For anyone who wants to learn about a true hero

For 31 seasons and nearly 900 episodes, Fred Rogers’ television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood encouraged kindness and goodness and shaped modern television.

He likes you just the way you are.

 

My wish came true! I’ve been hoping Brad Meltzer would write a book about Mister Rogers for years!

 

Brad Meltzer has written about Mister Rogers before in his book Heroes for My Son. There, I learned that after thieves stole Mister Rogers’s car, the story was broadcast on TV and in newspapers. The car was returned in two days. The note in the car read: “If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.” It blows my mind that Mister Rogers is such a beacon of kindness that even thieves couldn’t bring themselves to steal from him. I’ve been wanting to learn more about this kind man ever since.

 

This book felt extra special. It’s probably because it starts out the same way Mister Rogers begins his show. With Mister Rogers singing ‘It’s a Beautiful Day in this Neighborhood’ and putting on his cardigan and his sneakers. I loved learning the story behind these items. Brad Meltzer did a fantastic job writing Mister Rogers’ narrative. He portrayed Mister Rogers’ kind, calming demeanor perfectly.

 

I don’t remember watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood much as a kid. I do remember being a little scared of the puppets. My mom remembers watching it with me and liked how slow Mister Rogers talked because it gave you time to understand what he was saying. He has such a calm and soothing voice.

 

Mister Rogers got a full 22-minute episode on Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. If anyone deserves a full episode, it’s Fred Rogers.

 

So many of Mister Rogers’s legendary moments are highlighted in the book. I found some YouTube videos of these moments. See the YouTube links below:

 

Being Black in “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObHNWh3F5fQ&t=16s

 

The Best of Mr. Rogers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSbYQz3rluM&t=8s

 

Koko the Gorilla Meets Mister Rogers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93gCILhqIvA&t=15s

 

Mister Rogers Sings It’s You I Like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcq5oW0GvD8

 

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum – It’s You I Like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLhyerJjNfA

 

I recommend reading the book, watching these videos, and then rereading the book.

 

Mister Rogers was indeed an amazing person. He encouraged children to be kind and to use their imagination, and now I write children’s books about the power of imagination.