READ EXCERPT: 'Before You Leap,' by Kermit the Frog

Dec. 7, 2006 — -- Who better to write a self-help book than the most famous frog on Earth?

In "Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons," beloved Muppet Kermit the Frog imparts to readers the wisdom he's gained from his distinguished career.

Starting from humble beginnings in a family of more than 2,300, Kermit rose to the highest ranks of celebrity. Any person -- or frog -- can appreciate his heartfelt advice.

Read an excerpt from "Before You Leap" below:

Never Say Croak -- A very, very old frog proverb

Hi ho! Kermit the Frog here! As you've probably guessed from the cover, the title, and all of these words, this is a book. Actually, it's two books. First, it's a book about my life. Second, it's a book about your life. Let me explain.

The first part of the book -- the part about my life -- tells the story of how I got here, from growing up in the swamp through my long career in Hollywood. (Call it an autobiography, if you must. The truth is we frogs have a real problem with any kind of autos, which is why street crossing is so stressful for your average amphibian.)

I've had a pretty extraordinary life so far. I've met kings, queens, presidents and pigs. I've worked with some of the greatest talents of all time -- from Bob Hope and Rudolph Nureyev to Quentin Tarantino and Robert DeNiro. I've made movies, TV shows, music, and the occasional tabloid headline ("Frog & Hog: The Photos You Really Didn't Want To See!"). And through it all, I've been surrounded by some of the finest friends and fans a frog could ever want. This is my chance to tell that story.

It's also an opportunity to answer a lot of questions: How did a tadpole like me, born one of 2,353 brothers and sisters, make his way from the obscure snake-infested swamps of his youth to the, uh, snake-infested swamps of Hollywood? Who helped me, who influenced me, and what did I learn along the way?

Most of all, it's a chance to set the record straight. Let's face it, a lot has been said about my life over the years, most of it by Miss Piggy and her publicist. Here, at long last, I get my say.

The other part to this book -- the part about you -- is even more important. Y'see, I didn't want to write just another kiss-the-frog-and-tell celebrity book Hollywood can turn into a movie of the week starring someone who looks nothing like me but tests really well with 14- to 39-year-olds. I wanted to write a book that can actually make a difference in your life; a book that can help you rise above the muck and mire of your own personal swamp and reach for rainbows.

I want to fill you with hope and encourage you to dream. A good friend of mine, Jim Henson, captured this spirit perfectly when he said:

"I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked for me."

If this book can drive you -- and those around you -- crazy with ridiculous optimism, then it has done its job. Who knows, maybe by reading these lessons from my life, you'll be inspired to drop your tail, leave your swamp, and set out on a journey that's just as amazing and wonderful as mine.

Amphibiously yours,

Kermit the Frog