Fred's Big Feelings
The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
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- £9.49
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- £9.49
Publisher Description
An inspiring picture book biography about the inimitable Fred Rogers, beloved creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. Sometimes, he felt scared or lonely; at other times, he was playful and joyous. But when Fred’s feelings felt too big, his Grandfather McFeely knew exactly what to say to make him feel better: I like you just the way you are.
Fred grew up and created Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the television program that would go on to warm the hearts and homes of millions of Americans. But one day, the government threatened to cut funding for public television, including Fred’s show. So, Fred stepped off the set and into a hearing on Capitol Hill to make his feelings known.
In a portrait full of warmth and feeling, Laura Renauld and award-winning illustrator Brigette Barrager tell the story of Mister Rogers: a quiet, compassionate hero whose essential message—that it is okay to have and to express feelings—still resonates today.
This book is not associated with or authorized by Fred Rogers Productions.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Renauld (Porcupine's Pie) and Barrager (Uni the Unicorn) tell the story of Fred Rogers's childhood and rise to fame through the lens of emotions, explaining that the beloved PBS personality was "a quiet boy with big feelings." While young Freddy "felt sad when his schoolmates overlooked him," he grows into someone who "broadcasted affection, compassion, and respect for his audience." The earnest text, which uses italics to call out emotive words, occasionally feels aimed at a well-meaning adult audience: readers are told, for example, that Rogers wanted to "be more intentional about the content of his shows. The brightly colored, cartoon-style, gouache-and-pencil drawings chronicle the subject's life with whimsical details, such as confetti-like streams of hearts occasionally emanating from Rogers, his cast, guests (including Officer Clemmons and Koko the gorilla), and audience members as they connect with his message that "there's only one person in the whole world like you." Those seeking a tribute more reflective of Rogers's own soft-spoken grace may want to opt for Aimee Reed's You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood, but many families will welcome the affirming messages in this affectionate portrait. Ages 4 8.
