Street Gang

December 15, 2008
Davis, a former editor and columnist for "TV Guide", traces not only the beginnings of the show loved by children around the world but also the history of children's television prior to the birth of "Sesame Street". He profiles the major players responsible for creating the landmark program, like Joan Ganz Cooney, the founder of the Children's Television Workshop, and Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets. Davis also explores earlier children's shows, like "Captain Kangaroo", where many of the people who gave "Sesame Street" such a unique look and appeal got their start. If you want a comprehensive history of "Sesame Street" itself and how it has evolved over the past almost 40 years, this is not the book. If you want to examine the vast influences that made the show so successful and the people both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, then this is perfect. This compelling work will give readers wonderful flashes of nostalgia. For all reference and browsing collections. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ" 10/15/08.]Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2008
Now viewed as an American institution, Sesame Street revolutionized childrens television when it debuted in 1969. Journalist Davis, who wrote for TV Guide for10 years, traces the ups and downs of the longest-running childrens television show, airing in more than 120 countries. Davis recalls the impact of iconic shows such as Captain Kangaroo, the early days in the fight forusing entertainmentto educate children, and the mission of closing the education gap for poor preschoolers. Drawing on interviews with cast and crew members, he reveals much of the behind-the-scenes life of Sesame Street: the marriagelike relationship between the shows cofounder Joan Ganz Cooney and puppeteer Jim Henson, how Elmo was nearly discarded, the odd-couple puppeteers behind the odd couple Burt and Ernie, and the fights, romances, infidelities, joys, and sorrows of the crewsome of it providing inspiration for shows. Davis also details the merchandising that saved the show financially, the corporate machinations behind the saleof the Muppets to Disney, and the ensuing controversy after the untimely death of Henson. Anyone who has ever seen Sesame Street, as parent or childor bothwill love the detail and exuberance of this book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)