Poetry Review #49

 Won't You Be My Neighbor?: A Mister Rogers Poetry Book

Author: Fred Rogers

Illustrator: Luke Flowers 

Publisher: Quirk Books, 2020

ISBN: 978-1683691990

Reading Ages: 2 to 5 years

Genre: Children's Poetry, Board Book

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Because it’s Mr. Rodgers, of course! Who doesn't love Mr. Rodgers? I am knee deep in nostalgia with this book. I would love to be your neighbor! Can I ride the trolley, too? 😀

Poetic Elements: The book offers the lyrics of Mister Roger's series' theme song as a poem with beautiful art work accompanying it. It has a bright, happy feel to the rhythms and it is easy for children to remember it in song form.  

“[A] cheerful board book pair.”

~~ Booklist

Appeal: The book teaches the wonderful quality of loving your neighbor. It teaches children to appreciate their community and the people that are part of it. It would be a great addition to any library. 

Overall Quality: Mr. Rodgers was a role module and a visible example of how to live with others for so many children. His legacy continues to teach those same qualities in this lovely poetry book for children. His opening theme song is full of kindness and leaves the reader feeling hopeful and appreciated. 

"I have always wanted to have a neighbor 

just like you

I've always wanted to live in a 

neighborhood with you"

~~Fred Rodgers

Layout: The layout is in simple story book format. The book reads like a poem and a story. It is easy for younger readers to follow along.

Connections:
Spotlight Poem - 

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?"

"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood

A beautiful day for a neighbor

Would you be mine? Could you be mine?"

~~Fred Rodgers

Sharing - I would share this poetry book by first listening to the song. I would also mention that songs are a wonderful way to introduce younger children to the love of poetry. The book would be a great addition to a theme of community and neighborhoods for younger students. 

Activity - Mr. Rodgers sings "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"