Kindness and Wonder

New York Times–bestselling Author: “A crisply told biography” of Fred Rogers that “vibrantly captures [his] spirit and wisdom.” —Publishers Weekly

For more than thirty years, Fred Rogers was a beloved fixture in American homes. Warm and welcoming, he spoke directly to children—and their parents—about the marvels of the world, the things that worried them, and above all, the importance of being themselves. Dressed in his cardigan and sneakers, the creator and host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood offered a wholesome message of generosity and love that changed the landscape of television and shaped a generation of children. Kindness and Wonder pays tribute to this cultural icon: the unique, gentle man who embodied the best of what we could be.

Looking back at the history of the show and the visionary behind it, Gavin Edwards reminds us of the indelible lessons and insights that Mister Rogers conveyed—what it means to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be thoughtful, to be curious, to be compassionate—and why they matter. Infused with Mister Rogers’ gentle spirit, and featuring dozens of interviews with people whose lives were touched by Fred Rogers—ranging from Rita Moreno to NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann—Kindness and Wonder is a love letter to this unforgettable cultural hero and role model, and the beautiful neighborhood he created.

“Fred Rogers is the closest thing we have to a secular American saint . . . This book pays tribute to the man who helped raise so many of us and argues the case that his wisdom is more essential than ever.” —USA Today