The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King

Fred Rogers was an enormously influential figure in the history of television and in the lives of tens of millions of children. As the creator and star of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, he was a champion of compassion, equality, and kindness; he was fiercely devoted to children and to taking their fears, concerns, and questions about the world seriously.  Maxwell King traces his personal, professional and artistic life through decades of work.  It is the definitive portrait of a beloved figure, cherished by multiple generations.

 “If you were born between 1964 and 2000 you more than likely knew who Daniel Striped Tiger and Lady Elaine Fairchild were and that the trolley was going to the Land of Make Believe.  Fred Rogers made all of these iconic characters pieces of public television history and his name and message and neighborhood a mainstay on toddlers and children’s televisions far before there was Nick Jr. and the Disney Channel. I have been saying for a while that we are missing a little bit of Mr. Roger’s in this world and I wanted to read more about why that was.  Plus, what a perfect book to read as kiddos all around the world are heading back to school during this time of year!” -- Shannon