Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers written by Laura Renauld and illustrated by Brigette Barrager is a beautiful picture book about how a child, suffering from asthma, alone most of the time and bullied when he did go to school, grew up to be such a positive and loving energy in the lives of so many children. The cover of this book with a smiling Mr. Rogers looking straight out from a happy yellow background as he is showered with red hearts is joyful.
Early on Fred Rogers realized the power of feelings, both good and bad. He also believed that he could use television to speak directly to children and encourage them to understand their feelings and to come to know that they themselves are special. He successfully used his early talents for puppet-making and song- writing as an enjoyable path to discussion and understanding.
The double spread illustration of seven examples of Mister Rogers reacting to his own feelings is exquisitely authentic. “Look! Mister Rogers feels playful. He is taking a juggling lesson.” “Mister Roger’s feels sad. One of his goldfish has died.” All seven pictures are visually fresh and captivating.
One of the most moving parts of the book tells of Mister Rogers’ heartfelt testimony before a Senate Committee of Congress in 1969 when he urged the Senators not to cut funding for public television. Again, the illustration is impactful and captures Fred Rogers’ beautiful humanity.
There is a lively Author’s Note in the back materials that discusses Fred Roger’s life. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was on the air from 1968-2001 with nearly 900 episodes.
Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers written by Laura Renauld and illustrated by Bridgette Barrager will be enjoyed by children 4-8 years of age (Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ Simon and Schuster, 2020).
Creative activities for Fred’s Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
Study the double spread illustration showing seven examples of four feelings being felt by Mister Rogers: playful, sad, welcoming and joyful. In each picture, notice Mister Rogers’ facial expression. Which picture is your favorite? Why? Have you ever felt playful or sad or welcoming or joyful? Think about it. Select one of these four feelings and draw a picture of you when you experienced it.
Have you ever seen an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood? If not ask a parent or teacher to help you find it on the internet---enjoy! What did you learn?
Take a look at the illustration of Freddy at home with his four puppets. What four animals do they represent? Have you ever had a puppet? Have you ever made a puppet? Ask your parents for an old sock with which to make a puppet. You will also need some buttons, ribbons, drawing paper, markers and scotch tape. Have fun and take all the time that you need. When your puppet is completed give it a name. Also, it can be fun to give the puppet a voice and let the puppet talk to a sibling or a parent.
