The World According to Mister Rogers - Important Things to Remember

Recently was in the hospital where they had a book similar to this. I’m only giving 4/5 because it isn’t the exact book I wanted though it’s the same title.
Great quotes and fun to read. Small little book full of goodness. I wish there was a book with ALL his quotes in 1 instead of 3 or more.

The World According to Mister Rogers is a delightful book on how to live out our lives caring more for others than ourselves. Although it is not a Christian book, the author incorporates many Biblical principles. The book was described by the store as new, however, the book jacket was slightly soiled. Interior was fine. Contents excellent for young people and young adults, but actually appropriate for all ages. I wonder what our world would be like if we all abided by these principles. I sent a copy of it to a young couple who had just married and suggested that they read it together and discuss it and how it relates to their faith and their relationship to each other.

I discovered this book in my college library, at Rollins College and began reading it, because I grew up watching Neighborhood. I was pleasantly surprised to find Fred Rogers attended Rollins for his undergrad. A fine school and a fine man. The quotes still cheer me up, often, although it's a fast read.

Excellent gift for the hard-to-shop for kids born in the late 80s.

There are many new programs, books, websites, blogs, etc. that have the "self-help" theme to them. I consider Fred Rogers to be a pioneer of this genre. Whenever my wife or I am having a rough day, I open this book, and read some of the passages. It is always good advice and insight, and I always end up feeling better. In this crazy world we live in today it is always good to look for the helpers.

As the mother of 4 adult children and the grandmother of 8 (soon 9) grandchildren, I found this book delightful and filled with wonderful advice. I purchased a book for each of my children. Our two daughters and one daughter-in-law are teachers. Mr. Rogers' advice may be helpful in dealing with their young students. Our children grew up watching Mr. Rogers. This book will revive memories of their childhood while providing gentle parenting advice.

Warning: Don't buy this book if you're expecting full pages of text. Bits of Fred Rogers' uplifting wisdom are presented in big type surrounded by lots of white space. It's a pamphlet dressed up as a book.
However, if you'd like to meet Mister Rogers again -- or for the first time -- it's a handsome little introduction.

I first saw this book a couple of years ago during a random Barnes and Noble trip with my husband and daughter. As soon as I spotted it laying on one of those round tables right next to the entrance, I knew I had to have it. I watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood often growing up. I can't say that I was a huge fan of it back then (though I did enjoy it) but it was on constant rotation at my grandparents' house. I'm thankful that they made me watch it back then because it opened up a world of kindness, creativity, and love for me. Something I was in desperate need of at a young age.

Though I had a rough upbringining, I like to think that I grew up to be a kind, intelligent adult that truly cares about other people and their circumstances. Sometimes too much as I find myself empathic and feeling too much of the emotions around me. As an adult I do have issues with things like anxiety and depression but it's because of things like this that Mister Rogers means so much to me. It's refreshing to have a show, and a person, that is truly beautiful and made a difference in every life that he touched. As a parent now, it makes me happy to know that I can introduce my children to such a true human being (and thankfully even more now with Daniel Tiger!) and show them a good example of kindness and how much it really means to people and their lives.

One of my favorite takeaways from Mister Rogers, and this book, is: "I like you just the way you are". I even teared up while reading through some of these pages because it's just a powerful message to children, to anyone, that they are liked, loved, and accepted exactly for who they are. It's definitely a message I needed as a child and I love that his words continue to make a mark on the world.

Rating: 5 Stars

I thought there would be more than snippets of thoughts from his years on TV. I was hoping for more narrative and a deeper insight into some of Fred Rogers' shortcomings as a person. Maybe I didn't read the product description very closely. This book, though with some golden moments, largely just added to Fred Rogers' public image.

This is a review of the Audible audiobook. First, full disclosure: Lifelong fan of Mr. Rogers. Saw the recent film, absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the introduction of this book, recorded by Mrs. Rogers. I know that when possible, Mr. Rogers' own voice recordings were used and in other instances it just wasn't possible to do so, and his writings were read aloud by actors and actresses.

I found it difficult to get into the recordings, especially those by Ms. Tomlin. This isn't a criticism of her specifically, but I did not always agree with the inflection she placed on Mr. Rogers' writings. Sometimes it seemed as though she used a sarcastic tone, and I felt this just wasn't a good fit for how Mr. Rogers communicated.

The messages in the book are worthwhile and valid. Mr. Rogers' words, spoken by other people in this way, fell short of my expectations. You may feel differently and I recommend you give it a go, if for nothing else, Mrs. Rogers' delightful introduction.

I so love this book. What a remarkable man. This book will make you smile all the way through, good points to remember.I grew up watching his show as did my daughter, and my grand kids now watch the cartoon of his show. Too bad they didn't just keep showing the original show in re-runs with him. He may be the most beloved neighbor in the world.

Heard THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MR. ROGERS by

Fred Rogers . . . this is a touching compilation of stories, anecdotes

and insights read by Tyne Daly, John Lithgow, Lily Tomlin, and

Andre Watts.

Even if you weren't a fan of his famous TV show for kids, you'll

become a fan after listening to this CD . . . the same applies

to those not at all familiar with his work; you'll want to learn more.

