Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life

by Angela C. Santomero

The most profound lessons for adults come from the brilliant minds of kids.
 
Angela Santomero, creator of the Emmy Award-winning shows Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood , has spent decades creating programming that makes kids feel seen and heard. That experience has shown her a simple When we pay attention to the things kids do, we unlock the clues to an exceptional life.

In Life Clues , Angela uses that truth to show us how to look beyond the ordinary and find the extraordinary. She shares the lessons learned while earning her master’s degree in child development, during her many years in research, and throughout her incredible career creating and producing impactful kid’s programming. These 20 lessons, or clues, will help you unlock your passion, joy, happiness, and positive thinking.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Angela Santomero is television producer and creator of such children's shows as Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Wishenpoof, Super Why!, and Blue's Clues. She is a graduate of Columbia University.

Reviews

[Lisa Davidson]

I've never watched Blues Clues, because I was just at the right age to miss it for myself and for my own child. I asked to read this because I love motivational kind of books, and I'm honestly thinking I need to track down some Blue's Clues episodes just so I can enjoy the obvious energy and optimism the writers bring.
All of the advice here is great! And it's positive, and it puts the right kind of energy into every situation. I wish I had the patience to be like this, but reading these kinds of books reminds me to for a little while.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Jordan Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable book!

Life Clues is written by Angela C. Santomero, the creator of beloved kids shows such as Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Taking lessons she’s successfully used in these (and other) shows as well as drawing upon her own experiences, Santomero shares a number of “life clues” that can help readers find happiness and purpose in their lives. The clues are practical and seemingly achievable, and there are some easy applications for each clue at the end of that particular chapter. Furthermore, the way Santomero thinks about children, their development, and their reactions to the world are also insightful in terms of raising a small human, so bonus points for the helpful parenting advice!

On top of the words of wisdom, Santomero’s stories are sweet and heart-warming, and I especially loved reading about the first time she met Mr. Rogers! The background on the development of Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger are also fun bits of trivia.

Life Clues is a short but impactful read that provides a wealth of concise, actionable advice that will not only help readers be happier but will help make the world around them a better place.

[Karen Mellott-Foshier · Rating 5 out of 5]

One-word book review: Delightful

Other words to describe Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life are inspiring, motivational, nostalgic, and insightful.

As a preschooler, my son was obsessed with Blue’s Clues and my husband and I, in turn, were fans of this show as well. So was excited when I was given the opportunity to review Life Clues: Unlocking the Lessons to an Exceptional Life by Angela C. Santomero. Co-creator of Blue’s Clues and protégé of Mr. Rogers, the author provides a peek into the creativity behind the development of this phenomenal show that still holds beloved memories in our hearts two decades later.

Through a series of 20 life clues, Santomero delivers a refreshing and creative guide on how to apply lessons learned as preschoolers into our daily lives as adults. A few of my favorite life clues include: Never Stop Playing, Take it One Step at a Time, Blue, Skidoo-You Can Too!, Imageine, Every Day, and Be Present. And you don’t need to watch a single episode of Blue Clue’s to appreciate the practical and inspiring clues to approach life challenges and see the world in a more imaginative way.

I love the tenacity of the author to create a type of show that would resonate with preschoolers even though not everyone was on board with her vision initially. As you read each chapter devoted to a life clue, you’ll discover the answers to these clues are right in front of us if we listen, use our imagination, and be mindful even in the simplest of moments.
While I was gifted a copy of Life Clues, opinions are always my own. And my opinion is this book is worthy of five stars.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who grew up with Blues Clues and/or Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, this book was like having a conversation with an old friend. Gleaning principles and developmental methodology from her award-winning shows and experience as Fred Rogers’ protege, Angela Santomero crafted a handbook that inspires readers to tap into their inner child and discover purpose and a life with extraordinary possibilities through curiosity, playfulness, kindness and intent. Santomero gracefully encourages adults to see life through the eyes of a child with wonderment and awe, among other life clues, to live a life of fulfillment. A great read to have on hand when you need a reminder to live in the present and with passion.

[Susie Stangland · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a wide audience for this book. Will any of us ever forget the theme song to Blues Clues which we happily raised out children with or the lessons of respect and kindness of Daniel Tiger? What a treat to read how they came to be. The world needs more Angela Santomeros who shares twenty clues from her life to help inspire readers to live more confidently even if things don’t go right!
I now have grandchildren and am thankful for YouTube TV where I can search for my favorite episodes to share with them and happy I read this book.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Angela for the signed ARC and for the additional handy dandy life clues notebook! This book is filled with reminders and tips on how to enjoy life whilst nourishing our inner child. It’s not new philosophy or anything groundbreaking but it is a fun quick read that had me nostalgic. I love how we can incorporate the concepts of Blue’s Clues into our adult lives. I hope to be the grown up that always talks to and not down to children or others. May we all channel a bit of our inner Steve. 🖌️📘💙

[Christine Savukinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela is the brains behind Super Why!, Blues Clues and Daniel Tigers Neighborhood. She realized while in college that her passion was to create a show similar to her mentor’s - Fred Rogers of Mr Rogers Neighborhood. The steps she took and how it happened for her are outlined here in a way that the reader can use in their own life to be the best parent, friend or co-worker that they can be. And who doesn’t want to be their best self?
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book should be great for everyone, the folks that are drowning in Blue’s Clues due to the young people in their life will get the most out of the book. It doubled down on larger themes seen in the show and some of the technical whys of the show that make everything click together. The chapters are short but precise. Uplifting in a way some books of this type fail to adequately articulate.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a book you don't want to miss! Angela Sanomero is the creator of Blue's Clues, Super Why, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. She weaves her own story into how to look for our own "life clues". A great book for Mister Roger fans and packed with simple things we can do everyday to live a more fullfilled life and being our best selves. Would be a great gift for teachers or graduates.

[Peggy Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I understand the reasons the author wrote this book the way she did, I wasn't really expecting it to be so focused on children and childhood. There are a lot of good points in the book, but they were buried in the parts that I wasn't particularly interested in reading about. Just not quite what I was expecting.

[Kristy Pinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent of kids that grew up during the Blues Clues era, I really enjoyed this book. It had great advice and life clues for adults. I find as we get older it's hard to embrace the inner child and this book reminds us of the importance of embracing and nurturing it. Highly recommend this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great BL with helpful life advice. I studied television in college so I wanted to read this book since the author created shows I was familiar with. Angela put a great book together that is helpful and easy to follow. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Amy Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since Jack LOVES Blue’s Clues, I had to read this by its creator, Angela Santomero. It was good, nothing earth shattering g but great reminders. It would make a great gift for a new parent or really, anyone!

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Santomero wrote this book about her experiences as a type of educator who created programs for children. It is a great experience for readers to enter her mind and learn of and from her creative drives.

[STish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! For anyone who loves and remembers Mister Rogers and Blue's Clues.

[Lien Minh Schuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Angela’s ideology for her shows was inspired by Mr.Roger’s who was my favorite growing up. It’s a great coffee table book and can be read over and over again when you need comforting words.💜

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Clues is an uplifting guide that encourages adults to rediscover the joy and wisdom often found in childhood. Angela C. Santomero, creator of Blue's Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, shares 20 life lessons, or "clues," to help readers live more intentionally and playfully.

Each chapter combines personal anecdotes, research, and practical advice, with a fun interactive puzzle that reveals an encouraging message by the end. Warm, approachable, and full of heart, Life Clues is perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with simple joys and bring more purpose and curiosity into everyday life.