The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers

THE SIMPLE FAITH OF MR. ROGERS: Amy Hollingsworth: Integrity Publishers: Nonfiction: 175 pages.

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?

This song strikes a familiar chord for children and adults across America. Mister Rogers welcomed us into his life and neighborhood making us feel safe and special, one episode at a time. Mister Rogers taught us about life and respect. He taught us that it was okay to express our feelings and he taught us to be proud of ourselves!

Although Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister, on the whole he did not use a pulpit to preach. Instead he reached out to the children of America using puppets like: Daniel Striped Tiger, Lady Elaine, King Friday, and Henrietta Pussycat.

In this book Amy Hollingsworth, a long time friend of Mister Rogers, gives us a personal look at America’s favorite Neighbor. Through her correspondence with Mister Rogers, she shows us the legacy that he has left behind. Mister Rogers taught by example the need to slow down and take time for silence. He taught that we are all neighbors and that we need to treat each other with respect, we need to look for the good in those around us, and we need to apply the golden rule in our lives. Fred Rogers “preached” his beliefs through his actions and his legacy encourages each of us to do the same!

AMM