Was your child's first word "Elmo?" If so you aren't alone. There's a reason kids love Elmo so much and that reason has largely to do with the man behind (inside? underneath?) the little red puppet, Kevin Clash.
In her latest Babble column, Jennifer Baumgardner writes that Clash's book, My Life as a Furry Red Monster, is E.T.-level tear-jerking when it comes to Elmo's ability to bring joy.
I found myself close to tears many times as I read her article/interview, and I don't think I'd be able to make it through the book without an entire box of Kleenex at my side.
Clash talks of his life-long love of puppets and performing, his family triumphs and struggles, and Elmo's ability to bring joy to children even in the most dire situations. Whatever you think of Elmo, his kid-appeal is undeniable. I think I love him a little more after reading the article.
