Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 01/01/2020 Gr 1–4—Renauld's charming, lovingly illustrated picture book biography, framed similarly to an episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, opens with a depiction of Fred Rogers changing his sweater and shoes, followed by a brief look at his childhood. Italicized emotions highlight the focus of this biography and his work: "He felt sad when his schoolmates overlooked him…. He felt scared when they chased him home." The text describes Rogers's evolution into a thoughtful, music-loving adult who was inspired to create a gentler alternative to frenetically paced children's television programs. When the government threatened to cut the funding for public television in 1969, Rogers testified before the Senate about the importance of children learning to express their emotions constructively. His testimony allowed him to secure the necessary funding for PBS. The book teems with vocabulary words that capture emotions: affection, compassion, respect, generous, worried, selfish, shocked. Children will relate to the portrayal of their emotional experience while adults will find many comforting reminders of Rogers's well-known catchphrases and references to the tone of his show. Barrager's bright, cheerful gouache and colored pencil illustrations, featuring a trail of hearts on almost every page, add warmth and depth, emphasizing that Mr. Rogers was a beacon of love and acceptance. VERDICT A welcome addition to the growing number of books about Mr. Rogers. Recommended for purchase where picture book biographies are in demand.—Kristy Pasquariello, Westwood Public Library, MA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 03/01/2020 Bright with primary colors and periodic bursts of cheerful hearts, Renauld’s picture-book biography smoothly sums up the warmth of Fred Rogers, who is enjoying a renaissance of sorts as new generations discover his work and simple, folksy appeal. Concentrating on Fred’s own feelings as an often-lonely child and an awkward but kind adolescent, Renauld draws readers to the heart of his legacy—his ability to tap into and validate what the young are experiencing, whether it be fear, happiness, anger, or love. Barrager’s (Uni the Unicorn, 2014) illustrations focus on Rogers as the cheerful heart of each spread. They work, along with the narrative, to show readers how his early childhood interests—especially in music—combined with his passion for the medium of television, led to a lifetime vocation. Highlights of Rogers’ career appear to reflect back on the need for children to know they are special just as they are. A long author’s note at the end adds additional biographical material. A good addition to the growing number of books about Rogers’ legacy. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.