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Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
Kindness, caring, and reliance on our neighbors are more important now than ever before. We all need more Mister Rogers in our lives.
In difficult times, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood provided a refuge for children and their families alike; a way to understand and talk about what was happening, and find hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Groundbreaking in a quiet, generous way, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood introduced a generation of children to the wonders of the world in the comfort of their own living rooms. Fred Rogers took young viewers to art museums, introduced them to different professions, and talked through difficult subjects like losing a loved one, or experiencing parents' divorce, with compassion and reassurance.
Share that deep respect, care, and quiet joy in the day-to-day with the only authorized picture book biography of Fred Rogers--lovingly created by Caldecott Medalist Matt Cordell.
Lively, colorful illustrations explore Fred Rogers' early life and the events that led him to create his enduring show. Exclusively published archival photographs, provided by Fred Rogers Productions, offer a behind-the-scenes look at this historic show and the people whose hard work made it possible. A brief biography of Mister Rogers and a history of the show is included, as well as a note from author-illustrator Matt Cordell about his inspiration and longtime admiration for Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Perfect for fans of the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, starring Tom Hanks, or anyone who wants to bring home the ideals of compassion, kindness, and patience that make us all good neighbors, this captivating picture book should not be missed.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year!
In difficult times, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood provided a refuge for children and their families alike; a way to understand and talk about what was happening, and find hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Groundbreaking in a quiet, generous way, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood introduced a generation of children to the wonders of the world in the comfort of their own living rooms. Fred Rogers took young viewers to art museums, introduced them to different professions, and talked through difficult subjects like losing a loved one, or experiencing parents' divorce, with compassion and reassurance.
Share that deep respect, care, and quiet joy in the day-to-day with the only authorized picture book biography of Fred Rogers--lovingly created by Caldecott Medalist Matt Cordell.
Lively, colorful illustrations explore Fred Rogers' early life and the events that led him to create his enduring show. Exclusively published archival photographs, provided by Fred Rogers Productions, offer a behind-the-scenes look at this historic show and the people whose hard work made it possible. A brief biography of Mister Rogers and a history of the show is included, as well as a note from author-illustrator Matt Cordell about his inspiration and longtime admiration for Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Perfect for fans of the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, starring Tom Hanks, or anyone who wants to bring home the ideals of compassion, kindness, and patience that make us all good neighbors, this captivating picture book should not be missed.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2020
12 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Cordell
70 books175 followersMatthew Cordell is the acclaimed author and illustrator of the 2018 Caldecott winner Wolf in the Snow. He is also the author and illustrator of Trouble Gum and the illustrator of If the S in Moose Comes Loose, Toot Toot Zoom!, Mighty Casey, Righty and Lefty, and Toby and the Snowflakes, which was written by his wife. Matthew lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife, writer Julie Halpern, and their daughter, Romy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 21, 2020
I grew up in the sixties and seventies watching Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and have such warm, nostalgic memories of this wonderful man. For that reason I am drawn to any book about him, whether it be an adult or children's book. In fact, when it's a children's book it gives me an especially warm and fuzzy feeling. Even though I'm middle aged, I occasionally use my Fire Stick and Amazon Prime access to watch a Mister Rogers episode to have that soothing, peaceful feeling wash over me.
This book was written by a man who also watched Mister Rogers Neighborhood growing up, and was reminded of its beautiful, simple and sincere quality when his child began to watch some episodes. Having recently discovered an extraordinary documentary of Mister Rogers called, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" in the last year, I am fairly sure that this author relied on it to fashion this book. In fact, he cites it along with other facts at the end of the book.
This is a children's book amounting to 40 pages telling the biography of Fred McFeely Rogers, and of course how he created Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The written content was true and stellar covering his life story in fine detail, but I personally found the illustrations a bit lackluster. They appear to be watercolors and sort of abstract. I'm finding it a challenge to explain it, but just look at the book cover to see what I'm talking about. I prefer illustrations to be fully colored in and more vibrant, especially where a children's book is concerned.
