Publishers Weekly (01/07/2019):
Delivering on the page the same reassurance they originally imparted on the TV screen, these 75 uplifting songs elucidate the late Fred Rogers's legacy of positivity and compassion. Through recurring themes considered from various angles, the author empathically validates children's changeable emotions, urging them to articulate their feelings and to realize they are not alone. The verse is never repetitive, however. Rogers puts different spins on the importance of looking beyond appearances, for example, in the whimsical "Things Are Different" ("When I put on a costume/ To play a fancy part/ That costume changes just my looks./ It doesn't change my heart") and in the more direct "It's You I Like" ("It's you I like./ It's not the things you wear/ It's not the way you do your hair/ But it's you I like"). Tackling childhood head-on yet gently, these poems embody Rogers's signature message: "You're a beautiful, marvelous, spirited, lovely, / Wonderful one of a kind!" His on-point vocabulary, cadence, and rhyming, in concert with the universal childhood experiences the poems address, give this compilation broad accessibility and appeal. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6-8. (Mar.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus Reviews (01/15/2019):
A collection of the lyrics to 75 songs composed by the beloved children's-television personality.Readers and listeners who've heard these words sung by their creator seem likely to be the most appreciative audience for the earnest messages, lighthearted flights of fancy, and familiar phrases found in the poems gathered here. Caregivers may wish to search out a specific song to introduce (or reinforce) a discussion about a typical childhood experience or difficulty. Poems encouraging a strong sense of self abound, as do those that reassure young children that they can manage their emotions as they continue to learn and grow. Because of the thematic emphasis on healthy development, however, this is more a resource than a collection that would invite casual browsing. Unfortunately, without the melodies, some of the poems lack obvious rhythm. And, as songs often do, some feature repeating phrases or verses. Both of these factors further weaken the book's potential appeal as a general poetry collection. Flowers' illustrations are energetic and feature characters from the iconic television show as well as vignettes of young children and spot drawings of everyday objects. The pictures tie the collection even more closely to their source and may spark some interest, but they do little to extend or expand the meaning of the text. This interesting attempt to make Mr. Rogers' wisdom broadly accessible may wind up mainly reinforcing the importance of his presence to its success. (index) (Poetry. 3-8) COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Booklist (03/01/2019):
Grades K-3 Who can forget the now-iconic song, Won't You Be My Neighbor?, which started each episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? Fred Rogers wasn't just the leading personality on the show; he also composed a plethora of original songs for it. This collection gathers 75 of these perennial favorites. Some, such as What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?, tackle how to handle anger, loneliness, sibling rivalry, and other feelings. Others, such as I Like You as You Are, celebrate friendship, love, and self-worth. But no matter the subject, Rogers' songs provide reassurance about the changes that come with growing up. The book does not include musical notation, however, so readers may wish to consult sites like www.misterrogers.org to learn the melodies and sing along. Colorful, expressive illustrations feature beloved Neighborhood characters, whimsical animals and objects, and children interacting with their world. The children also reflect the diversity Rogers strived to include on his show. A heartfelt and indeed beautiful collection for both older fans and a new generation to share.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)
Hornbook Guide to Children (07/01/2019):
This collection of songs and poems by the iconic television host offers nostalgia for adults who grew up listening to his comforting, empowering messages. As well, the combination of imagination-encouraging silliness and reassurance that it's okay to feel sad or angry sometimes should resonate with a new generation of readers. Bright, cheerful illustrations complement the rhymes and free verse, best suited to shared reading. Ind. (Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
Brief Description:
"Lyrics to seventy-five songs from the children's television programs Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and The Children's Corner, collected and presented as an illustrated treasury of poems. Lyrics explore topics such as feelings, new siblings, everyday life, and imagination"--
Biographical Note:
Fred Rogers was many things--a minister, a musician, a puppeteer, a television star, a friend to children for generations, and, most of all, a very good neighbor. For over 30 years, he created and hosted the groundbreaking educational television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which worked to instill kindness, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence in his viewers. Fred Rogers received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, among other honors. Luke Flowers has illustrated over 42 children's books. He enjoys puppeteering, playing banjo, and going on adventures with his wife and three kids in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can see more of his work at lukeflowerscreative.com.
Review Quotes:
A Parents' Choice Gold Award winner
A 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards Winner
A Red Tricycle Best Kids Book of 2019
"This treasure trove of gentle wisdom and playful fun, complemented by the sunny charm of Luke Flowers' illustrations...speak[s] directly to children about communicating, recognizing and dealing with emotions, and self-acceptance."-- Parents' Choice Foundation
"Earnest messages, lighthearted flights of fancy, and familiar phrases [are] found in the poems gathered here...[and] Flowers' illustrations are energetic."-- Kirkus Reviews
"Perfect for bedtime, sing-along, or quiet time alone, this beautifully presented volume of meaningful, inspiring, entertaining poetry is nicely illustrated by Luke Flowers, making it unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library poetry collections for children ages 6-8." --Children's Bookwatch
"The collection is the perfect read for young kids as well as the millions of adults who grew up watching Mister Rogers on TV."-- Paste Magazine
"The poems in this fun collection range from silly to sensitive, uplifting to energizing, always keeping kids' feelings center stage."-- Common Sense Media
"A heartfelt and indeed beautiful collection for both older fans and a new generation to share."-- Booklist
"Now we can remember the charm and love presented by this cherished personality with a collection of 75 of his songs presented as poetry in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers."-- Florida Times Union Jacksonville
"Illustrator Luke Flowers' vivid, cheerful pictures enhance this collection of songs presented as poetry. It is sure to convey to children that they are loved and treasured."-- The Banner
" A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will make everybody happy."-- The Bookworm Sez
"This gorgeous book is like mainlining nostalgia for a more carefree time."-- The Roar Bots
"This lovely book shares 75 of his delightful songs, all illustrated with familiar characters and settings that will bring joy to those who remember the happy times they spent in his neighborhood."-- Story Monsters Ink
"Mister Rogers will remind you what it means to be an educator, and what it means to be a person in this world."-- EdSurge
Publisher Marketing:
The New York Times Best Seller
For the first time ever, 75 beloved songs from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and The Children's Corner are collected in this charmingly illustrated treasury, sure to be cherished by generations of children as well as the millions of adults who grew up with Mister Rogers.
It's you I like.
It's not the things you wear,
It's not the way you do your hair--
But it's you I like.
From funny to sweet, silly to sincere, the lyrics of Mister Rogers explore such universal topics as feelings, new siblings, everyday life, imagination, and more. Through these songs--as well as endearing puppets and honest conversations--Mister Rogers instilled in his young viewers the values of kindness, self-awareness, and self-esteem. But most of all, he taught children that they are loved, just as they are. Perfect for bedtime, sing-along, or quiet time alone, this beautiful book of meaningful poetry is for every child--including the child inside of every one of us.
