The Disney MUPPETS Character Encyclopedia. Written by Craig Shemin. DK Publishing, Tournaline Editions Inc. 2014. $17.00 ages 5 and up

"The Electric Mayhem band's passionate percussionist is known for his love of music, the ladies, and his hunger for everything else. No one knows exactly where Animal came from (or where he goes at night), and it's probably better that way...Animal may be unpredictable and short-tempered, but he does have a softer side."

Let's get things started!

http://youtu.be/9THwnQg-vEw

Our family loved the Muppet Show; each week we waited in eager anticipation for the next episode! Had we had a PVR back then, we would have taped them and watched them time and time again. Luckily, we now have our own copies of each of the three seasons available on DVD. Watching brings back many happy memories, and provides a return to the laughter that each revue show provided. So many wonderful characters and quick sketches!

In this new character encyclopedia we meet these memorable friends once more. The front cover tells us that there are 'more than 150 Muppets from Animal to Zoot'. Filled with facts and many surprises, it takes us from The Muppet Show pilot and provides single page entries for the many wonderful characters who graced its stage, and loges. A full color image of each Muppet is accompanied by a descriptive paragraph, further information, a file giving their debut show, their species and their special talents. Captioned photos from the archives add a strong measure of fun!

I have pored over its many entries, meeting old friends and enjoying the beautiful photographs.
What a grand compilation this is! The time and love given to the project is evident on all of its 199 pages. If you are a Muppet fan, want to be a fan, or have never really considered these amazing characters s part of your life, it makes no difference. There is something here for everyone and wonder on all of its pages.

Another amazing book from DK Publishing, with a big huzzah to Craig Shemin for the dedication and outstanding research that gets it into our hands! You don't want to miss it.