Of special note, this is the first and only authorized picture book biography of Fred Rogers. It's marketed for ages 4 and up, but I actually think that's a bit young for this. I would gear this more towards a 6 year old at the earliest. The illustrations of the set of Mister Rogers Neighborhood really brought back some golden memories with depictions of all the characters, puppets and the loving nature of Fred Rogers.
Thank you to Neil Porter Books / Holiday House Publishing, Inc. for providing an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
This book was written by a man who also watched Mister Rogers Neighborhood growing up, and was reminded of its beautiful, simple and sincere quality when his child began to watch some episodes. Having recently discovered an extraordinary documentary of Mister Rogers called, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" in the last year, I am fairly sure that this author relied on it to fashion this book. In fact, he cites it along with other facts at the end of the book.
This is a children's book amounting to 40 pages telling the biography of Fred McFeely Rogers, and of course how he created Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The written content was true and stellar covering his life story in fine detail, but I personally found the illustrations a bit lackluster. They appear to be watercolors and sort of abstract. I'm finding it a challenge to explain it, but just look at the book cover to see what I'm talking about. I prefer illustrations to be fully colored in and more vibrant, especially where a children's book is concerned.
Of special note, this is the first and only authorized picture book biography of Fred Rogers. It's marketed for ages 4 and up, but I actually think that's a bit young for this. I would gear this more towards a 6 year old at the earliest. The illustrations of the set of Mister Rogers Neighborhood really brought back some golden memories with depictions of all the characters, puppets and the loving nature of Fred Rogers.
Thank you to Neil Porter Books / Holiday House Publishing, Inc. for providing an advance reader copy via Edelweiss.
May 27, 2022
With all the terrible things going on in the world and my life right now, I really needed something comforting.
And there is literally nothing more comforting than Mister Rogers.
This is a lovely picture book about Mister Rogers' life before the TV show, how he got into television and developed the idea for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and the impact the show has had ever since it began. I loved learning a bit more about his life, and the artwork was so perfect and really reminded me of the show. My older brothers and I all adored Mister Rogers growing up, and the show is definitely something you do not grow out of.
Fun story: My mom loves to mention how my oldest brother, Jesse, was so into Mister Rogers' Neighborhood that if he was ever misbehaving or not doing what he should, all she had to do was tell him he wouldn't get to watch Mister Rogers for a week if he didn't start behaving, and that was all it took. My other brother Jamie and I especially loved seeing which color cardigan Mister Rogers would choose at the beginning of the show, and whenever it was the red one, which was rarely, we got so excited, LOL. When the book illustrates this portion of the show, they use the red cardigan, and that made me smile.
Honestly, if immortality were a thing, I'd want it to only have been a thing for Mister Rogers, because he was truly the best human and the world would be better off if he were permanently in it, but at least he left behind such a legacy and a lasting impression on so many people. (I also learned recently that he became a vegetarian as an adult, which made me love him even more!)
Definitely a lovely and soothing picture book for anyone who loves Mister Rogers. And I have to include this bit from the end of the book where it gives some background info for some of the drawings:
😭😭😭😭😭
And there is literally nothing more comforting than Mister Rogers.
This is a lovely picture book about Mister Rogers' life before the TV show, how he got into television and developed the idea for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and the impact the show has had ever since it began. I loved learning a bit more about his life, and the artwork was so perfect and really reminded me of the show. My older brothers and I all adored Mister Rogers growing up, and the show is definitely something you do not grow out of.
Fun story: My mom loves to mention how my oldest brother, Jesse, was so into Mister Rogers' Neighborhood that if he was ever misbehaving or not doing what he should, all she had to do was tell him he wouldn't get to watch Mister Rogers for a week if he didn't start behaving, and that was all it took. My other brother Jamie and I especially loved seeing which color cardigan Mister Rogers would choose at the beginning of the show, and whenever it was the red one, which was rarely, we got so excited, LOL. When the book illustrates this portion of the show, they use the red cardigan, and that made me smile.
Honestly, if immortality were a thing, I'd want it to only have been a thing for Mister Rogers, because he was truly the best human and the world would be better off if he were permanently in it, but at least he left behind such a legacy and a lasting impression on so many people. (I also learned recently that he became a vegetarian as an adult, which made me love him even more!)
Definitely a lovely and soothing picture book for anyone who loves Mister Rogers. And I have to include this bit from the end of the book where it gives some background info for some of the drawings:
Fred Rogers once had an endearing meeting with Koko, the gorilla known and beloved around the world for her gentle spirit and understanding of American Sign Language. Koko, a fan of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, saw Fred and cradled him in her massive arms. She even untied his shoelaces and took his sneakers off, just as she saw him do on television.
😭😭😭😭😭
May 12, 2020
There have been numerous recent picture and poetry books about the iconic Fred Rogers. But none like the one written by Caldecott award winning author/illustrator Matthew Cordell. The amount of research involved in this title must have been staggering. The detail in every image is remarkable. There doesn’t seem to be a facet in Mister Rogers life that isn’t told and beautifully illustrated. More important than the technical aspect is the warmth and clear affection Mr. Cordell has for his subject. I grew up with Mister Rogers. He is incredibly special to me and several generations of children. Hello Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers is my dream picture book biography. Quite possibly one of the best, most enjoyable picture book biographies I have ever read. Fred Rogers would just love it. A must have for everybody.
April 19, 2022
I know growing up, there seemed to be a dividing line between those who watched Sesame Street and those who watched Mr. Rogers. Somehow I missed the memo, cause I was a fan of both.
I can’t remember any episode in particular; mostly just the feel of it and various scenes, characters and images are what have stuck. I liked it and I know I learned.
This book provides some biographical insight into Mr. Roger’s life, as well as showing how the TV was made and came to be.
If your kids are a fan of the show, they’ll enjoy it.
Note: parents, this is a longer picture book than most.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cleanliness: there is a picture of a witch - Margaret Hamilton, who played the witch in the Wizard of Oz was a visiting guest in an episode.
I can’t remember any episode in particular; mostly just the feel of it and various scenes, characters and images are what have stuck. I liked it and I know I learned.
This book provides some biographical insight into Mr. Roger’s life, as well as showing how the TV was made and came to be.
If your kids are a fan of the show, they’ll enjoy it.
Note: parents, this is a longer picture book than most.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cleanliness: there is a picture of a witch - Margaret Hamilton, who played the witch in the Wizard of Oz was a visiting guest in an episode.
January 16, 2021
Meet the one and only Fred Rogers!
Did you know that his show debuted February 19th, 1968?
Did you know that there were over 900 Episodes of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood?
This heartfelt memoir showcases Mr. Rogers' enduring philanthropy, legacy and love that made him one of the most impressionable television personalities and children's programming hosts.
My personal favorite moment of this mini-bio is the visual glossary and trivia at the back of the book...You'll have to check it out!
Did you know that his show debuted February 19th, 1968?
Did you know that there were over 900 Episodes of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood?
This heartfelt memoir showcases Mr. Rogers' enduring philanthropy, legacy and love that made him one of the most impressionable television personalities and children's programming hosts.
My personal favorite moment of this mini-bio is the visual glossary and trivia at the back of the book...You'll have to check it out!
September 19, 2020
A wonderful picture book biography about Mr. Rogers and his wonderful PBS kids' television program, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood!
November 21, 2020
Love the warmth of Matthew Cordell’s artwork. I couldn’t believe how many character names I remembered. Glad my parents had the good sense to have me watch this show.
December 28, 2020
Why on earth did it take someone years to do the obvious: write a book for the preschool crowd about a very special person to them, Mr. Rogers? The stroke of genius belonged to Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell. This is clearly a work of love as well as research. The last pages give a summary of Fred’s life and career. The story itself is mostly about the Neighborhood and how it grew and the various parts of the program such as the land of make believe. It shows how active Fred was in all parts of the program. I think I’ll have to order a copy for myself! Highly Recommended.
January 14, 2021
A beautiful biography of one of our all time favorites, Mister Rogers. I was excited to see that the authorized biography was done by Cordell. He clearly took his time and helped the reader see the whole of Fred Rogers.
December 8, 2020
I just can't get enough of Mister Rogers. This picture book tells the story of Mister Rogers' life as well as the story of the television show for children.
Can I be first to nominate Mister Rogers for sainthood?
Can I be first to nominate Mister Rogers for sainthood?
June 27, 2020
A lovely biography that captures the essence of Fred Rogers and the impact his show had on children.
November 30, 2020
4 stars for Mister Rogers and his wise and caring ways..but I think this a picture book for adults...
September 20, 2020
I have a feeling Fred Rogers would love this book. The child-like illustrations are charming and there is just enough information about Fred Rogers the person and his iconic children's show to inform while still engage a young child. The reader even gets a peek behind the scenes of the neighborhood studio set and the Land Of Make Believe. This book captures the essence of the man generations grew up knowing as Mr. Rogers. In addition to the well written and beautifully illustrated biographical information there is also a page of real photos from the show, a glossary and the author's touching, "Mr Rogers and Me" explaining why it was important for him to write this book.
October 21, 2020
Today I learned that people on Twitter are mocking Joe Biden by saying he is just like Mr. Rogers. Well, I don't know who thinks that is an insult. Being called something resembling Mr. Rogers is the highest praise I can think of for a person. This book, written for young children, is a perfect introduction to the man and his mission to create wholesome, positive children's programming for TV. I remember watching it with my children when they were young and weeping for the beauty and simplicity of his message. "You are a very special person. There is only one person like you in the whole world. There has never been anyone exactly like you before, and there never will be again. And people like you just because you're you." -Fred Rogers
April 21, 2020
Just what the world needs now...
This picture book biography follows the life of the inimitable Fred Rogers from his formative years of childhood through his successful television show. Opening with the show's opening music and closing with the closing music, readers are introduced to neighbors in Mister Roger's Neighborhood and to the characters found in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Cordell has included so many details about Rogers that made his life's work so meaningful to so many: his respect for his audience, his routine, his calm, his concern, his patience, and his love for each individual. His pacing is just as calm and deliberate as Rogers was in life.
Visually, Cordell's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations capture so many important highlights and poignant moments. They extend the story by including details - television set screen views of the show are shown (with rounded corners), the television set, the Land of Make-Believe.
While reading this book, I felt the same feelings experienced while watching the recent movie about Fred Rogers, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood". Like the movie, I felt this book is a perfect tribute to this incredible man who would be comforting today. If we can't look to Mr. Rogers for guidance and comfort today, we have wonderful reminders like this book to steer us to his television recordings. Mr. Rogers would probably very calmly remind us to be kind to and patient with others.
Highly Recommended for PreSchool - grade 3.
This picture book biography follows the life of the inimitable Fred Rogers from his formative years of childhood through his successful television show. Opening with the show's opening music and closing with the closing music, readers are introduced to neighbors in Mister Roger's Neighborhood and to the characters found in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Cordell has included so many details about Rogers that made his life's work so meaningful to so many: his respect for his audience, his routine, his calm, his concern, his patience, and his love for each individual. His pacing is just as calm and deliberate as Rogers was in life.
Visually, Cordell's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations capture so many important highlights and poignant moments. They extend the story by including details - television set screen views of the show are shown (with rounded corners), the television set, the Land of Make-Believe.
While reading this book, I felt the same feelings experienced while watching the recent movie about Fred Rogers, "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood". Like the movie, I felt this book is a perfect tribute to this incredible man who would be comforting today. If we can't look to Mr. Rogers for guidance and comfort today, we have wonderful reminders like this book to steer us to his television recordings. Mr. Rogers would probably very calmly remind us to be kind to and patient with others.
Highly Recommended for PreSchool - grade 3.
May 11, 2020
A sweet and thoughtful book about Fred Rogers and the method and making of his television show. I can hardly be expected to review this book objectively because I watched this show as a child and basically cried my way through it because of happy memories with Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. 😂 In keeping with this, I feel that the illustrations really evokes the kindness of the subject, and it was a treat to turn each page. Can’t wait to put this on the shelf (and inevitably force other people to check it out 😉).
July 17, 2020
Mister Rogers was an integral part of my childhood and this was a lovely homage to him and his creations. There was a nice blend of information about his life and information about the show, and the visual glossary in the back matter was particularly interesting and will definitely prompt rereading. Great for sharing and reading one-on-one. Definite purchase for my collection.
September 7, 2021
This book gave a detailed description of how Mr. Rogers created his television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. It was sure to point out that we should treat others with kindness in the same way that Mr. Rogers did with all of the people in his “neighborhood”
June 22, 2020
Absolutely lovely.
November 4, 2020
A wonderful introduction to the life of Mister Rogers! I loved the biographical information, as well as the behind-the-scenes look at Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
November 11, 2020
Cute picture book biography of everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mr Rogers! ❤️❤️❤️
Read
December 31, 2020Exactly what a biography of Mr. Rogers should be: sweet, earnest, and accessible.
May 2, 2022
Well done biography of Fred Rogers. Written so elementary level readers can understand on their own or read as a family.
The illustrations are superb.
The illustrations are superb.
Read
August 25, 2023Well written and illustrated book about an amazing man
June 12, 2024
Wow, I loved this. Matthew Cordell might just be my new favorite children's book author. This was such a sweet tribute to Mister Rogers.
November 30, 2020
Fine. But also it took me this long to realize Matthew Cordell is just bobo Quentin Blake.
Read for the mock Caldecotts. I think this one is actually at my table so I might have to figure out some better notes than just “fine.”
Read for the mock Caldecotts. I think this one is actually at my table so I might have to figure out some better notes than just “fine.”
December 2, 2020
A loving portrayal of Mr. Rogers and the children's television show that he created.
Love the visual glossary where brief snippets are provided on his favorite number, his meeting with Koko, about when his car was stolen...
Be sure not to miss the ending quote.
Love the visual glossary where brief snippets are provided on his favorite number, his meeting with Koko, about when his car was stolen...
Be sure not to miss the ending quote.
April 26, 2020
Sometimes what our planet needs most to survive is a healing of the human heart. Sometimes a single person more than any other can affect change for generations. One such person was Fred McFeely Rogers.
In his newest book as author and illustrator, Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell highlights with his astute words and remarkable images the life of an unforgettable human being in HELLO, NEIGHBOR!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, April 6, 2020). Every element, written and drawn, is a loving tribute.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
In his newest book as author and illustrator, Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell highlights with his astute words and remarkable images the life of an unforgettable human being in HELLO, NEIGHBOR!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, April 6, 2020). Every element, written and drawn, is a loving tribute.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
May 1, 2020
A great tribute with the most nostalgic illustrations ever! So much heart and memories in those pictures, documenting the characters and process creating of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, but in a simple way that kids will understand if they've never seen the show before. I feel like mostly adults will love this book because of the nostalgia factor (or to introduce it to their kids who love Daniel Tiger now).
April 18, 2020
Matthew Cordell takes his turn telling the life of Mister Rogers in this authorized picture book biography. What differentiates this one from the other ones is that this almost feels like a photo album full of memories- like visiting Eric Carle or seeing how crayons are made. You can tell a lot of love was put into this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews