I read this for the "An Author Whose Last Name Starts With The Same Initial As Yours" part of my 2020 reading challenge. I thought this was very well done. I grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, but I knew nothing about the story behind the show or of Fred himself. In only 40 pages Laura Renauld was able to highlight Fred's life in a way that is easy to relate to for all ages. It really showed his kindness and strength and his desire to help everyone. I loved how he treated everyone equally, and how he made feelings normal and accessible to children. ( )

Really beautiful, colorful illustrations and writing all around! Mister Rogers is an icon and this book really does him and his legacy justice. I think this book will be a pleasant read for those familiar with him, and is a great Mister Rogers introduction for those who have not yet had the pleasure of meeting him. :) ( )

Choosing a title with a focus on feelings really defines for the reader the character of Fred Rogers. Written with a typical picture book biography tone, readers can settle in and enjoy this book. Readers follow the chronology of his life, some details famously known, others new.
As a young child, Fred Rogers knew he was different---that he experienced feelings differently than other people. These were Big Feelings. By learning to express and process his emotions through playing the piano and the love from his grandfather, Fred soon grew up carrying with him the strength of knowing who he was and confidence of being accepted unconditionally. This solid foundation gave him the determination and eyes to see the need for SEL TV programming for children. The evolution of an idea to fully developed end goal is on display here. Fred Rogers not only developed a show for children but eventually testified to congress for the funding to make quality children programming available.

This is a picture book biography of Fred Rogers. Like many picture book biographies, I have the feeling that it's really directed more at adults than kids, but it would probably work fine in a school setting.

The story starts with Fred Rogers' childhood, when he was a shy, pudgy boy with asthma. He liked playing with puppets and the other kids teased him for his weight and his sensitivity. Freddy learned to handle his feelings through music and through the unconditional love of his grandfather. Fred's life changed further in high school when he became friends with a popular football player and saw how he could be a leader and spread kindness. The story continues through Fred Rogers' journey towards creating his television show and giving children a voice for their feelings, to his testimony in front of the Senate. The story ends with the ending of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

An author's note goes into more detail on Fred Rogers' life and influence, which continued into the future. Barrager's art is colorful and simple, showing emotions, especially love, radiating throughout the book through colorful lines and artwork.

Verdict: Adults are sure to appreciate this book and it's a good choice to have on hand to talk about handling emotions, kindness, and how one person can make a difference.

ISBN: 9781534441224; Published January 2020 by Atheneum; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

This is a beginning biography which highlights one of the most children friendly, concerned television personalities to hit the screens.

Mister Roger's Neighborhood was a part of my childhood as much as brushing my teeth or evening prayers. It was a treat to watch him, and today, as an adult, my respect for him has grown. This book does a wonderful job at taking several basic highlights from his life and surrounding them in exactly the atmosphere, which Fred Rogers radiated to the world. This alone made the book a delight to read and dive into.

As a biography, it's well written and sticks to a few facts, while allowing young listeners/readers to gain a bigger picture of what Fred Rogers was about. It's never dull and keeps the pace quick, while not forgetting to portray Mr. Rogers' dreams. I do believe that this book has a much larger impact on audiences who have seen Mister Roger's Neighborhood, then it would on those who haven't gotten to know his show.

The illustrations fit well and bring across the various times in Fred Rogers' life nicely. There are added details here and there to make it fun just to flip through even when no one is around to read it out loud.

While young audiences will enjoy this one—even more so when combined with Mr. Rogers' shows— it especially will warm the hearts of those who grew up as his 'neighbors'.

I'm giving this one 4.5 stars and rounding up. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want t leave my honest thoughts. ( )