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It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider
"The words say 'It's not easy being green,' but the song is about knowing who you are. And in it you hear Jim's message most clearly. He believed that people are good and that they want to do their best and that no matter how or why we might be different from anybody else, we should learn to love who we are and be proud of it." —Ray Charles
In the tradition of The World According to Mister Rogers, a timeless collection of wisdom on life, friendship, individuality, creativity, collaboration, and more—from Jim Henson and Friends.
There are few things that evoke such a universal feeling of warmth and humor as the work of Jim Henson. In his own words, as well as those of some of his best-known characters like Kermit the Frog and Ernie, we get a glimpse of the philosophy and humor that was so essential to Jim's creations. We also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the collaborative spirit of this gentle artistic genius from the people Jim knew, loved, and inspired.
This uplifting collection of quotes, stories, anecdotes, songs, and insights gives new life to Jim's magical world. With chapters titled Dynamite Determination; Listen to Your Heart; Together We Can Do It; It Starts When We're Kids; and A Part of Everything and Everyone, It's Not Easy Being Green is by turns entertaining, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny, reminding us that every day counts. Readers young and old will cherish this collection.
Culled from The Jim Henson Company archives, program transcripts, personal letters, and interviews, along with some of Jim's never-before-published writings, It's Not Easy Being Green is a testament to the legacy of a man who changed the way we see the world.
In the tradition of The World According to Mister Rogers, a timeless collection of wisdom on life, friendship, individuality, creativity, collaboration, and more—from Jim Henson and Friends.
There are few things that evoke such a universal feeling of warmth and humor as the work of Jim Henson. In his own words, as well as those of some of his best-known characters like Kermit the Frog and Ernie, we get a glimpse of the philosophy and humor that was so essential to Jim's creations. We also get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the collaborative spirit of this gentle artistic genius from the people Jim knew, loved, and inspired.
This uplifting collection of quotes, stories, anecdotes, songs, and insights gives new life to Jim's magical world. With chapters titled Dynamite Determination; Listen to Your Heart; Together We Can Do It; It Starts When We're Kids; and A Part of Everything and Everyone, It's Not Easy Being Green is by turns entertaining, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny, reminding us that every day counts. Readers young and old will cherish this collection.
Culled from The Jim Henson Company archives, program transcripts, personal letters, and interviews, along with some of Jim's never-before-published writings, It's Not Easy Being Green is a testament to the legacy of a man who changed the way we see the world.
197 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Jim Henson
173 books386 followersJim Henson was an American puppeteer, filmmaker, and creative visionary whose influence on television, film, and puppetry reshaped the world of entertainment. Best known as the creator of the Muppets, Henson blended humor, whimsy, and heart in ways that captivated both children and adults. His work spanned television, feature films, and innovative storytelling formats, and he is remembered as a pioneer whose imagination opened new artistic frontiers.
Born James Maury Henson in 1936 in Mississippi and raised in Maryland, Henson showed an early interest in art, puppetry, and television. While attending the University of Maryland, he created “Sam and Friends,” a five-minute TV show that introduced audiences to a lizard-like puppet named Kermit, a character that would later evolve into the world-famous Kermit the Frog. The show was the beginning of a lifelong partnership between Henson and his future wife, Jane Nebel, who co-performed and co-developed early puppet characters.
In 1958, the couple founded Muppets, Inc., which would grow into The Jim Henson Company. Henson's innovative approach to puppetry transformed the field. He used flexible foam, fabric, and expressive hand movements to create puppets that could convey real emotion—characters that connected with audiences in a way few had seen before. He also redefined the way puppets were filmed, using monitors and unique camera angles to make them more lifelike and engaging.
Henson’s career reached a new height in 1969 when he joined the creative team behind “Sesame Street.” There, he created and performed many of the show’s iconic characters, including Ernie, Cookie Monster, Bert, Grover, and Oscar the Grouch. His work on “Sesame Street” helped the show become a global educational phenomenon, blending entertainment with learning for millions of children worldwide. Henson’s belief that television could be both entertaining and educational guided much of his creative output.
Despite his success with “Sesame Street,” Henson was eager to prove that puppetry could be more than just a children’s medium. After years of rejection, he finally launched “The Muppet Show” in 1976, a comedy-variety series starring a troupe of eccentric puppet performers led by Kermit the Frog. The show became an international hit, attracting celebrity guest stars and earning critical acclaim. It ran for five seasons and led to several successful theatrical films, including “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), and “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984).
Henson’s ambition and imagination were not limited to the Muppets. In the 1980s, he began developing darker, more complex fantasy worlds. He co-directed and co-wrote “The Dark Crystal” (1982), a visually groundbreaking film that created an entirely original mythology. In 1986, he directed “Labyrinth,” starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, a film that combined puppetry, music, and elaborate set design. Though not initially successful at the box office, “Labyrinth” became a cult classic and remains beloved today.
Henson also created “Fraggle Rock,” a musical fantasy series that addressed themes like cooperation, identity, and environmental stewardship. With “The StoryTeller,” he brought European folk tales to life using an artful blend of live action and puppetry. Both shows showcased his continued desire to experiment with format and content, always pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territory.
