Book Description Review * “Renauld’s lively, approachable text welcomes young readers in the same way that Rogers welcomed his young viewers into his living-room set. . . . Bright, well-researched, and welcome.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review“The brightly colored, cartoon-style, gouache-and-pencil drawings chronicle the subject’s life with whimsical details, such as confetti-like streams of hearts occasionally emanating from Rogers, his cast, guests (including Officer Clemmons and Koko the gorilla), and audience members as they connect with his message that ‘there’s only one person in the whole world like you.’ . . . Many families will welcome the affirming messages in this affectionate portrait.” — Publishers Weekly“Charming, lovingly illustrated. . . . The book teems with vocabulary words that capture emotions: affection, compassion, respect, generous, worried, selfish, shocked. Children will relate to the portrayal of their emotional experience while adults will find many comforting reminders of Rogers’s well-known catchphrases and references to the tone of his show. Barrager’s bright, cheerful gouache and colored pencil illustrations, featuring a trail of hearts on almost every page, add warmth and depth, emphasizing that Mr. Rogers was a beacon of love and acceptance. A welcome addition to the growing number of books about Mr. Rogers.” — School Library Journal Read more About the Author As a child, Laura Renauld enjoyed being one of Mister Rogers’s television neighbors. A Vermonter at heart, Laura now lives in northern Virginia with her husband and their two sons, who are very special indeed. Visit her at LauraRenauld.com.Brigette Barrager is an artist, designer, writer, and the illustrator of Pocket Full of Colors by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville as well as the New York Times bestselling Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. She attended the California Institute of the Arts and spent some time working in animation before taking the plunge into book illustration, where she’s lived happily ever after. She resides in Los Angeles with her handsome husband, cute doggy, and terrible cat. Visit Brigette online at BrigetteB.com. Read more Customers Review: This book is excellent. I would highly recommend it for classroom teachers. It helps students understand how they are special and everyone has feelings. The author and illustrator really captured the essence of Fred Rogers. This is a high quality children’s book.
This is a beginning biography which highlights one of the most children friendly, concerned television personalities to hit the screens.Mister Roger’s Neighborhood was a part of my childhood as much as brushing my teeth or evening prayers. It was a treat to watch him, and today, as an adult, my respect for him has grown. This book does a wonderful job at taking several basic highlights from his life and surrounding them in exactly the atmosphere, which Fred Rogers radiated to the world. This alone made the book a delight to read and dive into.As a biography, it’s well written and sticks to a few facts, while allowing young listeners/readers to gain a bigger picture of what Fred Rogers was about. It’s never dull and keeps the pace quick, while not forgetting to portray Mr. Rogers’ dreams. I do believe that this book has a much larger impact on audiences who have seen Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, then it would on those who haven’t gotten to know his show.The illustrations fit well and bring across the various times in Fred Rogers’ life nicely. There are added details here and there to make it fun just to flip through even when no one is around to read it out loud.While young audiences will enjoy this one—even more so when combined with Mr. Rogers’ shows— it especially will warm the hearts of those who grew up as his ‘neighbors’.I’m giving this one 4.5 stars and rounding up. I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want t leave my honest thoughts.
“You made this day a really special day just by being yourself…and I happen to like you just the way you are.” These are the words Fred Rogers grew up hearing from his grandfather. They are the words that stuck with him his entire life and despite feeling shy and lonely as a child, the encouragement gave him the confidence to grow into a leader. Fred went on to create a television show that would not only help children identify and manage their feelings, but also make them feel welcomed, loved, and special.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀FRED’S BIG FEELINGS is the phenomenal new picture book biography of the life of Fred Rogers, following him from childhood through the development of his television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and his fight for funding for public television. Mister Rogers is not only a beloved television personality, but an important role model who demonstrates kindness, determination, and quiet strength.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀One of Fred Rogers’ famous quotes is, “What a difference one person can make in the life of another.” What an impact Fred Rogers has made on so many people! I’m thrilled that his legacy and effort to build self-confidence in children continue in this powerful book.
This book examines Fred Rogers’ life and advocacy, within the framework of his beloved show. It begins in the second person, inviting the reader behind the scenes of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. The almost child-like, 2-dimensional illustrations enhance the feeling of a child watching the show unfold.Then, after examining how isolation, bullying, and asthma filled his childhood with sadness, fear, and loneliness, Renauld explores Fred’s discovery that music and his Grandfather’s message, “You made this day a really special day just by being yourself . . . and I happen to like you just the way you are,” changed his life and the lives of others he interacted with. Providing the foundation of his determination to provide thoughtful and empathetic programing to children.I loved how throughout the book, Barrager represents every feeling – whether happiness, anger, sadness, etc. – as a stream of hearts emanating from the person, animal, or puppet. A very visual reinforcement of Fred Roger’s goal to help kids understand and accept the validity and importance of all emotions, even the tough ones.
“Fred’s Big Feelings” is a story about how a shy boy named Fred Rogers grew up – and into his feelings – to create his very own TV show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The story dives into Fred’s youth, where readers learn that Fred was a social outsider. As he grew, Rogers became more familiar with his feelings, ultimately channeling them into a public television show that impacted many thousands of children. Bright, whimsical illustrations throughout capture the wonder of Rogers’ imagination and world. This beautiful story reveals new details of Rogers’ past, while also honoring Rogers’ legacy as America’s favorite neighbor.
Mr. Rogers was a national treasure. His belief in the power of empathy and compassion shines through in this book. Kids can see one awkward child grow up to make a difference in the lives of many and be similarly inspired. Children’s emotions are acknowledged and respected. It was interesting to read about his passion for television as an instrument for education and change.
This gorgeous picture book does tell us about Mr. Roger’s “life and legacy,” but it will also teach children about emotions, which are italicized in the story. It’s cleverly executed, and comes together perfectly at the end. The illustrations are in colors that reflect the time period of his popularity. It’s a perfect read-aloud for kids who will have NO idea who Mr. Rogers was, and the perfect collectible for us adults who grew up with him.
Thank you Laura Renauld for showcasing Fred Rogers, Mister Rogers, in a beautiful way. Being true to yourself is the most important feeling and you did a fabulous job of bringing his kindness, his character and empathy for others to light. By listening to his Grandfather’s words, creating the music he was meant to create, music heals and can be a true bridge for expressing yourself. Bless you and Brigette Barrag for the delightful illustrations that felt like a time travel well spent. |
10 reviews