Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams

by Jim Lewis, Jim Henson (Illustrator)

A fascinating look inside the mind of a creative genius and beloved figure, this sure-to-inspire title is filled with Henson's drawings coupled with quotes inspired by his personal sense of optimism.

The perfect gift for graduates or for the holidays, this title encourages readers to express their own unique creativity and sense of humor.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Picture Books, Biography

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2008

About the author

Jim Lewis (born 1955) is an American writer known for his work with The Jim Henson Company and The Muppets. Lewis first worked with the Muppets as the editor of Muppet Magazine. The book Before You Leap, which was credited to Kermit the Frog, was written by Lewis. The Disney Channel program Studio DC: Almost Live was produced by him. Jim Lewis grew up in Boonton, New Jersey and attended Boonton High School.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Bryan]

I came across this book because of a tattoo. I think that's a first for me. To make a long story short, a good friend of mine has one of Jim Henson's doodles tattooed on his arm, a doodle which I admired each time I saw said friend, until I finally asked where the doodle had come from. This led me to Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams.

It's a short little book. A ten minute read maybe. But it has a beauty to it. Not only because of a little behind the scenes glance into Jim Henson's mind through his art, but also because Jim Lewis' writing channels the art perfectly. Take a little break to read this some time, and you may put it down feeling a bit more relaxed, a bit more like a kid again.

'Spark the goodness in others.'

[Barbi Faye (The Book Fae)]

I like Jim Henson; he is one of those people who are so inspirational they touch almost every life. For me it was Sesame Street and the classic movie, Labyrinth, when I was sixteen. Pure magic. This book contain inspirational doodles and quotes, also magical. A lovely little book. The perfect sweet gift for graduates or for the holidays, this title encourages readers to express their own unique creativity and sense of humor.
Go outside and look up at a tree. Better yet, look at one leaf. It's just so perfect. Everything we do falls short of that. But that's OK. Being awestruck is a good thing.

[Kelly]

Wonderful. Inspirational.

[Ryan]

A fun little view of Henson's creativity.

[Amanda]

A quick, inspiring, read. I’ll have to read it again soon 🤓

[Jifu]

Admittedly a sweet and quick little read, but it's a bit more akin to something you'd find in a Hallmark store. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that, there's a time and a place for easy inspirational pick-me-ups.

However, if you're someone like me and you sought this out in order to explore some of Jim Henson's original sketches, then the books that you would probably prefer instead are Alison Inches' Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles: A Muppet Sketchbook, and Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal by Karen Falk (I especially recommend Imagination Illustrated because Falk is the Director of the Jim Henson Company Archives, and was able to lovingly compile this work with an array of rare and and wonderful materials from said archives).

[Eric]

This book is a combination of Jim Henson doodles and Jim Lewis writings. Henson is the creator of Sesame Street amongst other things and Lewis was one of the writers. The text is made of sayings like: "If you're open to them, great ideas are everywhere." Many would clearly call it a hippie book. I read it to my 8 year old last night who began by making fun of it but by about midway through started reading each page himself. For a kid who hates school I thought it important for him to hear messages about staying curious, creative, and open to all things. Henson's doodles are extremely cool too.

I should add that I found I found this in the Psychology/Self-Help section of Borders. It was not being sold as a kids book.

[Ashley Taylor]

I originally bought this as part of a gift for someone, but never got the opportunity to give it. At the time, I thought about buying myself a copy as well, anyway, because it's a really neat book. The illustrations are colorful and interesting (hence, the children's shelf placement in my collection) and the quotes are thought-provoking, if not entirely new/original in terms of content. It's a good, fun, uplifting little read.

[Apryl Anderson]

This was a Nice book: fun doodles from the sketchbooks of a master, with sensible wisdom on creativity and leadership. Call me cynical, but I got a creepy feeling that the man that was hired to incorporate all things Henson found just one more little way to line his pockets. Not that true artists shouldn't enjoy the riches of this world! I don't like feeling of being manipulated, which taints the essential message of this sweet little book.

[Teresa]

An inspiring and quick read; this is the second time I have read this colorful and creative little book!

Includes zany sketches, delightful doodles, words to dream by and of course — selected Muppets!

"Every once in a while, stop and look around. It doesn't matter where you are; there's usually something right there in front of you that will surprise and inspire you." ~Jim Henson

[Suzanne]

"Try to instigate silliness" & "Be interested in everything". That's what I take away from this great little book of Jim Henson's drawings and Jim Lewis' words. I stopped every other page to try to do the drawings

[Laura]

A nice encapsulation of the points made in Cockerell's _Creating Magic_. It doesn't hurt that muppet drawings and sketches are included!

[Sara]

Love this little book. Especially this quote, "If you worry too much about the way things are supposed to be, you're a lot more likely to end up following the crowd."

[Cree]

Beautiful book. Something I can read after a long day.

[Jadecircle12]

Cute, quirky and seeing Jim Henson's uncensored art simultaneously tugs at the heartstrings and puts a smile on your face.