Jim Henson died unexpectedly in 1990 from a sudden bacterial infection, just as he was in talks to sell his company to The Walt Disney Company. His death shocked the entertainment world, but his legacy endured. Through The Jim Henson Company and The Jim Henson Foundation, his commitment to puppetry, innovation, and creative storytelling continues to thrive.
More than three decades after his passing, Jim Henson’s characters still inspire wonder and joy. He believed in the power of imagination to chang
Born James Maury Henson in 1936 in Mississippi and raised in Maryland, Henson showed an early interest in art, puppetry, and television. While attending the University of Maryland, he created “Sam and Friends,” a five-minute TV show that introduced audiences to a lizard-like puppet named Kermit, a character that would later evolve into the world-famous Kermit the Frog. The show was the beginning of a lifelong partnership between Henson and his future wife, Jane Nebel, who co-performed and co-developed early puppet characters.
In 1958, the couple founded Muppets, Inc., which would grow into The Jim Henson Company. Henson's innovative approach to puppetry transformed the field. He used flexible foam, fabric, and expressive hand movements to create puppets that could convey real emotion—characters that connected with audiences in a way few had seen before. He also redefined the way puppets were filmed, using monitors and unique camera angles to make them more lifelike and engaging.
Henson’s career reached a new height in 1969 when he joined the creative team behind “Sesame Street.” There, he created and performed many of the show’s iconic characters, including Ernie, Cookie Monster, Bert, Grover, and Oscar the Grouch. His work on “Sesame Street” helped the show become a global educational phenomenon, blending entertainment with learning for millions of children worldwide. Henson’s belief that television could be both entertaining and educational guided much of his creative output.
Despite his success with “Sesame Street,” Henson was eager to prove that puppetry could be more than just a children’s medium. After years of rejection, he finally launched “The Muppet Show” in 1976, a comedy-variety series starring a troupe of eccentric puppet performers led by Kermit the Frog. The show became an international hit, attracting celebrity guest stars and earning critical acclaim. It ran for five seasons and led to several successful theatrical films, including “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), and “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984).
Henson’s ambition and imagination were not limited to the Muppets. In the 1980s, he began developing darker, more complex fantasy worlds. He co-directed and co-wrote “The Dark Crystal” (1982), a visually groundbreaking film that created an entirely original mythology. In 1986, he directed “Labyrinth,” starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, a film that combined puppetry, music, and elaborate set design. Though not initially successful at the box office, “Labyrinth” became a cult classic and remains beloved today.
Henson also created “Fraggle Rock,” a musical fantasy series that addressed themes like cooperation, identity, and environmental stewardship. With “The StoryTeller,” he brought European folk tales to life using an artful blend of live action and puppetry. Both shows showcased his continued desire to experiment with format and content, always pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic territory.
Jim Henson died unexpectedly in 1990 from a sudden bacterial infection, just as he was in talks to sell his company to The Walt Disney Company. His death shocked the entertainment world, but his legacy endured. Through The Jim Henson Company and The Jim Henson Foundation, his commitment to puppetry, innovation, and creative storytelling continues to thrive.
More than three decades after his passing, Jim Henson’s characters still inspire wonder and joy. He believed in the power of imagination to chang
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
December 3, 2014
Jim Henson was a genius. He was a wonderful man/child and philosopher who children all over the world know as Kermit.
Yes, it's one of the basic truths of the physical universe, Sprocket. Things don't disappear. They just change, and change, and change again.."---Doc from Fraggle Rock.
Message? I got no message! I'm a puppet, man. This is all sham...make believe? Like everything! Everybody! We're all puppets! That's why we gotta boogie boogie boogie!!!---Dr. Teeth.
I have a lot of great memories from the swamp. I remember when I ws little, we'd all just site out on our lily pads for hours and hours, rocking gently on the water and listening to the soft, sweet sound of chirping crickets...The, of course, we'd eat the crickets...but that's another story.---Kermit.
I love Kermit. I love the Muppets. I loved Jim Henson.
What a great way to take a break from my usual reads. Boogie, boogie, boogie folks. AKA dance in the rain. :D
**********************
Here you go, all you naysayers of Amazon. I posted this yesterday and went on the Big AAAA...for Amazon, this am to check on reviews of another book. And recommended to me on my Amazon page are a bunch of Jim Henson books. Ah, how thoughtful of Amazon.
As we know, Amazon took my five stars here on Goodreads and turned it into recommendations for other Jim Henson books. How thoughtful. This is the first and probably ever Jim Henson I'll ever read picking it up at Friends of Library book sale for $2.
This just makes me mad. But I'm sure no surprise to my friend, Will Byrnes.
Yes, it's one of the basic truths of the physical universe, Sprocket. Things don't disappear. They just change, and change, and change again.."---Doc from Fraggle Rock.
Message? I got no message! I'm a puppet, man. This is all sham...make believe? Like everything! Everybody! We're all puppets! That's why we gotta boogie boogie boogie!!!---Dr. Teeth.
I have a lot of great memories from the swamp. I remember when I ws little, we'd all just site out on our lily pads for hours and hours, rocking gently on the water and listening to the soft, sweet sound of chirping crickets...The, of course, we'd eat the crickets...but that's another story.---Kermit.
I love Kermit. I love the Muppets. I loved Jim Henson.
