Fred's Big Feelings and Patricia's Vision (Mini Review)

Series: N/A
# of Pages: 40
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication: January 14th 2020
Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book
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A picture book biography about Fred Rogers, the creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Fred Rogers was a quiet boy with big feelings. Sometimes, he felt scared or lonely; at other times, he was playful and joyous. But when Fred’s feelings felt too big, his Grandfather McFeely knew exactly what to say to make him feel better: I like you just the way you are. Fred grew up and created Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the television program that would go on to warm the hearts and homes of millions of Americans. But one day, the government threatened to cut funding for public television, including Fred’s show. So, Fred stepped off the set and into a hearing on Capitol Hill to make his feelings known.

This was such a phenomenal picture book about a man that definitely that impacted my childhood. I think that a lot people are coming out with various things that reflect the life of Mister Rogers; however, I often struggle with reading non-fiction so this was a great starter place for me as an adult. I learned a lot. I didn't even realize that Mister Rogers had a TV show in Canada before he piloted Mister Rogers Neighborhood. I also didn't know that he stood before congress and argued for funding to remain intact for public television. I also didn't realize that he purposely sought to take classes child development to better understand the developing emotions of children. Fred Rogers was a phenomenal man and this definitely provided a great insight to his life. I absolutely loved the artwork in this picture book. The colors were so rich and beautifully utilized to reflect the joy that people often receive from watching Mister Rogers. One of the most unique elements was the use of dotted lines and hearts to exhibit the love and joy that came from Fred Rogers. It truly warmed my heart to see such a brilliant element added to the artwork. There were beautiful pictures of Fred, children enjoying Fred, and characters from the TV show. Overall, this was beautifully drawn and written picture of the life and legacy of Fred Rogers.  Series: N/A # of Pages: 48 Publisher: Sterling Children's Books Publication: January 7th, 2020  Source: Library Copy  Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book  Goodreads | Amazon  The inspiring story of Dr. Patricia Bath, a groundbreaking ophthalmologist who pioneered laser surgery—and gave her patients the gift of sight. Born in the 1940s, Patricia Bath dreamed of being an ophthalmologist at a time when becoming a doctor wasn’t a career option for most women—especially African-American women. This empowering biography follows Dr. Bath in her quest to save and restore sight to the blind, and her decision to “choose miracles” when everyone else had given up hope. Along the way, she cofounded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, invented a specialized laser for removing cataracts, and became the first African-American woman doctor to receive a medical patent. Whewwwww! Ya'll this one was definitely a good one for Black History Month. I honestly didn't know anything about Patricia until I read this book and I'm so glad that I did. She was such an AMAZING individual and I learned so much about her fight to become an ophthalmologist. She NEVER let anyone deter her from following her dreams. It was so inspiring to read her story especially when I learned how much she did for communities. What I'm beginning to love about publishing companies that specifically publish picture books is that they are set on releasing books non-fiction black narratives that do not focus on the "popular" names that we're used to seeing (i.e. Martin Luther King, Jr.). Understandably, these stories are important; however, I do believe that different voices deserve the opportunity to be heard. The artwork was also amazing. Every single panel including a quote from Patricia. They were absolutely beautiful and were quotes that could definitely be applicable to your every day life.