Library Journal Review

As a child on the poor side of Baltimore, Kevin Clash (b. 1960) was an avid watcher of TV's Captain Kangaroo and Disney films, and when Sesame Street rolled out, his desire to escape to magical places found its means through puppet creation like those he saw on television. Cutting up his father's fur coat, he fashioned his first puppet, and from then on there was no stopping him. He researched and practiced, eventually making puppets enough to fill his parents' home, and put on shows for the neighborhood kids, which eventually led to a regular spot on a local television show. From there, it was a logical and fast progression to network TV and movies, until he finally got to work for his hero, Jim Henson (1936-90). Once he was part of Sesame Street, Clash found Elmo and a magical synchronicity. Clash's inner child and years of apprenticeship helped to make Elmo a star. But being a celebrity took its toll on Clash's personal life as he committed to more and more travel and time in character, losing connection with his wife and daughter. He's come to a balance now between the demands of Elmo and the other forces in his life, but for one man, being Elmo comes a bit easier than being Kevin. VERDICT An inspiring film for those who see themselves as different.-Ellen Druda, Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.