A picture book about Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood fame is as gentle and understated as its subject while drawing a direct line between aspects of Rogers’s early life and things he became famous for. During a lonely childhood when he was often sick, and sometimes bullied, when he was sad or mad or hurt and had no way to express it, Freddie made friends with his puppets, and he found solace in music—he discovered he could make the piano sound the way he felt. His mother told him to “look for the helpers,” his Grandfather McFeely told him he was special, and that he liked Fred “just the way you are.” When he was an adult, Fred started a television program for children that had puppets and music and helpers. Most of all, it had absolute respect for children, with each child watching or listening at its center: “You’ve made this day a special day, by just being you. There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.” A brief biography of Mr. Rogers, and personal author’s and illustrator’s notes, along with a bibliography, round out the volume. (Ages 6–9)

A heartwarming, “beautifully crafted” picture book that celebrates the work of Mister Rogers and carries on his legacy of kindness (Booklist, starred review).

Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities of our time, but before he was the man who brought us Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he was just little Freddie Rogers. Though he was often sick and had trouble making friends as a child, his mom and grandfather encouraged him to ask for help and explore the world. With their support, he learned how to better say what he was feeling and see the beauty around him. As he grew up, he realized he could spread the message of compassion, equality, and kindness through television. You Are My Friend is a gentle homage to Fred Rogers and shows how his simple message still resonates with us today: “There’s no person in the world like you and I like you just the way you are.” The book also includes a short biography of Fred Rogers’ life and a bibliography.

“A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the incomparable Mister Rogers.” ?Kirkus Reviews

This is a work of fiction. This book is an expression of admiration of Fred Rogers, the man and the artist, by the author and illustrator. This book is not associated with or endorsed by The Fred Rogers Company.