Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/15/2020 *Starred Review* In what’s advertised as the only authorized picture-book biography on the revolutionary creator of children’s TV programming, Caldecott medalist Cordell reverently presents Fred Rogers’ beginnings, career, and impact on the world. Inspired by his spiritual upbringing and disappointed in the direction that the new TV medium was heading—especially regarding children’s entertainment—the young seminarian used his musical and creative talents to conjure a world that respected children’s feelings and addressed their experiences with honesty. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood ran from 1968 to 2001, touching countless lives with its message of kindness. Direct quotations from the subject punctuate Cordell’s simple narrative, and handwritten song lyrics and word bubbles add to the overall warmth of the work. The illustrations bring home the joy that Rogers brought to families every day. The opening spread gives a bird’s-eye view of the model of the show’s fictional world, before taking readers on a tour of the producer’s life. Kids will pore over the intricate images, done in the author-illustrator’s signature style—from portraits of the TV show’s different characters to a behind-the-scenes look at the set where all the magic happened. Photos, a visual glossary, further reading, and a detailed summary of his life are included in the back matter. In a crowded field of Mister Rogers books, this gorgeous offering stands apart. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 K-Gr 2—Newer and older fans are welcomed to the neighborhood in this warm, respectful tribute to Fred Rogers. The trolley chugs across the verso of the title page, then lands in the first spread right in the middle of the model streets. The view pulls back to show the entire television production set. The narrative then goes backward in time to discuss Rogers's childhood and early career. A mix of sepia-toned spot illustrations and full-color spreads convey history and the passage of time. While Mister Rogers currently is getting a lot of adult attention, this book is successful in returning the focus to a child audience, explaining how Rogers was unique and describing his lasting influence. The illustrations include many elements from the show; the act of identifying these details feels like a treasure hunt. A visual glossary explains the significance of the images. The children and adults depicted throughout the book have a variety of skin tones, and some pictures include people using wheelchairs. VERDICT Caldecott-winning author Cordell and the iconic Mister Rogers have a lot of neighbors. Buy multiple copies.—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/15/2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 04/01/2020 - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.