What a great way to take a break from my usual reads. Boogie, boogie, boogie folks. AKA dance in the rain. :D
**********************
Here you go, all you naysayers of Amazon. I posted this yesterday and went on the Big AAAA...for Amazon, this am to check on reviews of another book. And recommended to me on my Amazon page are a bunch of Jim Henson books. Ah, how thoughtful of Amazon.
As we know, Amazon took my five stars here on Goodreads and turned it into recommendations for other Jim Henson books. How thoughtful. This is the first and probably ever Jim Henson I'll ever read picking it up at Friends of Library book sale for $2.
This just makes me mad. But I'm sure no surprise to my friend, Will Byrnes.
September 17, 2025
Every time I learn something new about Jim Henson I like him even better. What a wonderful, inspirational, and zany man. As a kid I loved Sesame Street and the Muppets and The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth and as an adult I am still taken in with his creations. For not being human they have a wide array of emotions and can share that with their viewers. To this day, I tear up whenever I hear The Rainbow Connection. It's so pure and comforting and after having read this book, I think Jim Henson was pure and comforting. What a gift. Filled with wonderful quotations and illustrations this book is a love letter to Jim and to humanity. Heartfelt and exactly what I needed to read today!
April 4, 2019
Jim Henson is one of the people I admire most; his philosophy and his lifestyle seem to be in perfect alignment, and the hope and joy he created still shine today. This collection of quotes from him and about him captures many sparks of his genius, and serves as a quick inspiration for any time. I particularly appreciated the foreword and the contributors descriptions, which both provide a fuller glimpse of the man and those he touched. I was a little thrown by the balance of quotes (there's a lot more Fraggle Rock in her than I would have expected), but the inclusion of quotes from his characters as well as himself works (and the music lyrics too; I was impressed by how many of the songs I could hear in my head just from reading the lyrics). This is a good bite-sized selection of inspirational thoughts and quotes from a man who embodies the attributes I most aspire to.
March 29, 2014
I used this book to choose the quote that would go under my picture in my senior yearbook at college. We had to be able to show citation for the quote we chose, and this book was perfect for that. It has a special place in my heart.
March 25, 2024
Satiated my Muppets fixation for now. Cute collection of poems, lyrics, and thoughts from Jim Henson and associates focused on optimism, resilience, and the idea of friendship.
March 5, 2010
For Christmas a few years ago, Forrest gave me My Life as a Furry Red Monster. I devoured the book on Christmas day, interrupting the family gathering to share tidbits of Kevin's story. So, when I saw It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider at the discount store today, I knew I had to pick it up (along with Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons-- which I'll read this weekend). Of course, I read the book in under an hour. It's a wonderful tribute to Jim Henson and the work he created which truly touched us all. I've bookmarked so many quotes that I'd like to share with people that I think I should just pick them up a copy of the book!
January 4, 2014
Listening is the first step and the last step. ~Cantus Fraggle
To those of you who know me, you are aware that I am a Muppet fan through and through. I love everything to do with Jim Henson's creations and the puppeteers who bring these loveable characters to life. So when I received It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider as a Christmas gift I was thrilled...I believe there was even an *arm flail* involved.
Jim inspired people to be better than they thought they could be. To be more creative, more daring, more outrageous, and ultimately more successful. And he did it all without raising his voice. ~Bernie Brillstein
There is no denying that It's Not Easy Being Green is a quick read and, in all honesty, one that only a true blue Muppet fan would enjoy owning. It is filled with quotes and little doodles by Jim Henson himself regarding the Muppets, life, his career and his vision for our world, quotes about Jim himself from his family and fellow puppeteers and, of course, quotes and lyrics from songs by the Muppets themselves. But for a those of us who grew up with Kermit, Miss Piggy, the Fraggles and all the other amazing creations that came out of the mind of Jim Henson, it is a treasure that will always have a special spot on our bookshelf.
When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it. ~Jim Henson
So if you are interested in knowing a little more about the man behind the Muppets and what he thought about the world and his creations, as well as, what others thought about Jim without going into a detailed biography, It's Not Easy Being Green would be the perfect little read for you. But, mostly, this is a book for the fans to appreciate and have a little bit of Jim and Kermit in their reading library.
I guess I was wrong when I said I didn't promise anyone. I promised me. ~Kermit
To those of you who know me, you are aware that I am a Muppet fan through and through. I love everything to do with Jim Henson's creations and the puppeteers who bring these loveable characters to life. So when I received It's Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider as a Christmas gift I was thrilled...I believe there was even an *arm flail* involved.
Jim inspired people to be better than they thought they could be. To be more creative, more daring, more outrageous, and ultimately more successful. And he did it all without raising his voice. ~Bernie Brillstein
There is no denying that It's Not Easy Being Green is a quick read and, in all honesty, one that only a true blue Muppet fan would enjoy owning. It is filled with quotes and little doodles by Jim Henson himself regarding the Muppets, life, his career and his vision for our world, quotes about Jim himself from his family and fellow puppeteers and, of course, quotes and lyrics from songs by the Muppets themselves. But for a those of us who grew up with Kermit, Miss Piggy, the Fraggles and all the other amazing creations that came out of the mind of Jim Henson, it is a treasure that will always have a special spot on our bookshelf.
