Muppet Kids is a series of books and educational software made in the 1990s, featuring young, pre-teen versions of the principal Muppet franchise characters.
Characters included kid versions of Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Scooter, Skeeter, Janice, Rowlf, Animal, Bunsen, Beaker, and Bean Bunny.
Two series of Muppet Kids books were made by Muppet Press―a paperback series and the hardcover "Values To Grow On" series. A set of two "Muppet Computer Books" were produced with the characters ―Kermit Learns How Computers Work and Kermit Learns Windows.
The initial character designs for the central cast was developed by Michael K. Frith. The designs were often reminiscent of those from Muppet Babies, but aged-up slightly. Illustrators for the book series included Tom Brannon, Manhar Chauhan, Tom Cooke, Joe Ewers, Tom Leigh, David Prebenna, and Joel Schick; each artist brought their own style to the characters.
Throughout the book series' seven year run, 36 original stories were published. Authors included Richard Chevat, Eleanor Freemont, Louise Gikow, Andrew Gutelle, Debbie Kovacs, Michaela Muntean, Stephanie St. Pierre, Daphne Skinner, Ellen Weiss, and Bonnie Worth.
To tie-in to the series, McDonald's produced a limited series of Muppet Kids Happy Meal toys in 1989 featuring Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo riding tricycles. Books from the Golden Book collection were also included on the Wienerschnitzel menu as "Official Kid's Meal Stuff" in the early 1990s.
The characters also appeared in sets of flash cards in 1993 and 2003.
The Muppet Kids[]
See also: Muppet Kids characters
Books[]
See also: Muppet Kids books
Golden Look-Look Books[]
box set collection of 8 books
"Values to Grow On" Books[]
A Book About Moderation
A Book About Asking for Help
A Book About Self-Esteem
A Book About Responsibility
A Book About Honesty
A Book About Shyness
A Book About Imagination
A Book About Friendship
A Book About Communication
A Book About Manners
A Book About Love
A Book About Sharing
A Book About Not Giving Up
A Book About Apologizing
A Book About Making Mistakes
A Book About Listening to Your Conscience
A Book About Generosity
A Book About Helping Others
A Book About Jealousy
A Book About Cooperation
A Book About Cleaning Up
A Book About Sportsmanship
A Book About Appreciation
A Book About Understanding
A Book About Patience
A Book About Saying No
Muppet Computer Books[]
CD-ROM Games[]
The Muppet Kids educational software, produced by Brighter Child, featured several basic mini-games hosted by animated, non-speaking Muppet Kids.
Each game focused on subjects like reading, math, and sorting. Newer editions of the software also featured static 3D animated versions of adult Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo serving as hosts to the CD-ROMs.
- see also: Muppet Kids Video Games
(Volume 1)
(Volume 2)
(Volume 3)
(Volume 4)
(Volume 5)
(Volume 6)
Notes[]
animation cel
- In 1989, creative producer and conceptual designer Michael K. Frith drew full character model sheets under the Muppet Babies and Marvel Productions title block showing the Muppet characters in their Muppet Kids designs. Animation cels featuring the "Kid Kermit" design have surfaced in collections of Muppet Babies production cels from Marvel Productions at auctions and other sales. It is possible the team was exploring the idea of doing a spin-off to follow after the final season of Muppet Babies in 1990 featuring the aged-up characters.
See also[]
A 1989 promotional photo of Kermit, Fozzie, and Piggy reading a Muppet Kids book.
- Characters at alternate ages
- Muppet Babies
- Muppet Kids characters
- Muppet Kids merchandise
- Muppet Kids style guides