Fred’s Big Feelings, combines art and message for all the feels

Let’s assume that you don’t know who Mister Rogers is. Now that you’re in this cold, desolate, alien world, let’s look at Fred’s Big Feelings. From the moment you look at this book you’ll realize that something is different about it. It’s as tall as other illustrated books, yet it’s narrower. The cover of Fred’s Big Feelings is also irrepressibly happy. It features Rogers in his trademark red sweater and blue shirt with umpteen hearts coming from his hands and his pockets.

The book offers a background primer for Fred Rogers, what shaped his childhood, his talents, education and his appearance before the United States Senate. As a story, it takes a huge segment of time and condenses it into a palatable, fun slice of American pop culture that anyone will be able to understand. The text is by Laura Renauld and she’s managed to take the television children’s programming legend and make his story educational and enjoyable for ages 4-10. The younger ages won’t be able to read the words and will require help turning the pages. However, they’ll be the closest to watching and remembering just how unique and special Rogers was.

The art by Brigette Barrager is perfectly paired with her work. Her earlier work that she did illustrations on, A Pocketfull of Colors, is a classic in our home library. That book manages to take an influential Disney artist, Mary Blair, and tell her story. Ironically, the iconic work from Blair and Fred Rogers existed in the same time period. Her art is emotive, detailed and dreamy, using a combination of sharp and blended colors to express the character’s emotions.

In Fred’s Big Feelings, Renauld and Barrager present a story that’s hopeful and optimistic. Much like the man and presenter, Rogers wanted kids to see life as a place where they’re loved, unique and awesome for whom they are.

Older readers, those who are around 9 or 10, will still enjoy the book for its content, especially the part where Rogers went to D.C. He was mad, but his presentation was calm, mannered and presented the way the ultimately won him his case. Ironically enough, this was a 20 million dollar request for PBS funding.    

Fred’s Big Feelings, The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers is a fabulous, heartwarming book that’ll stay in your home library long after your kids stop reading it. The colors, story and art make it a book that will still speak to those kids in the next generation.

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