You Are My Friend : The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood - by Aimee Reid (School And Library)

Dimensions (Overall): 10.8 Inches (H) x 8.7 Inch (W) x .4 Inch (D)
Weight: .8 Pounds
Number of Pages: 40
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
Sub-Genre: Biography & Autobiography, Performing Arts, Social Topics
Format: Library
Publisher: Harry N Abrams Inc
Author: Aimee Reid
Age Range: Baby - 3 Years
Book theme: Television & Radio, Emotions & Feelings, Performing Arts
Language: English

About the Book

"Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities ever, but before he was the man who brought us "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", he was just little Freddie Rogers. You Are My Friend tells how Fred was a sickly and lonely child. At school, he was bullied and had trouble making friends and expressing his feelings. His parents and grandparents encouraged Fred to ask for help and explore his world. When Fred grew up he became a champion of compassion, equality, and kindness, and he realized that he could spread his message through television. His simple message still resonates with us today: 'There's no person in the world like you and I like you just the way you are.' Outside of recent news, You Are My Friend will endure because of its smart writing, focus, and gentle homage to a very popular, kind, understated, good soul and role model"--

Book Synopsis

A heartwarming picture book that celebrates the work of Mister Rogers and carries on his legacy of kindness

Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities, but before he was the man who brought us Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, he was just little Freddie Rogers. Though he was often sick and had trouble making friends as a child, his mom and grandfather encouraged him to ask for help and explore the world. With their support, he learned how to better say what he was feeling and see the beauty around him. As he grew up, he realized he could spread the message of compassion, equality, and kindness through television. You Are My Friend is a gentle homage to Fred Rogers and shows how his simple message still resonates with us today: "There's no person in the world like you and I like you just the way you are." The book includes a short biography of Fred's life and a bibliography.

This is a work of fiction. This book is an expression of admiration of Fred Rogers, the man and the artist, by the author and illustrator. This book is not associated with or endorsed by The Fred Rogers Company.

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Writing with simplicity, emotional clarity, and a sense of purpose, Reid tells Fred Rogers' story in a meaningful, sometimes moving way. Phelan's fluid pencil-and-watercolor artwork brings that story to life on the page . . . A beautifully crafted, heartfelt picture-book biography."-- "Booklist"

"A graceful, quietly moving biography."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"A quietly moving picture book biography about the origin story of Mister Rogers . . . it is an ideal time to introduce the next generation to the pure magic of Mister Rogers and his legacy. His enduring message to children of all ages--that you are enough, just as you are--can never be overstated."-- "School Library Journal"

"A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the incomparable Mister Rogers."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"The book has a gentle cadence that it's easy to imagine Fred Rogers' famous voice into . . . Phelan's pencil and watercolor art, casually impressionistic in its details, beams with soft warmth."-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

"The easy-to-read text is just right for those who may no longer watch Mister Rogers' Neighborhood but who would nevertheless appreciate a reassuring encounter with an old friend."-- "Horn Book Magazine"

About The Author

Aimee Reid taught high-school English, music and special education before she began to work full-time as a writer. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Matt Phelan is an award-winning author and illustrator. He received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and has been nominated for five Eisner Awards. He lives in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.