15 — Goldie Hawn Special AIR," so they don't offer much insight into his mind or his process.
But all the ancillary material is fascinating, particularly the pieces that show his early thoughts about characters who became familiar in other forms. There's an early sketch of Animal from the Muppet show, who was supposed to have four arms and be capable of sweating. The first drawing of Oscar the Grouch had bright magenta fur. There's a concept sketch for a creepy two-legged "baby Snuffleupagus." There are images from Rowlf the Dog's initial Purina ads — which he was designed for — and his later IBM ads. There are concept notes from "World Of Woozles," which became "Fraggle Rock." And on and on — basically just all sorts of bits and pieces from Jim Henson's career, giving a behind-the-scenes look at his many projects in various stages of their lives.
The most fascinating part is his very early career (there's at least one picture of him as a wide-eyed, acne-riddled high-school student) and all the material from dead-end projects, like the nightclub he designed, and the Broadway show that never happened, and the "Wizard Of Id" series that fell through, and all the puppet TV shows he conceptualized but never got aired. As a lifelong Henson fan, I really enjoyed all the detail and tiny revelations packed into this book.
But all the ancillary material is fascinating, particularly the pieces that show his early thoughts about characters who became familiar in other forms. There's an early sketch of Animal from the Muppet show, who was supposed to have four arms and be capable of sweating. The first drawing of Oscar the Grouch had bright magenta fur. There's a concept sketch for a creepy two-legged "baby Snuffleupagus." There are images from Rowlf the Dog's initial Purina ads — which he was designed for — and his later IBM ads. There are concept notes from "World Of Woozles," which became "Fraggle Rock." And on and on — basically just all sorts of bits and pieces from Jim Henson's career, giving a behind-the-scenes look at his many projects in various stages of their lives.
The most fascinating part is his very early career (there's at least one picture of him as a wide-eyed, acne-riddled high-school student) and all the material from dead-end projects, like the nightclub he designed, and the Broadway show that never happened, and the "Wizard Of Id" series that fell through, and all the puppet TV shows he conceptualized but never got aired. As a lifelong Henson fan, I really enjoyed all the detail and tiny revelations packed into this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews