A heartwarming picture book from writer Aimee Reid and award-winning illustrator Matt Phelan that celebrates the work of Mister Rogers and carries on his legacy of kindness.

Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities, 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: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood 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 includes a short biography of Fred’s life and a bibliography.

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.

“Writing with simplicity, emotional clarity, and a sense of purpose, Reid tells Fred Rogers’ story in a meaningful, sometimes moving way. Phelan’s fluid pencil-and-watercolor artwork brings that story to life on the page . . . A beautifully crafted, heartfelt picture-book biography.” —Booklist

Aimee Reid has written picture books, but You Are My Friend is her first nonfiction venture. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her family. Visit her website at aimeereidbooks.com/blog and follow her on Twitter @aimeereidbooks.

Aimee Reid's profile page

Matt Phelan is an award-winning author and illustrator. He received the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and has been nominated for five Eisner Awards. He lives in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

Matt Phelan's profile page

"A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the incomparable Mister Rogers."

Kirkus Reviews

"A graceful, quietly moving biography."

Publishers Weekly

"The easy-to-read text is just right for those who may no longer watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood but who would nevertheless appreciate a reassuring encounter with an old friend."

Horn Book Magazine

"A quietly moving picture book biography about the origin story of Mister Rogers . . . it is an ideal time to introduce the next generation to the pure magic of Mister Rogers and his legacy. His enduring message to children of all ages—that you are enough, just as you are—can never be overstated."

School Library Journal

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Writing with simplicity, emotional clarity, and a sense of purpose, Reid tells Fred Rogers’ story in a meaningful, sometimes moving way. Phelan’s fluid pencil-and-watercolor artwork brings that story to life on the page . . . A beautifully crafted, heartfelt picture-book biography."

Booklist

"The book has a gentle cadence that it’s easy to imagine Fred Rogers’ famous voice into . . . Phelan’s pencil and watercolor art, casually impressionistic in its details, beams with soft warmth."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books