You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood

By Aimee Reid and Matt Phelan

A heartwarming, “beautifully crafted” picture book that celebrates the work of Mister Rogers and carries on his legacy of kindness (Booklist, starred review).

 

Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities of our time, 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 also includes a short biography of Fred Rogers’ life and a bibliography.

“A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the incomparable Mister Rogers.” ?Kirkus Reviews

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Aug 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781683356189

Aimee Reid

Aimee Reid is an experienced author with a background in education and editing. Before she began working full-time as a writer, she taught high school English, music, and special education. A voracious reader as a child, she enjoys sending her own stories out into the world.

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Reviews for You Are My Friend

[diananewman1617 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This picture book biography depicts what Fred Roger's, your neighborhood television friend, childhood was like and what convinced him to start a show about helping others. Bullied as a child and often sick, Fred found comfort in expressing his emotions through music, puppets, family, and his neighborhood "helpers". The book's message is that regardless of who you are, it is important to be yourself and be kind to one another. I feel that the book does a good job in its' illustrations and story in depicting kindness, hope, and self-acceptance. This would be a good book for a lesson unit on bullying issues and being yourself. Students could write a story depicting elements of the books' message to grasp their understanding of the content.

[aengolia-414725 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"You Are My Friend" is a story which gives tribute to Mr.. Rogers himself. It tell the story of his childhood and encourages young kids to always be their self. I really enjoyed reading this book. I think it does a good job depicting the impact in what someone's words and actions could mean to someone else. It inspires kids to "be the best neighbor."

[sweetiegherkin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This picture book gives a brief overview of the life of Fred Rogers, focusing on his childhood years dealing with bullies, making friends, and learning how to manage emotions in a healthy manner. It also talks briefly about his famous television show for children and how he helped to inspire others. Phelan's gentle illustrations are perfectly fitting with the subject matter and the story as presented.