The inspiration for the beloved Jim Henson film is back in print after over 40 years.
In 1977, when Jim Henson debuted the now-classic film Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, few knew it was based on a story written and illustrated by Russell and Lillian Hoban, creators of Bread and Jam for Frances and other treasured children’s books. With an enduring score by the great Paul Williams, the movie remains a holiday tradition in homes across America. Now the book that started it all is back in print, in a beautiful gift edition that will thrill Muppets fans young and old.
Inspired by the classic tale “The Gift of the Magi,” the story begins in a poor country cottage, as Emmet Otter dreams of buying Ma a piano for Christmas, while Ma dreams of buying Emmet a guitar. When a village talent contest is announced, both imagine their dreams coming true. But what they don’t imagine finding is their real reward—the power of love, family, and hope in hard times. It is a story that reaches into a reader’s heart and reminds us all that fortune favors the brave.
A Bank Street College of Education 2018 Best Children’s Book of the Year
“[A] welcome reissue of the Hobans’ 1971 story . . . Colorful illustrations of the close-knit animal community contain plenty of warmth.”—The Horn Book
About Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
The inspiration for the beloved Jim Henson film is back in print after over 40 years.
In 1977, when Jim Henson debuted the now-classic film Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, few knew it was based on a story written and illustrated by Russell and Lillian Hoban, creators of Bread and Jam for Frances and other treasured children’s books. With an enduring score by the great Paul Williams, the movie remains a holiday tradition in homes across America. Now the book that started it all is back in print, in a beautiful gift edition that will thrill Muppets fans young and old.
Inspired by the classic tale “The Gift of the Magi,” the story begins in a poor country cottage, as Emmet Otter dreams of buying Ma a piano for Christmas, while Ma dreams of buying Emmet a guitar. When a village talent contest is announced, both imagine their dreams coming true. But what they don’t imagine finding is their real reward—the power of love, family, and hope in hard times. It is a story that reaches into a reader’s heart and reminds us all that fortune favors the brave.
A Bank Street College of Education 2018 Best Children’s Book of the Year
“[A] welcome reissue of the Hobans’ 1971 story . . . Colorful illustrations of the close-knit animal community contain plenty of warmth.”—The Horn Book
About Russell Hoban
RUSSELL HOBAN (1925–2011) was an American novelist and children’s writer. He achieved recognition for his popular Frances the Badger children’s book series in the 1960s, which he created with his wife, illustrator Lillian Hoban, who illustrated many of his early… More about Russell Hoban
About Russell Hoban
RUSSELL HOBAN (1925–2011) was an American novelist and children’s writer. He achieved recognition for his popular Frances the Badger children’s book series in the 1960s, which he created with his wife, illustrator Lillian Hoban, who illustrated many of his early… More about Russell Hoban
People Who Read Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas Also Read
Inspired by Your Browsing History
Praise
A Bank Street College of Education 2018 Best Children’s Book of the Year
“[A] welcome reissue of the Hobans’ 1971 story . . . Colorful illustrations of the close-knit animal community contain plenty of warmth.”—The Horn Book
Awards
Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the YearSELECTION 2018