When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it. ~Jim Henson
So if you are interested in knowing a little more about the man behind the Muppets and what he thought about the world and his creations, as well as, what others thought about Jim without going into a detailed biography, It's Not Easy Being Green would be the perfect little read for you. But, mostly, this is a book for the fans to appreciate and have a little bit of Jim and Kermit in their reading library.
I guess I was wrong when I said I didn't promise anyone. I promised me. ~Kermit
April 10, 2013
Very inspirational book full of quotes from Jim Henson, the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and the people and productions Henson created over the years. Henson was one of those men who touched so many lives through his work.
Whether it comes from song lyrics, thoughts from his journals, or words of wisdom from his coworkers; each quote in this book has the ability to lift you up and inspire you to greater things. Well, that's what it did for me anyway.
Whether it comes from song lyrics, thoughts from his journals, or words of wisdom from his coworkers; each quote in this book has the ability to lift you up and inspire you to greater things. Well, that's what it did for me anyway.
March 4, 2021
What a lovely little book filled with little thoughts by Jim Henson and people who worked and were touched by his work and by him.
Great book to give to someone in need of inspiration and love.
Great book to give to someone in need of inspiration and love.
April 30, 2009
Jim Henson was one of the only "celebrities" that I literally burst into tears when I learned of his death. This book is a collection of quotes by and about Jim Henson and the characters he played. For example:
"He changed our lives. He changed the world.
And we'll continue his work, because that's how inspiration operates. People die, but inspiration lives and grows. Inspired by his gentleness, we'll fill the world with gentleness. Inspired by his vision, we'll fill the world with vision. Inspired by his chicken imitation, we'll fill the world with laughter."
--Jocelyn Stevenson
"He changed our lives. He changed the world.
And we'll continue his work, because that's how inspiration operates. People die, but inspiration lives and grows. Inspired by his gentleness, we'll fill the world with gentleness. Inspired by his vision, we'll fill the world with vision. Inspired by his chicken imitation, we'll fill the world with laughter."
--Jocelyn Stevenson
October 8, 2020
Books like this are pure magic at any time, but during 2020... they are lifeboats in a stormy sea. Full of positivity and nostalgia, I dare you to read this book and not smile. You'll learn more about Jim Henson and the impact he had on the world, while also finding a little bit of optimism and whimsy in yourself.
January 12, 2026
This quote pretty much encapsulates it:
"I know that it's easier to portray a world that's filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence. That's titillating. It's an easy out. What's a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show that you can have a positive impact on your world. To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder."
-Jim Henson
I can only hope I can follow by example.
"I know that it's easier to portray a world that's filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence. That's titillating. It's an easy out. What's a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show that you can have a positive impact on your world. To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder."
-Jim Henson
I can only hope I can follow by example.
January 24, 2020
yes i cried
November 27, 2024
This was an enjoyable listen on YouTube. It had music, all different voice inflections, and even songs by Kermit the Frog. It was nice to get some insight into Jim Henson‘s life, one of the biggest creators of children’s educational television. Thankful for him and the influence he’s had on my life. We all stay childlike in a way. That was Jim Henson‘s belief, and I believe it too. 💚🐸
June 19, 2022
From the title and cover style I expected this to be a collection of lessons from The Muppets. It had some of that, but really it was more a tribute to Jim Henson and his legacy. If you read it in that context it’s more focused,but in that case I would have liked more substance than the quotes and excerpts on each page, as well as more fluid organization. There were great quotes from Henson, his friends and coworkers, and characters from his work.
January 19, 2014
How can you not LOVE Jim Henson and the Muppets? If you don't, please discontinue reading and consider our friendship over. ;)
This was a really cute collection of wonderful quotes from various Muppet projects, guests of the Muppet Show, Henson himself, his family and other Muppet performers. I read much of this to my kids, as they also love the Muppets too. (That's how i know they're mine.) Here are some of my favourites from the book:
"It's not easy being green...
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
And I think it's what I want to be."
~Kermit
"The words say, 'it's not easy being green' but the song is about knowing who you are. Jim believed that people are good and that they want to do their best and that no matter how or why we might be different from anybody else, we should learn to love who we are and be proud of it."
~Ray Charles
"Jim inspired people to be better than they though they could be. To be more creative, more daring, more outrageous, and ultimately more successful. And he did it all without raising his voice."
~Bernie Brillstein
"If just one person believes in you
Deep enough and strong enough
Believes in you hard enough and long enough
Before you knew it, someone else would think
'If he can do it, I can do it'
Making it two. Two whole people who believe in you.
And maybe even you can believe in you too."
~Robin and the Muppet gang
"We see with our eyes. We know with our hearts."
~Cantus Fraggle
"Whatcha gonna do when the times get tough,
And the world's treatin' you unkind?
You've got to hang on to your optimistic outlook,
And keep possession of your positive state of mind."
~Dr. Teeth
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for my having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it."
~Jim Henson
"A child's use of imagination and fantasy blends into his use of creativity. The child can use his imagination to try out whole new directions. There are many ways of doing something."
~Jim Henson
"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."
~Jim Henson
"You know Bert, you're a real friend. I'm messy and you don't like it messy, but because I'm your friend, you don't mind too much if I'm messy."
~Ernie
"I really do believe that all of you are at the beginning of a wonderful journey. As you start traveling down that road of life, remember this: There are never enough comfort stops. The places you're going are never on the map. And once you get that map out, you won't be able to refold it no matter how smart you are.
