{"id":36122,"date":"2019-04-12T21:06:49","date_gmt":"2019-04-13T01:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sonderbooks.com\/blog\/?p=36122"},"modified":"2019-04-12T21:06:49","modified_gmt":"2019-04-13T01:06:49","slug":"review-of-a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhood-lyrics-by-fred-rogers-illustrations-by-luke-flowers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonderbooks.com\/blog\/?p=36122","title":{"rendered":"Review of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, lyrics by Fred Rogers, illustrations by Luke Flowers"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood<\/p>\n

The Poetry of Mister Rogers<\/em><\/p>\n

lyrics by Fred Rogers
\nillustrations by Luke Flowers<\/p>\n

Quirk Books, 2019. 143 pages.
\nReview written April 9, 2019, from a library book
\nStarred Review<\/p>\n

They\u2019re all here! The songs that make you think of Mister Rogers, beginning with \u201cWon\u2019t You Be My Neighbor?\u201d including songs like \u201cYou Can Never Go Down the Drain,\u201d \u201cWhat Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?\u201d \u201cEverything Grows Together,\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s You I Like,\u201d \u201cSometimes People Are Good,\u201d \u201cYou Are Special,\u201d and finishing with \u201cIt\u2019s Such a Good Feeling.\u201d <\/p>\n

The only thing wrong with this book? Music is not included. All of this poetry was meant to be sung. And the only tunes I can partially remember are pretty much the songs I listed in the last paragraph. So I wish they had figured out a way to include the tunes. If not in the book, then maybe an accompanying CD?<\/p>\n

In fact, not all of the poems here were written by Fred Rogers. Several are listed with the tagline, \u201cLyrics by Josie Carey, Music by Fred Rogers.\u201d These poems are very much in the same style and are from the show, but unfortunately, we don\u2019t get to see Mr. Rogers\u2019 contribution.<\/p>\n

It did dawn on me that \u201cEverything Grows Together\u201d would make a great song to sing at storytimes. It\u2019s one of the few that I can remember the entire tune. So that will be my new little tribute to Mr. Rogers in my storytimes.<\/p>\n

The book is packaged with bright pictures for children. But the truth is that the songs are all so affirming and joyful that I read a few songs every day for a nice boost to my spirits as I set out on that day. Sure, some songs like \u201cYou Can Never Go Down the Drain\u201d speak to worries I\u2019ve long put behind me. But it doesn\u2019t hurt anyone, young or old, to be reminded that \u201cYou Are Special.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Rogers packed a whole lot of wisdom into his simple songs. Reading them is a cheering thing to do. I love that they have been collected!<\/p>\n

Won\u2019t you be my neighbor?<\/p>\n

MisterRogers.org<\/a>
\nlukeflowerscreative.com<\/a>
\nquirkbooks.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Buy from Amazon.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Find this review on Sonderbooks<\/a> at: www.sonderbooks.com\/Childrens_Nonfiction\/beautiful_day_in_the_neighborhood.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.<\/p>\n

Source: This review is based on a library book from Fairfax County Public Library.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but I maintain my website and blogs on my own time. The views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.<\/p>\n

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