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Mister Rogers' Gift of Music
For a young Fred Rogers, music was a gift. It eased the pain of childhood illness and bullying and helped Fred express how he felt when words alone were difficult.
As an adult, he gifted his melodies to the world, showing children by example that they can express themselves, cope with negative feelings, and connect to each other through music.
This sensitive, life-affirming biography not only portrays the life of this beloved TV personality, but focuses on Fred’s most memorable songs and musical TV moments, and captures the enduring magic of his music in brilliantly colorful abstract illustration. Readers will not only learn about what music meant to Fred Rogers, but find the encouragement and inspiration to brighten their own lives with song.
As an adult, he gifted his melodies to the world, showing children by example that they can express themselves, cope with negative feelings, and connect to each other through music.
This sensitive, life-affirming biography not only portrays the life of this beloved TV personality, but focuses on Fred’s most memorable songs and musical TV moments, and captures the enduring magic of his music in brilliantly colorful abstract illustration. Readers will not only learn about what music meant to Fred Rogers, but find the encouragement and inspiration to brighten their own lives with song.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 23, 2022
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 6, 2023
I will say try to find and watch episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This is a good picture book biography about him. I learned quite a bit about Fred Rogers, especially things about his childhood and also one thing about his college years. I think readers/listeners are most likely to enjoy this book if they’ve seen Fred Rogers on tv, talking and singing to and with the audience. I appreciated the detailed note in the back. The illustrations are lovely and evocative and with many details that are fun to view. I found the book touching and almost teared up a bit. I admire Rogers and I’m glad that there are books about him available for today’s children. Recommended for his other fans and also for bibliotherapy, music therapy and art therapy, and for young musicians too. For readers/listeners who don’t know the songs mentioned, playing them as an accompaniment to the book would enhance the reading experience. I was singing to myself as I read. I was “too old” for his show but all my high school jobs were babysitting jobs, including one summer working very full time, and although I didn’t watch hardly any tv with the children I was caring for we did watch some and so I did see some episodes of the show as it aired.
June 21, 2022
This book is like sunshine for the soul!
The story focuses on how T.V. celebrity Fred Rogers used his gift of music to help children connect with their emotions. I didn’t grow up in the United States, but despite being unfamiliar with the show, the story gave me a great sense of the man and his accomplishments. The language is rich and descriptive, with vibrant verbs and phrasing that pulled me into the story. The author cleverly weaves song lyrics into the prose, which gives a sense of Fred Roger’s music. Each spread is vibrant and colorful with jaw-droppingly beautiful art. Just wow!
An inspiring and heartwarming read.
The story focuses on how T.V. celebrity Fred Rogers used his gift of music to help children connect with their emotions. I didn’t grow up in the United States, but despite being unfamiliar with the show, the story gave me a great sense of the man and his accomplishments. The language is rich and descriptive, with vibrant verbs and phrasing that pulled me into the story. The author cleverly weaves song lyrics into the prose, which gives a sense of Fred Roger’s music. Each spread is vibrant and colorful with jaw-droppingly beautiful art. Just wow!
An inspiring and heartwarming read.
July 31, 2022
There are no words to describe how beautiful this book is – so perhaps I should sing! (Trust me, you don’t want that!). This picture book biography tells the tale of Fred Rogers’ extraordinary life through the lens of music and its influence on him. Through gorgeous lyrical language that is only magnified by Amanda Calatzis’ breathtaking illustrations, the author shows how music was a gift that helped Rogers manage difficult feelings as a young boy and how he later was inspired to share that gift with children around the world. This book is truly a work of art. Highly recommend.
July 29, 2022
I've always been a fan of Mr. Rogers and his lovely, gentle nature, and my grandkids are big Daniel Tiger fans--and a big part of the appeal of both Mr. Rogers and Daniel Tiger is the music and lyrics they promote.
Donna Cangelosi's book highlights this aspect of Mr. Rogers's life and shares how his musical connections stem from struggles he endured during his early childhood. Rogers learned early on that he could use music as a coping mechanism--as a way make sense of his feelings. And, most importantly, through his television show, he shard this love of music and its transforming nature with his many viewers over the years.
Donna's lyrical text, along with some of Mr. Rogers's actual song lyrics, mesh to provide a beautiful and comforting story. Amanda Calatzis's colorful, detailed, and lively art sings in perfect harmony with the text. Young (and older!) readers will enjoy this deeper musical dive into Mr. Rogers and his music. Highly recommended!
Donna Cangelosi's book highlights this aspect of Mr. Rogers's life and shares how his musical connections stem from struggles he endured during his early childhood. Rogers learned early on that he could use music as a coping mechanism--as a way make sense of his feelings. And, most importantly, through his television show, he shard this love of music and its transforming nature with his many viewers over the years.
Donna's lyrical text, along with some of Mr. Rogers's actual song lyrics, mesh to provide a beautiful and comforting story. Amanda Calatzis's colorful, detailed, and lively art sings in perfect harmony with the text. Young (and older!) readers will enjoy this deeper musical dive into Mr. Rogers and his music. Highly recommended!
August 7, 2022
This book is pure sunshine!
Debut author and psychologist, Donna Cangelosi, and talented illustrator Amanda Calatzis have given us a true gift in Mister Rogers' Gift of Music. Focusing on Fred Rogers' own love of and talent for music, readers are transported first into his childhood, and then shown how this television icon embraced music to help children understand and process their feelings. The gorgeous illustrations bring back wonderful memories of the groundbreaking show as song lyrics swirl on the pages. A wonderfully written, heartwarming tribute to a true hero that will give you all the warm fuzzy feelings Mr. Rogers is beloved for.
Debut author and psychologist, Donna Cangelosi, and talented illustrator Amanda Calatzis have given us a true gift in Mister Rogers' Gift of Music. Focusing on Fred Rogers' own love of and talent for music, readers are transported first into his childhood, and then shown how this television icon embraced music to help children understand and process their feelings. The gorgeous illustrations bring back wonderful memories of the groundbreaking show as song lyrics swirl on the pages. A wonderfully written, heartwarming tribute to a true hero that will give you all the warm fuzzy feelings Mr. Rogers is beloved for.
July 18, 2022
Fred Rogers had music in his heart from an early age. This lyrical book has heart on every page. Calatzis's art flows like a brilliant melody. Cangelosi weaves Mr. Rodgers' story with a poetic touch. Readers learn that Mister Rodgers, who suffered with asthma from an early age, found great comfort in music thanks to his family. Comfort he spent his whole life sharing with children through programing and music that validated the multitude of feelings even the very young experience. This a book filled with positivity, just like the beautiful life lived by Mister Rodgers.
May 23, 2022
I grew up watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood on TV. It is my earliest memory of entertainment and learning. Cartoons and animated films felt fantastical to me. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood in contrast offered something real. I knew this from the moment Mr. Rogers walked through the door and changed into his sweater and sneakers. Donna Cangelosi draws us deeper into the framework of not only the program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, but into the person of Fred McFeely Rogers. By focusing on Mr. Rogers' music talent and his gift to translate emotions through music, readers grow in their appreciation for the extraordinary man and gifts he offered not only to children, but to the world. Amanda Caltzis' colorful and soft illustrations show a spectrum of colors and feelings. She weaves song lyrics and musical notes into the art which feels representative of the union of music, education and the beauty of life.
September 26, 2022
Love all things Mr. Rogers.
August 20, 2022
This book is a wonderful celebration of Fred Rogers and provides not just biographical information but a narrative that children can connect with. The story hones in on one of the many gifts Mister Rogers gave to children -- space and freedom to express their emotions without shame. And, more specifically, how *music* helped Fred throughout his life express his emotions and is a medium he used throughout the span of his show to demonstrate what an extension of us music can be. We learn in this story that when Fred was young he struggled with asthma and how his family members used music to help him through some hard times. Music became such an integral part of his life and we are all so lucky that he choose to share that with us in the way he did. I think this book really captures the spirit of Mister Rogers beautifully, celebrates the show and also childhood. The illustrations are soft and depict musical movement and emotions well. I will say that in some way I wish the book didn't use past tense when referring to children watching the show because I know so many parents today who are still showing Mister Rogers Neighborhood to their children. His gift of music still keeps giving.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Page Street Kids. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Page Street Kids. Opinions are my own.
August 30, 2022
A wonderful picture book for the new school year and all year round! MISTER ROGERS’ GIFT OF MUSIC tells the true story of young Fred Rogers, who was stuck indoors with asthma while all of the other children played outside. Lonely and alone, he comforted himself with the sounds of Grandfather McFeely’s violin. As Donna Cangelosi so lyrically writes, “Music was sunshine.” Soon Fred learned to play the piano, making his own sunshine. Over time, he would process anger and sadness and all sorts of other emotions through his music. Thankfully he decided to share his melodies with children everywhere through his beloved television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. With over 895 episodes (!) his music also sparked creativity and wonder, and brought people of all backgrounds together. Cangelosi’s delightful text flows together seamlessly with Amanda Calatzis’ stunning illustrations. Mister Rogers’ memorable lyrics dance across the spreads, with puppets from the show, various instruments, and famous guests woven into the story. A beautiful gift for children—as well as adults who grew up with Fred—this book will leave you with “a good feeling to know you’re alive. It’s such a happy feeling: You’re growing inside…”
August 26, 2022
Mister Rogers’ Gift of Music by Donna Cangelosi and illustrator Amanda Calatzie is a symphony of lyrical words and artwork. The harmonious interweaving of text and pictures pulls you through the story taking you to a magical place. The gentle presence of Mister Rogers lights the way through the pages. One of my favorite parts:
“Music was sunshine…Young Fred tapped the keys and learned to play the sounds of his feelings. Soft sinking sobs, loud rippling roars, and trickles of teardrops flowed through his fingertips. Making music pushed Fred’s gloomy feelings out and let fresh air in. Through the years, Fred’s piano became a friend he could always turn to.”
My copy is on order. You will want to read this beautiful book again and again.
“Music was sunshine…Young Fred tapped the keys and learned to play the sounds of his feelings. Soft sinking sobs, loud rippling roars, and trickles of teardrops flowed through his fingertips. Making music pushed Fred’s gloomy feelings out and let fresh air in. Through the years, Fred’s piano became a friend he could always turn to.”
My copy is on order. You will want to read this beautiful book again and again.
October 31, 2023
Donna Cangelosi’s text and Amanda Calatzis’ illustrations gift the reader and listener with a story of love, empathy, and belief in the potential of every child and every human. I loved how Mr. Rogers’ song lyrics danced across the pages subtly and spontaneously, invites the reader to sing along between the pages. The story of the young Fred Rogers allows children to find themselves. He “knew angry, sad, and scared emotions are part of growing up.”
Rogers felt the power of music, and both author and illustrator beautifully depict the connection of music to Fred and Fred's music to millions of children around the world, including my children and grandchildren. This is a treasure of a book that not only tells the life of an incredible man but also reminds us that music is indeed sunshine.
Rogers felt the power of music, and both author and illustrator beautifully depict the connection of music to Fred and Fred's music to millions of children around the world, including my children and grandchildren. This is a treasure of a book that not only tells the life of an incredible man but also reminds us that music is indeed sunshine.
August 30, 2022
This is a beautiful story of how Fred Roger's used music to channel his feelings of loneliness and sadness. Wanting children to feel less alone with their own feelings, Fred used his songs to make others feel special and welcome. Paired with gorgeous illustrations this book is a perfect addition for any school counselor's library!
August 28, 2022
A Gift Of Story And Art For Kids & Former Kids
This stunningly illustrated picture book perfectly captures what Mister Rogers was all about and provides bio background from his childhood that give us insight as to how and why he connected so well with children - and parents, and former children - on his show. The text and pictures convey his magical warmth, kindness and understanding that encouraged kids to feel all their feelings, yet not be overwhelmed by them.
This stunningly illustrated picture book perfectly captures what Mister Rogers was all about and provides bio background from his childhood that give us insight as to how and why he connected so well with children - and parents, and former children - on his show. The text and pictures convey his magical warmth, kindness and understanding that encouraged kids to feel all their feelings, yet not be overwhelmed by them.
November 22, 2022
Great book about Mr. Rogers. I remember watching his show on TV when I was younger.
August 30, 2022
The author's lovely lyrical language is paired with dancing illustrations transporting you right into Mister Roger's world. We learn about Mister Rogers youth when his love for music lifted him out of illness and helped him overcome challenges. Everyone was Mister Roger's friend; every feeling was valid. Every day was better with a song. This wonderful bio is perfect for elementary classrooms!
November 3, 2022
I didn't grow up with Mister Rogers, and I kind of feel like I missed out.
June 4, 2023
Mister Rogers had such a beautiful heart ❤
October 28, 2022
While it's easy to know why Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is a beloved show, this book focuses on how its comforting music came from Fred Rogers own use of it during his childhood to self soothe and connect. His thoughtful inclusion of music throughout episodes, from the beginning theme song to introductions of instruments and well known musicians, made young viewers feel included and seen. The beautiful text and illustrations will make anyone who watched the show instantly nostalgic.
October 24, 2022
A moving story about Fred Rogers channeling his feelings into music. A great read for any kid who feels different. The whole family enjoyed this picture book.
August 28, 2022
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.
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.
October 15, 2022
A fitting tribute to a wonderful man.
October 5, 2022
In my opinion, there are never too many books about Mr. Rogers. This one focuses on the music he created. The book is a nice introductory picture biography for the younger reader.
December 23, 2022
The more I learn about Fred Rogers, the more impressed I am about this gentle-natured man and the more I am inspired to be a kind person.
Cangelosi writes a book for middle grade readers that focuses on the role that music played in the life of Fred Rogers. He had asthma as a child, which reduced his activities (and made him the object of bullying). He was inspired by his grandfather who played the violin and his mother who played the piano. Fred eventually learned to play the piano and later started composing songs.
Anyone who has ever watched an episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood has witnessed the gentle-yet-powerful use of music in this children's program. Fred sang songs himself, and he also invited musicians to come perform on the show.
The illustrations by Amanda Calatzis depict Fred from childhood to his work on his television show. Not only does she draw Fred Rogers, she also draws many of the character from the show and crew members who worked behind the scenes. We also get to see a dozen or so children sitting on the other side of the television, watching the television show and being positively influenced by the music.
I can see readers ages 8 to 11 reading this book themselves and younger readers enjoying having this book read to them. I am also recommending this book to some people at my church who spoke movingly about how the recent biopic and documentaries about Fred Rogers have inspired them to be kinder more service-oriented people.
Hooray for people with strong moral character in a world where too many people are focused on hype, power, fame, money with some reckless disregard for others. May we all work to increase our ability to demonstrate kindness to others -- through music and other means.
Cangelosi writes a book for middle grade readers that focuses on the role that music played in the life of Fred Rogers. He had asthma as a child, which reduced his activities (and made him the object of bullying). He was inspired by his grandfather who played the violin and his mother who played the piano. Fred eventually learned to play the piano and later started composing songs.
Anyone who has ever watched an episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood has witnessed the gentle-yet-powerful use of music in this children's program. Fred sang songs himself, and he also invited musicians to come perform on the show.
The illustrations by Amanda Calatzis depict Fred from childhood to his work on his television show. Not only does she draw Fred Rogers, she also draws many of the character from the show and crew members who worked behind the scenes. We also get to see a dozen or so children sitting on the other side of the television, watching the television show and being positively influenced by the music.
I can see readers ages 8 to 11 reading this book themselves and younger readers enjoying having this book read to them. I am also recommending this book to some people at my church who spoke movingly about how the recent biopic and documentaries about Fred Rogers have inspired them to be kinder more service-oriented people.
Hooray for people with strong moral character in a world where too many people are focused on hype, power, fame, money with some reckless disregard for others. May we all work to increase our ability to demonstrate kindness to others -- through music and other means.
December 13, 2022
Mister Roger's Gift of Music brought out a nostalgia I believe many of us would be able to relate to. He shaped the youthful days of several generations, in a way most of us have probably not taken time to consider. I read this picture book memoir of Fred Rogers with my kindergartener. We opened the book to the darling endpapers showing Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood mapped out, and she immediately declared, "Hey! That's Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood." Because the new show doesn't involve Fred and his face, she didn't feel the same connection I did, but enjoyed reading about his love of music and children. I could relate to the drawings of kids propped on couches and eating breakfast throughout America, all tuned to this empathetic and kind neighbor. I respect the author's handling of music as a way to deal with difficult emotions and enjoyed remembering his message of the special nature of EVERYONE.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Mr. Rogers has been a bit of a hot-topic in movies/books/media in recent years, since his passing. This title is lovely and an important memoir, but I'm not sure it stands out among other titles as more superb.
Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Mr. Rogers has been a bit of a hot-topic in movies/books/media in recent years, since his passing. This title is lovely and an important memoir, but I'm not sure it stands out among other titles as more superb.
August 31, 2022
“Music was sunshine…Soft sinking sobs, loud rippling roars, and trickles of teardrops flowed through his fingertips. Making music pushed Fred’s gloomy feelings out…”
This is a beautifully written biography of Mister Rogers, where the author shares how music helped Mister Rogers cope with difficult feelings in his childhood. And later, he shared this gift of music with children. I wasn’t familiar with Mister Rogers and his accomplishments until I read this gorgeous book which opens up the readers to the greatness and kindness of Mister Rogers. This book piqued my curiosity so much that I watched Mister Roger's neighborhood show. He was truly inspiring, and I'm glad this book celebrates this influence.
This is a beautifully written biography of Mister Rogers, where the author shares how music helped Mister Rogers cope with difficult feelings in his childhood. And later, he shared this gift of music with children. I wasn’t familiar with Mister Rogers and his accomplishments until I read this gorgeous book which opens up the readers to the greatness and kindness of Mister Rogers. This book piqued my curiosity so much that I watched Mister Roger's neighborhood show. He was truly inspiring, and I'm glad this book celebrates this influence.
October 9, 2022
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood—a perfect place for kids, parents, and grandparents to spend time. This book captures the melodies of Mister Rogers music and of his voice—friendly, reassuring, calming, and kind. The lyrical writing and the illustrations flow from page to page and carry us along as the story of Fred Rogers and the creation of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood unfolds. Mister Rogers in his sweater was there to help kids (and adults too) deal with their feelings. Reading this book takes me back to coming home from my job teaching high school English, picking up our daughter at day care, and reaching home in time to snuggle up and listen to Mister Rogers—his music and his kind voice. Music and kindness are sunshine!
December 6, 2022
MISTER ROGERS' GIFT OF MUSIC weaves through a story with the important theme that music is like sunshine. This theme came directly from Mr. Rogers’ childhood when he had to stay inside alone while going through emotional turmoil. He used music to feel better and wanted to share that sunshine with others. This was the origin for Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. This biography is timeless, uplifting, and inspiring, embodying the love and care Mr. Rogers had for all children. Donna Cangelosi's beautiful and lyrical text and Amanda Calatzis' colorful and warm illustration are perfectly paired to create a memorable tribute to Mr. Rogers and his inspiring life.
November 24, 2022
I like how the title refer's both to how Rogers' was gifted music by his mom and grandfather (well, the book itself give the credit to the grandfather, but the afterward talks about his mom), and how he then gave his songs to children through his show. He gave both individual songs (many of which I know) but also the idea of music as a means of processing emotion and also as a thing of beauty.
The pictures are soft and gentle, just like the show and the man. It's good picture book, although maybe not a great biography.
The pictures are soft and gentle, just like the show and the man. It's good picture book, although maybe not a great biography.
January 14, 2023
Donna’s beautiful language and Amanda’s vibrant art are like a song that leads the reader through the life of Mr. Roger’s and his relationship with music. From the time he was a young boy using music to help express his own feelings, to the man who helped millions of children across the country express and understand theirs. This timeless and nostalgic book made me look at this beloved television personality from my own childhood through a different lens––and I absolutely loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews