A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers

Fred Rogers was many things—a minister, a musician, a puppeteer, a television star, a friend to children for generations, and, most of all, a very good neighbor. For over 30 years, he created and hosted the groundbreaking educational television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which worked to instill kindness, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence in his viewers. Fred Rogers received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, among other honors.

Luke Flowers has illustrated over 42 children’s books. He enjoys puppeteering, playing banjo, and going on adventures with his wife and three kids in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can see more of his work at lukeflowerscreative.com.

A Parents' Choice Gold Award winner
A 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards Winner
A Red Tricycle Best Kids Book of 2019

"This treasure trove of gentle wisdom and playful fun, complemented by the sunny charm of Luke Flowers' illustrations...speak[s] directly to children about communicating, recognizing and dealing with emotions, and self-acceptance."—Parents' Choice Foundation

"Earnest messages, lighthearted flights of fancy, and familiar phrases [are] found in the poems gathered here…[and] Flowers’ illustrations are energetic."—Kirkus Reviews 

"Perfect for bedtime, sing-along, or quiet time alone, this beautifully presented volume of meaningful, inspiring, entertaining poetry is nicely illustrated by Luke Flowers, making it unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, and community library poetry collections for children ages 6-8."—Children's Bookwatch

"The collection is the perfect read for young kids as well as the millions of adults who grew up watching Mister Rogers on TV."—Paste Magazine

"The poems in this fun collection range from silly to sensitive, uplifting to energizing, always keeping kids' feelings center stage."—Common Sense Media 

"A heartfelt and indeed beautiful collection for both older fans and a new generation to share."—Booklist

"Now we can remember the charm and love presented by this cherished personality with a collection of 75 of his songs presented as poetry in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers."—Florida Times Union Jacksonville 

"Illustrator Luke Flowers' vivid, cheerful pictures enhance this collection of songs presented as poetry. It is sure to convey to children that they are loved and treasured."—The Banner

 "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will make everybody happy."—The Bookworm Sez 

"This gorgeous book is like mainlining nostalgia for a more carefree time."—The Roar Bots

"This lovely book shares 75 of his delightful songs, all illustrated with familiar characters and settings that will bring joy to those who remember the happy times they spent in his neighborhood."—Story Monsters Ink

"Mister Rogers will remind you what it means to be an educator, and what it means to be a person in this world."—EdSurge