Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: Wonderful Wisdom from Everyone's Favorite Neighbor

by Melissa Wagner, Fred Rogers Productions, Max Dalton (Illustrator)

From Fred Rogers Productions, comes a delightful gift book that shows how the wisdom of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is as relevant for adults as it is for children. With colorful illustrations and quotes that touch on themes of kindness, empathy, self-care, respect, and love, this is the feel-good book for our times.

More than just a children's television show host, Mister Rogers was the friend who helped us appreciate the good things in ourselves, in others, and in the world around us. As soon as he stepped through his front door to change into his cardigan and sneakers, we knew we would meet new people and discover new things. Revisit some of Mister Rogers' greatest guidance that we learned alongside Daniel Tiger, X the Owl, King Friday the XIII, Henrietta Pussycat, and more,

-You are special
-Be generous with your gratitude
-Feed the fish
-All kinds of feelings are okay
-Don't forget the fun
And other caring thoughts!

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Inspirational, Picture Books, Psychology, Personal Development

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2019

Reviews

[Natalie Cranberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I teared up at the image of Mr Rogers sharing a foot pool with Officer Clemmons.

Few people have put more truth and light into the American landscape than Fred Rogers. Is this book easy and cute? Of course it is. But that doesn’t make Mr Rogers’ words any less impactful and important. Especially these days.

[Dawn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ This book is a warm, cardigan shaped hug. ❤️

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a different world this would be if everyone read and practiced Mr. Rogers’ simple wisdom 💙🌎💙

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to take a break from reading my regular contemporary romance and picked up this gem from my unread shelf. It was exactly what I needed. Mister Rogers was an extraordinary man and I’m so glad I experienced his show growing up. The book revisits lessons he covered on his show and they are as timeless as ever. There were quite a few sections that stuck out to me particularly during this time of social-distancing and living through a pandemic. I’ll definitely be going back to this one, time and again, when I need a pick me up and a reminder of what really matters in life.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of some of Fred Rogers' famous quotes, with Wagner's brief explanation about the meaning behind what Mr. Rogers' said to us, the readers. It's short, the writing is simple, but fully effective in reminding us the wisdom of the man. Additionally, Dalton's illustrations are a very touching tribute, as many of the pictures are recreated scenes from the show. If there is ever another book one wants to read about Fred Rogers' advice, this should be one of them.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this shelved in the adult department but the way it's written seems like it's actually geared more toward children. Thing is? I think it really is a book that grownups should read. It's pretty short and it's just a nice sweet reminder to be kind to everyone, yourself included. The illustrations were nice and the tone of the book does a phenomenal job of imbuing the quiet, ease and gentle sensibilities of the "neighborhood." I found myself thinking about how powerful Mr. Rogers was. He had his own show, then there was the Daniel Tiger reboot and all of this other storytelling that really does manage to stay with people for most of their lives once they've internalized it.

[Rhonda Fonicello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow this book, lead a good life.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book with all the life lessons Mister Rogers taught on his television program for children. With chapters named after various themes, such as You Are Special, It's You I Like, All Kinds of Feelings are Okay, Don't Forget the Fun, the author has filled this small book with quotes from Mister Rogers and themes from his various shows. It is not only a wonderful trip down memory lane for someone that grew up watching Mister Rogers, but also a daily reaffirmation of the important lessons about life Mister Rogers taught through his program. An excellent book to own to revisit these themes and remind oneself of the beauty of Mister Rogers' neighborhood.

Recommended.

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is World Kindness Day which happens to be the perfect day to celebrate Mister Fred Rogers - well every day is a perfect day to celebrate Rogers and his massive body of work. Filled with inspirational quotes from the series, lessons learned, themes uncovered, and stories to share, this small book packs a rather large emotional punch, proving that once again good things come in small packages.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crying, healing, remembering, feeling warm and fuzzy, like an all engrossing “hug in a book”. These sentiments still ring true today and I feel them much deeper as an adult reading them all the while remembering what it felt like to hear Mister Rogers voice saying them for the first time when I was just a young girl. These values are my true north, my bible.

[Jeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet simple but important book. Would make a perfect gift! Hint, hint

[Kristie Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You are a very special person. There is only one just like you. There’s never been anyone like you in the history of earth, and there never will be again. And people can like you just because you’re you.”

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I grew up in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, so we are very fond of Mister Rogers' work. This book is a nice review of his ideas.

[Clwseattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, with wistfulness and a bit of melancholy, I lost a piece of my heart .

I simply have to repeat everything I said about You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood by Aimee Reid

I feel so lucky that my boys were raised in an age/era that allowed Mr. Rogers to be the wonderful friend of so many lucky, lucky children. You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood is a testament to that. It's sad that young children today aren't exposed to his gentle honesty and integrity, in an era when they need it most.

I'd add to that his lessons about courage, patience, gratitude and so much more.

The best thing about Everything I Need to Know I Learned from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is that, while it is ostensibly for adults, it's a wonderful way for children to learn as their parents gently read to them about this kind, gentle man.

To the best of my knowledge, the Seattle affiliate of PBS does not air any of the Mr. Rogers Neighborhood shows anymore. Shame on them. What a great disservice to parents and children. I hope your affiliate does. You should demand it, especially since our tax dollars pay for it.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wholesome little book, perfect for a coffee table book or saving a special place on your bedside table. For those who grew up with Mister Rogers, this will absolutely make your heart swell with nostalgia and take you back to childhood, with quotes from Mister Rogers himself along with full-page illustrations of scenes and characters from the show. It was such a lovely way to re-experience the show in a different format. I also just love the sentiment of this book—reflecting on the influence of Mister Rogers and the messages and themes that this show instilled in the children who watched, reminding us not to lose sight of them all these years later.

If I’m being reeeeeally nit-picky, there were a few critiques I had while reading this book. For one, it includes one of my least favorite cliches of all time: “You can’t love anyone else if you don’t love yourself.” I personally have so many issues with this statement and don’t agree with it, so it kind of took me out momentarily to see that printed on a page. I also noticed that there was a theme of “gaining happiness from serving others,” which I also take issue with. Of course it’s nice to be able to do nice things and care for others as an expression of love and showing how much you appreciate them. However! I don’t think that should be your ultimate source of happiness nor should your role in life be to serve others. I’m sorry, maybe that’s just the self-preservation side of me but I’m much more about self-care and taking care of yourself and prioritizing your own well-being first, above all else.

Again, this is me just being super nit-picky, and only a few times did I find myself going “Ehhh….” while I read because I didn’t quite agree with the message. Overall I absolutely adored my time with this. I could see myself returning to this for an occasional affirmation or comforting quote or just flipping through this on a day when I really need it. Plus I love having a little piece of Mister Rogers all these years later, and it now feels like a special addition to my library.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the time it too to preheat my oven and bake a frozen pizza on a Saturday night I spent alone in my late twenties and that feels like the perfect time to have read this book.

“You are a very special person. There is only one just like you. There’s never been anyone exactly like you in the history of the earth, and there never will be again. And people can like you just because you’re you.”

When I was six and watching Mr. Rodgers I thought I would be married and have beautiful babies by the time I was twenty six. I’m not, and that’s okay, but

“Every once in awhile, do you just like to take your time with what you’re doing?”

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Still love him today. We need more people like him in our world today.

I loved the quotes and the explanations behind them. The illustrations were simple, but beautiful and meaningful. I love what Mr. Rogers is all about. What great lessons this man has taught us that we can incorporate in our own lives and to teach others. A must read for all.

A good book to pick up if you are in need of some inspiration. I would rate this more stars if I could. Mr. Rogers deserves all the stars!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood TV show as a kid. It was one of my favorite shows. There is so much sage wisdom and advice packed into this little book. These aren't just things to teach your kids, it applies to adults, too. Sometimes I look at what is going on in the world and think "if only everyone were educated on what Mr Rogers teaches us- love, compassion, understanding, sharing, curiousity, the list goes on" then this world would be a much better place. I saw this book in the library when I picked it up and I'm glad I did. It brought back happy memories.

[Kevin Magpoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, this is very much what one can expect from an inspirational easy-read "full image or one sentence on each page" type of shortie books. But you can't go wrong when Mister Rogers. The only thing I found slightly...off-putting? ... was that the art style used looks a bit too much like South Park for my comfort. It's no fault of the artist exactly, but it was a bit weird to read wholesome quotes and messages against images that look like parodies of Mister Rogers.

Maybe it's just me?

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyday I try to teach young children they are special. I try to teach them how to socialize and love those around them. As I read through this book, I realized I was emulating Mister Rogers. The man is my hero! He did things no one else was willing to do at the time and he did them with love, patience, and kindness. He taught me I was special in a way those I loved never could. I may be a teacher of young children today, partly due to the influence of Mister Rogers.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little 45 minute read, of what Mr. Rogers was about. The simple things that he would talk about that were so important in a child's life. Quotes of his on every other page. Loved this book. "It's not so much what we have in this life that matters. It's what we do with what we have. The alphabet is fine, but it's what we do with it that matters most. Making words like 'friend' and 'love'. That's what really matters." Fred Rogers

[Bree Sotirovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title is in my children's department at work and I do believe it is a good fit there. It is also a good fit for any adult who is nostalgic for the show. I loved Mister Roger's Neighborhood and watched it since I was a child. My children watched old episodes as well as the Daniel Tiger cartoon which continues with Fred Roger's work. This book was a beautiful tribute to his teachings. I have recently added it to my personal wishlist.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick impressions: This is a very nice book for those who were children during Mr. Rogers' time, or to share with a child and introduce them to the great gentle man who taught us to see the good in life. Book combines anecdotes and quotes from the show chosen by the editor/author (who revisited the shows' episodes) and very nice colorful art.

(Will review fully in the blog later)

[Nicole Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute gift book full of wisdom! Anything having to do with Fred Rogers makes me cry. His sensitive soul reminds me that he was such a rare treasure. The world needs so many people like him, but where are they? Really great illustrations by Max Dalton- his work is featured in Wes Anderson movies.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I loved Mister Rogers as a kid. The lessons I learned, I never realized I was learning them at the time. It's amazing how much this show meant to me as I look back on it and how much of an impact it had on me. Great book. The perfect gift for anyone who grew up with Mister Rogers.

[Forest Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me back to my childhood. I am preparing for a presentation for educators and some of things mentioned will resonate with the teachers, etc. Fantastic resource for what we should all remember from our childhood!

[Brandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book with lovely illustrations. It's the perfect antidote to reading and watching the news lately. "Every time you look at somebody, please remember that nobody else in the whole world is exactly like that person. That person is one of a kind. Just like you. Isn't that wonderful?"

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

How could I not like this?
Simple messages to remind us to be good, kind and be the helpers in the world.
Lovely messages that we all can keep in mind. Since so much of the world right now stresses me, finding comfort in the kindness of Mr. Rogers is my happy place.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Mister Rogers? Oh how I have fallen more in love with this man...more than when I was a child. There is so much wisdom and character building to be found in this simple book. It's more vignettes than a story. But that's alright. I kind of want to buy everyone a copy!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

With two days left of the challenge and two books short of my goal, I went to the library in search of two short--but good--books! (Is that cheating?) this book is great. I'm sure that I always enjoyed Mr. Rogers more than my boys did, and I like him even more now.