So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig. And if you can help it, never fly as cargo."
~Kermit
"Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It's a good life, enjoy it."
~Jim Henson
"At some point in my life I decided, rightly or wrongly, that there are many situations in this life that I can't do much about: acts of terrorism, feelings of nationalistic prejudice, cold war, etc. So what I should do is concentrate on the situations that my energy can affect."
~Jim Henson
"Life's like a movie, write your own ending
Keep believing, keep pretending
We've done just what we set out to do
Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers, and you."
~Kermit and the Muppets
This was a really cute collection of wonderful quotes from various Muppet projects, guests of the Muppet Show, Henson himself, his family and other Muppet performers. I read much of this to my kids, as they also love the Muppets too. (That's how i know they're mine.) Here are some of my favourites from the book:
"It's not easy being green...
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
And I think it's what I want to be."
~Kermit
"The words say, 'it's not easy being green' but the song is about knowing who you are. Jim believed that people are good and that they want to do their best and that no matter how or why we might be different from anybody else, we should learn to love who we are and be proud of it."
~Ray Charles
"Jim inspired people to be better than they though they could be. To be more creative, more daring, more outrageous, and ultimately more successful. And he did it all without raising his voice."
~Bernie Brillstein
"If just one person believes in you
Deep enough and strong enough
Believes in you hard enough and long enough
Before you knew it, someone else would think
'If he can do it, I can do it'
Making it two. Two whole people who believe in you.
And maybe even you can believe in you too."
~Robin and the Muppet gang
"We see with our eyes. We know with our hearts."
~Cantus Fraggle
"Whatcha gonna do when the times get tough,
And the world's treatin' you unkind?
You've got to hang on to your optimistic outlook,
And keep possession of your positive state of mind."
~Dr. Teeth
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for my having been there. It's a wonderful life and I love it."
~Jim Henson
"A child's use of imagination and fantasy blends into his use of creativity. The child can use his imagination to try out whole new directions. There are many ways of doing something."
~Jim Henson
"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are."
~Jim Henson
"You know Bert, you're a real friend. I'm messy and you don't like it messy, but because I'm your friend, you don't mind too much if I'm messy."
~Ernie
"I really do believe that all of you are at the beginning of a wonderful journey. As you start traveling down that road of life, remember this: There are never enough comfort stops. The places you're going are never on the map. And once you get that map out, you won't be able to refold it no matter how smart you are.
So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig. And if you can help it, never fly as cargo."
~Kermit
"Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It's a good life, enjoy it."
~Jim Henson
"At some point in my life I decided, rightly or wrongly, that there are many situations in this life that I can't do much about: acts of terrorism, feelings of nationalistic prejudice, cold war, etc. So what I should do is concentrate on the situations that my energy can affect."
~Jim Henson
"Life's like a movie, write your own ending
Keep believing, keep pretending
We've done just what we set out to do
Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers, and you."
~Kermit and the Muppets
November 13, 2015
Jim Henson was one of those truly remarkable people who seemed to spread happiness and hope wherever he went. This book, edited by his daughter, Cheryl, gathers together quotes by and about Jim and the Muppets. Most of the quotes aren't new to me, but all compiled together they make up a vague portrait of Jim and his mission: to spread peace and good cheer wherever he could.
By everyone's account, Jim was very much like his most beloved and well known character, Kermit the Frog. He was a madcap, zany presence at the center of a storm of zany, madcap, immensely talented people, and that type of creative talent gravitated toward Jim. He was also kind and compassionate, caring, and thoughtful. He appreciated the little things. He appreciated the big things, too. As Frank Oz is quoted as saying, he was a great appreciator. He liked to be silly, enjoyed his work, loved his family and his friends. No one has a bad word to say about Jim Henson that I've ever been able to find.
The book is short, and its' a tribute to an idea of a man, an archetype, an ideal. The Jim presented in this book is someone to aspire to be like. While I have a broad sense of Jim and his life philosophy, and his philosophy behind the Muppets, the book never focuses on details. It's not a biography and doesn't try to be. This book is about love, acceptance, and spreading happiness and creativity throughout the world.
By everyone's account, Jim was very much like his most beloved and well known character, Kermit the Frog. He was a madcap, zany presence at the center of a storm of zany, madcap, immensely talented people, and that type of creative talent gravitated toward Jim. He was also kind and compassionate, caring, and thoughtful. He appreciated the little things. He appreciated the big things, too. As Frank Oz is quoted as saying, he was a great appreciator. He liked to be silly, enjoyed his work, loved his family and his friends. No one has a bad word to say about Jim Henson that I've ever been able to find.
The book is short, and its' a tribute to an idea of a man, an archetype, an ideal. The Jim presented in this book is someone to aspire to be like. While I have a broad sense of Jim and his life philosophy, and his philosophy behind the Muppets, the book never focuses on details. It's not a biography and doesn't try to be. This book is about love, acceptance, and spreading happiness and creativity throughout the world.
January 22, 2017
Synopsis: A small collection of quotes from Jim Henson, his friends and family, and his most memorable characters.
Jim Henson defined my childhood. When I was really little, we basically had only PBS for me to watch and I learned pretty much everything I needed to know from Sesame Street. And those characters are still paving the way to the future for children today. Needless to say, The Muppets (as well as the man who created them) have a lot to say about life, the universe and everything.
