Mister Rogers' Gift of Music. Donna Cangelosi. Illustrated by Amanda Calatzis. 2022. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
First sentence: Fred Rogers looked directly into the television camera. He smiled and sang as if every child in America was in the room with him.... Miles away, north and south, east and west of his Pittsburgh studio, thousands of children throughout the United States tuned in to Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Each child felt like Mister Rogers was singing just to them. They sang along like a neighborhood choir--together even though they were miles apart.
Premise/plot: Mister Rogers' Gift of Music is a picture book biography of Fred Rogers. The theme--for lack of a better word--is how his music (which was integral to the show) was a GIFT to children every time, every place; his music was a timeless gift that continues to keep on giving. The story tells how music shaped HIS own childhood and he went on to create music that would shape EVERYONE'S childhood.
Quote: Music was sunshine! And Fred spread enough not only for an entire neighborhood, but for an entire country for generations.
Another quote: Everywhere Fred went, kids young and old sang to him... They sang and sang like a neighborhood choir--together, even though they had grown up miles and years apart.
My thoughts: Fred's music makes me emotional. In a good way, mostly. So it's hard not to want to get all gushy about a new book written by someone who loves his music just as much as I do. And it is gush-worthy. (Especially if you have a super-soft spot for Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.) My life was definitely shaped by his music.
The illustrations are priceless. There were spreads that I just did not want to turn the page because I was so HAPPY to spend all the time in the world looking and appreciating all the little details. I can't say that every single illustration of Fred captured my heart. But oh some of them really did. I absolutely LOVE the cover, for example.
© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers
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