You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood written by Aimee Reid and illustrated by Matt Phelan is a lovely picture book. It tells the story of the life of Mister Rogers and the influences that led him to discover the power of both kindness and community.
As a child Freddie Rogers was often isolated from friends due to bouts of allergies that kept him inside and in bed. He felt alone. In his solitude he started to talk to puppets. When he did go to school, however, he was often bullied. His mother suggested that he make friends with the helpers in the neighborhood. It was his Grandfather McFeely who told him he was special and that he made the day special just by being himself.
There is a delightful double page illustration that shows young Freddie skipping on a beautiful old stone wall that encircled his grandfather’s farm. He is dressed in a little red sweater that would become Mister Rogers’ iconic piece of clothing.
The back material gives a good account of how Fred Rogers earned a BA in Music Composition and early on composed songs for children’s television. During his career Rogers wrote and broadcast 895 episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood----winning scores of awards as well as the hearts of children, parents and teachers across the country.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood written by Aimee Reid with touching and sincere drawings by Matt Phelan will be enjoyed by children 5-8 years of age. (Abrams, 2019).
Activity questions for You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood
There are several helpers in the neighborhood featured in this book. Who are the helpers in your neighborhood? What about the people who plow the snow off of the streets, the bus drivers who get children to school and the people who deliver the mail? Think about it. Then make a list of all of the helpers in your neighborhood and decorate the list with small drawings of each helper in action.
Mr. Rogers was also a fine puppeteer. Go online and find pictures of Daniel the Stripped Tiger who was both shy and brave and X the Owl who loved to learn. Design a puppet for your very own Neighborhood of Make Believe. Use your imagination. Give your puppet a name.
With the help of your parents and siblings gather materials and actually make a hand puppet from your design. Gather such items as old socks, buttons, string, feathers, yarn, beads, ribbons and glue. Have Fun!