Although hardly a biography of Jim Henson’s life, through these small snippets of his thoughts and the thoughts of those who knew him best, he begins to transform into the real man behind The Muppets. He clearly knew exactly what he wanted: To make the world a better place through the use of adorable furry friends. And in that he succeeded. And after he has long left us in person, his spirit lives on in the legacy of his life’s work. Work that is still popular and relevant to every generation.
It would be even more popular and relevant if ABC hadn’t cancelled the latest reboot of the Muppet Show, but that’s beside the point. Just…putting that out there for the universe.
Jim Henson defined my childhood. When I was really little, we basically had only PBS for me to watch and I learned pretty much everything I needed to know from Sesame Street. And those characters are still paving the way to the future for children today. Needless to say, The Muppets (as well as the man who created them) have a lot to say about life, the universe and everything.
Although hardly a biography of Jim Henson’s life, through these small snippets of his thoughts and the thoughts of those who knew him best, he begins to transform into the real man behind The Muppets. He clearly knew exactly what he wanted: To make the world a better place through the use of adorable furry friends. And in that he succeeded. And after he has long left us in person, his spirit lives on in the legacy of his life’s work. Work that is still popular and relevant to every generation.
It would be even more popular and relevant if ABC hadn’t cancelled the latest reboot of the Muppet Show, but that’s beside the point. Just…putting that out there for the universe.
February 28, 2019
"It's Not Easy Being Green" contains "uplifting quotes, stories, anecdotes, songs and insights" from Jim Henson himself (found in letters, texts, notes, etc) as well as some of his best-known characters from the Muppets, like Kermit the Frog as well as Sesame Street, The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, and others, collected and put together by his daughter and some of his friends that had worked with him over the many years that he had been entertaining and inspiring children and adults alike.
I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Muppet Show, as well as anything else that Jim Henson created. My all-time favorite movie (and soundtrack) is, to this day, "The Dark Crystal" (a much beloved and one-of-a-kind movie). I also love Labyrinth (starring the late David Bowie, as well as many new Muppet characters).
I sometimes tell people I was "partially raised by Jim Henson" because he was an almost constant presence (in the form of his creations) as I grew up, and even to this day. And I could not pass up this book when I saw it, to once again visit with many well-known characters from my childhood as well as the late Jim Henson himself. He is still deeply missed.
I grew up watching Sesame Street and the Muppet Show, as well as anything else that Jim Henson created. My all-time favorite movie (and soundtrack) is, to this day, "The Dark Crystal" (a much beloved and one-of-a-kind movie). I also love Labyrinth (starring the late David Bowie, as well as many new Muppet characters).
I sometimes tell people I was "partially raised by Jim Henson" because he was an almost constant presence (in the form of his creations) as I grew up, and even to this day. And I could not pass up this book when I saw it, to once again visit with many well-known characters from my childhood as well as the late Jim Henson himself. He is still deeply missed.
May 10, 2012
This is an interesting book for die hard fans of Jim Henson.
It is a colleciton of letters, transcripts, observations, etc by the great man himself. Although there is some very heartfelt messages to be found between the pages, it really is the sketches and pictures that really sell this book and make it stand out.
You will not learn anything new when reading this but you do somewhat delve into the man behind the muppets and a little bit of the magic he was able to create.
There is no depth about the history or any kind of biographic details really that you can not find anything else. This is for the collector and you kind of dip in and out of it and digest the self help qualities and give a collective Ahhhhhh every now and then. It did make me miss the man who created them but didn't really satisfy the appetite. It is like going to a tapas bar, a meal full of appetisers, although very good, somewhat lacking in satisfaction.
Reminded me of the Peanuts classic - Love Is A Warm Blanket book.
It is a colleciton of letters, transcripts, observations, etc by the great man himself. Although there is some very heartfelt messages to be found between the pages, it really is the sketches and pictures that really sell this book and make it stand out.
You will not learn anything new when reading this but you do somewhat delve into the man behind the muppets and a little bit of the magic he was able to create.
There is no depth about the history or any kind of biographic details really that you can not find anything else. This is for the collector and you kind of dip in and out of it and digest the self help qualities and give a collective Ahhhhhh every now and then. It did make me miss the man who created them but didn't really satisfy the appetite. It is like going to a tapas bar, a meal full of appetisers, although very good, somewhat lacking in satisfaction.
Reminded me of the Peanuts classic - Love Is A Warm Blanket book.
September 9, 2026
For anyone familiar with the Muppets, the title rings a bell: it’s a line from Joe Raposo’s melancholic song sung by Kermit, Jim Henson’s alter ego, performed by Henson himself until his death. The green cover and the picture of the famous frog make an appealing first impression but also overpromise, because it says Jim Henson while this is really a cherry-picked selection by Cheryl Henson, his daugther. The quotes range from Jim Henson’s own words to song lyrics or characters’ lines written by other people. The source —a Muppet, a song, a movie— is usually identified, but not necessarily the actual writer behind the line. Given the richness of the source material she had available, I didn’t find the selection criteria particularly inspired.
Probably this book is only meant for fans. And I’m a Henson fan. After reading his biography and recently watching Disney’s documentary about him, I learned about his Red Book. Beginning in the 1960s, Henson recorded personal and artistic milestones, often in terse one-line entries. Karen Falk, the archivist hired by Jane Henson, later organized and connected this material with the much larger Henson archive of drawings, photographs, sketches and storyboards. This became the basis especially for *Imagination Illustrated*, while some of the material also appears in this book.
But there is another problem with *It’s Not Easy Being Green*. Cheryl Henson seems to have filtered her father through a more inspirational, family-friendly lens. That makes sense coming from a daughter preserving her father’s legacy, but something gets lost along the way: the strangeness, contradictions, darkness and occasional discomfort that were also part of Henson and the Muppets. In a way, something similar happened later when Disney inherited them: the characters survived, but some of their rougher edges were polished away.
How can a shy man with crazy ideas and a puppet in his hand build a commercial empire that still reigns 36 years after his passing? And why is it so difficult for that empire to keep inventing without him? There have been successful Muppet productions since Henson’s death, and even interesting continuations of worlds such as *The Dark Crystal*. But they are still derivations of Henson’s brainchildren. What seems to have disappeared is the capacity to create something entirely new from scratch. Henson could make the Muppets successful and then move on to something quite different: *Sesame Street*, *Fraggle Rock*, *The Dark Crystal*, *Labyrinth*, *The Storyteller*, experimental films and other projects that sometimes barely resembled one another. This makes me think about Steve Jobs and Hayao Miyazaki as well: creators who built universes with the help of hundreds of other people but whose organizations seem unable to reproduce the mechanism that generated those universes in the first place. Perhaps their successors can preserve the corpus but not the impulse.
There is a paradox here: if you learn to imitate Henson perfectly, you are no longer behaving like Henson. In the same way, someone who writes exactly like Borges is probably just a bad imitator of Borges. Henson’s defining characteristic was not a particular aesthetic but his refusal to keep repeating what had already worked. There is even something of machine learning in this problem. Train on the complete Henson corpus and you may become extremely good at producing Henson-like material. But you are still deriving from the training set. Henson himself kept trying to leave his own training set behind.
We don’t have an autobiography, but we can use Henson’s words —and those spoken by his characters— to know more about his thoughts and artistic vision. He knew he wasn’t a great spouse or father to his five children: “I love to work. It’s the thing that I get the most satisfaction out of —and probably what I do best.” That probably explains why he sometimes missed birthdays because of work commitments. But he was quite clear-eyed about the contradiction: “The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
I like his approach to learning and its impact on creativity: “Many of the things I’ve done in my life have basically been self-taught (...) If you learn too much of what others have done, you may tend to take the same direction as everybody else". And he didn’t want to be a follower. After *The Muppet Show* became a worldwide success, he chose to end it after five seasons and pursue new things: “I love to feel I’m doing something for the first time —or using puppets in a way that no one has either thought of —or even been able to do.”
There is a quote from his fascinating experimental film *The Cube*, co-written with his lifelong collaborator Jerry Juhl, that wonderfully captures the depth and strangeness of Henson’s artistic path: “There are places that contain you, / there are corners in your soul, / there are plastic laminations / in your life / but when you’re on the inside / of the outside of your thought, / Do they restrain, / Or do you stay yourself? / Now the inside of the near place / Is outside of the far, / But you can only face your space one way. You’re really in the middle / Of the inside of yourself". This is the Henson that gets somewhat diluted in a collection of inspirational quotes: a creator also interested in identity, confinement, perception and the unsettling corners inside ourselves.
Henson ultimately leaves us with: “That’s what literature is about, that’s what art is. It’s trying to figure out what you are and what you’re doing here". But he never took himself too seriously. Using Kermit, he gives us one last piece of advice: “So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig.”
Probably this book is only meant for fans. And I’m a Henson fan. After reading his biography and recently watching Disney’s documentary about him, I learned about his Red Book. Beginning in the 1960s, Henson recorded personal and artistic milestones, often in terse one-line entries. Karen Falk, the archivist hired by Jane Henson, later organized and connected this material with the much larger Henson archive of drawings, photographs, sketches and storyboards. This became the basis especially for *Imagination Illustrated*, while some of the material also appears in this book.
But there is another problem with *It’s Not Easy Being Green*. Cheryl Henson seems to have filtered her father through a more inspirational, family-friendly lens. That makes sense coming from a daughter preserving her father’s legacy, but something gets lost along the way: the strangeness, contradictions, darkness and occasional discomfort that were also part of Henson and the Muppets. In a way, something similar happened later when Disney inherited them: the characters survived, but some of their rougher edges were polished away.
How can a shy man with crazy ideas and a puppet in his hand build a commercial empire that still reigns 36 years after his passing? And why is it so difficult for that empire to keep inventing without him? There have been successful Muppet productions since Henson’s death, and even interesting continuations of worlds such as *The Dark Crystal*. But they are still derivations of Henson’s brainchildren. What seems to have disappeared is the capacity to create something entirely new from scratch. Henson could make the Muppets successful and then move on to something quite different: *Sesame Street*, *Fraggle Rock*, *The Dark Crystal*, *Labyrinth*, *The Storyteller*, experimental films and other projects that sometimes barely resembled one another. This makes me think about Steve Jobs and Hayao Miyazaki as well: creators who built universes with the help of hundreds of other people but whose organizations seem unable to reproduce the mechanism that generated those universes in the first place. Perhaps their successors can preserve the corpus but not the impulse.
There is a paradox here: if you learn to imitate Henson perfectly, you are no longer behaving like Henson. In the same way, someone who writes exactly like Borges is probably just a bad imitator of Borges. Henson’s defining characteristic was not a particular aesthetic but his refusal to keep repeating what had already worked. There is even something of machine learning in this problem. Train on the complete Henson corpus and you may become extremely good at producing Henson-like material. But you are still deriving from the training set. Henson himself kept trying to leave his own training set behind.
We don’t have an autobiography, but we can use Henson’s words —and those spoken by his characters— to know more about his thoughts and artistic vision. He knew he wasn’t a great spouse or father to his five children: “I love to work. It’s the thing that I get the most satisfaction out of —and probably what I do best.” That probably explains why he sometimes missed birthdays because of work commitments. But he was quite clear-eyed about the contradiction: “The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
I like his approach to learning and its impact on creativity: “Many of the things I’ve done in my life have basically been self-taught (...) If you learn too much of what others have done, you may tend to take the same direction as everybody else". And he didn’t want to be a follower. After *The Muppet Show* became a worldwide success, he chose to end it after five seasons and pursue new things: “I love to feel I’m doing something for the first time —or using puppets in a way that no one has either thought of —or even been able to do.”
There is a quote from his fascinating experimental film *The Cube*, co-written with his lifelong collaborator Jerry Juhl, that wonderfully captures the depth and strangeness of Henson’s artistic path: “There are places that contain you, / there are corners in your soul, / there are plastic laminations / in your life / but when you’re on the inside / of the outside of your thought, / Do they restrain, / Or do you stay yourself? / Now the inside of the near place / Is outside of the far, / But you can only face your space one way. You’re really in the middle / Of the inside of yourself". This is the Henson that gets somewhat diluted in a collection of inspirational quotes: a creator also interested in identity, confinement, perception and the unsettling corners inside ourselves.
Henson ultimately leaves us with: “That’s what literature is about, that’s what art is. It’s trying to figure out what you are and what you’re doing here". But he never took himself too seriously. Using Kermit, he gives us one last piece of advice: “So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig.”
Read
May 7, 2010The song:
ARTIST: Muppets
TITLE: It's Not Easy Being Green
Lyrics
It's not that easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold
Or something much more colorful like that
It's not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky
But green's the color of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree
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
ARTIST: Muppets
TITLE: It's Not Easy Being Green
Lyrics
It's not that easy being green
Having to spend each day the color of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold
Or something much more colorful like that
It's not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky
But green's the color of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree
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
July 13, 2017
Fantastic.
"The word say 'It's not easy being green,' but the song is about knowing who you are, and in it you hear Jim's message most clearly.
He believed people are good and they want to do their best and no matter how or why we might be different from anybody else, we should learn to love who we are, and be proud of it."
-Ray Charles
Recently, I have been thinking and reading a lot about what makes a person who they are -- identity. I read what some psychologists and philosophers said, but the story of Jim Henson gave me better insight than Jung or Freud or even Plato.
That man lived to teach and love the world's young people. Today, more people learn how to be a good person from Sesame Street, then they do from any philosopher or religious book.
Read this book!
"The word say 'It's not easy being green,' but the song is about knowing who you are, and in it you hear Jim's message most clearly.
He believed people are good and they want to do their best and no matter how or why we might be different from anybody else, we should learn to love who we are, and be proud of it."
-Ray Charles
Recently, I have been thinking and reading a lot about what makes a person who they are -- identity. I read what some psychologists and philosophers said, but the story of Jim Henson gave me better insight than Jung or Freud or even Plato.
That man lived to teach and love the world's young people. Today, more people learn how to be a good person from Sesame Street, then they do from any philosopher or religious book.
Read this book!
December 18, 2011
This audio book was short and sweet at just over an hour. It was narrated by Whoopi, Lithgow and Lewis with lots of quotes, songs and silliness. Anyone who loves The Muppets, Fraggles, Skeksis, Mystics, or Labyrinth Goblins will be pleased as pie with this book. Jim Henson was amazing. I got a little misty-eyed at a few points.
October 29, 2007
Words of wisdom from the Muppets...what's not to love?! And I don't mean by just Kermit, but the Fraggles, Emmett Otter, and Jim Henson himself.. A great coffee table and reference book for the masses.
May 23, 2009
Small book with wonderful quotes from Jim, his friends and family, and the wonderful muppets he created. A wonderful man who will be loved by generations to come. I see that when I listen to my grandson's laughter as he is watching Sesame Street just like his mommy 30 years ago.
September 13, 2013
It's nice to hear anecdotes read aloud and the musical interludes are cute. But it's pretty light on substance. Or rather if you are familiar with the subject and his colleagues then there really is nothing new. It's just whet my appetite for the biography about Hensen that just came out.
January 26, 2009
"But, you've heard enough. Now, it's time for you to listen. Go and find your songs."
Cantus Fraggle
Cantus Fraggle
November 20, 2013
Quotes and inspiration. Jim Henson and Kermit. yes please.
February 24, 2016
I grew up on The Muppets and all their variations. I also went to University of Maryland, where Jim Henson went. This is a fantastic collection of quotes from cast and crew (muppets included!.)
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