I particularly liked the introduction from his wife, Joanne Rogers,

and actual recordings of speeches that he made . . . there's even

music from the show.

There were many worthwhile tidbits; among them:

There's not anybody you couldn't love if you knew their story.

I believe it is a fact of life that what we have is less important than

what we make of what we have.

The same holds true for families. It's not how many people there

are in a family that counts, but rather the feelings among the

people who are there.

When we love a person, we accept the person exactly as he or she is.

The real issue is not how many blessings we have in life, but what

we do with our blessings.

You don't have to do anything sensational for people to love you.

And this one, which was perhaps my favorite:

If the day ever came when we are able to accept ourselves and

our children exactly as we and they are, then I believe we would

have come very close to an ultimate understanding of what good

parenting means.

Those of us who grew up with Mister Rogers will never forget him. He never talked down to us. He instead chose to speak to us as equals. He wasn't trying to sell us anything, make us "feel cool," or make us part of an "exclusive club." He told us always to remember: "I like you just the way you are." He was arguably the healthiest cult of personality ever produced by mass media.

This tiny book distills some of the wisdom that Fred Rogers shared with our now aging generation. As we grow up and social pressures have us fighting for prestige, fame, power, money, or imagined immortality, the simple stories, aphorisms and song lyrics in this tiny book can help remind us what's really important in life. Adults need this as much as kids. And like Rogers' television show, this book is never condescending, shallow, or cheesy. It contains nothing more than simple and concentrated wisdom.

Fred Rogers dedicated his life, and his unique ministry, to showing us that we're all neighbors. As the introduction by his wife Joanne shows, this attitude seeped into Rogers' private life: "He worked so hard at being other-oriented (not self-centered) that he'd often express himself by using the first person plural." His 1999 acceptance speech for the Television Hall of Fame, also included here, avoided all self-congratulation and instead urged us that "...we have the choice of encouraging others to demean this life or to cherish it in creative, imaginary ways."

Fred was a good neighbor.

Many of us watched Mister Rogers as children, or as the parents of children. Like the human characters on Sesame Street, he was a real person. We related to him as if he lived next door. He spent his career asking us not only to be our neighbor, but also to love our neighbor as ourselves. He continues that great message here.

In "The World According to Mister Rogers," we are treated to his quotes and sayings, and lyrics of his songs. Like Robert Fulghum's famous book about what he learned in kindergarten, Rogers' book could be considered those lessons in their original form. With an audience that is very young, his messages had to be concise. They are as succinct here, and usually only a few lines long. This makes Rogers' the master, and Fulghum the follower, and it shows.

Your young son or daughter won't read this, you will. When you do, you'll be reminded of some great values and ideals you will want to teach them. Sure, Mister Rogers repeats his ideas throughout the book, but there is something to be said about saying the right thing often.

As a long winter read, try Tolstoy, but for an entertaining yet pithy collection of reflections worth knowing, "The World According to Mister Rogers" is the book to buy.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

This has to be one of the most beautiful and inspiring books that I have ever read. A gentle and beautiful soul, Fred Rogers lived what he taught not only to the children, but also to the entire world. This book will warm your heart as well as your soul and many of his heart-felt quotes will want to be written down and referred to often! An incredible legacy is left behind, yet those whose hearts he touched personally will be forever changed.
Fred Rogers was indeed in incredible role model for our children, teaching acceptance, love, value and worthiness. His words, so lovingly compiled by his wife, are a treasure to us all now and one cannot help but have tears spring to one's eyes by the sheer simple beauty of his sayings.
His love, acceptance, and compassion are true jewels in these turbulent times that we find ourselves living in. His grace is missed, but his spirit lives on.
An amazing gift for anyone at anytime - special occasions are not needed here!!!
This is a ten star in my library! Just amazing and beautiful!

Although I haven't received my copy of this book yet, I read it when I was in a waiting room, waiting for an appointment. For those of us whose children grew up with Mr. Rogers, or who grew up with him ourselves, the book is delightful. His tender wisdom and gentle manner comes through so powerfully. Although it's kind of a children's book, I'm getting it as a gift for an adult who always loved Mr. Rogers. Sometimes something is just right as a gift, and I knew this book would be one of those things. I expect the book to arrive this week.

I purchased the hardcover version of this book after reading a an empowering quote that someone left me, credited to Mr. Rogers.

It was enough to get me to actively seek and purchase it, with no disappointment after it was in my hands.

The book consists of quotes, categorized in sections anywhere from being neighborly, to the challenges of inner discipline, to understanding love, and the courage to be yourself.

It's words are soft like a big hug...and so serene...the reminders included in this book are gentle, and yet contain so much power.

On fond memories of observing his character during my childhood days of watching the TV show, looking at, and even owning this book is a positive 'trigger', and brings warmth and a smile to look at and hold.

The price of the book was a hurdle for me. Normally books of this nature don't run me as much as this one did, however, the aura about it and the feeling I get when I see it on my desk is was well worth getting over the cost for.

When I sat down with this book I intended to give it a quick read and set it aside. And then I read it a second time and TOOK NOTES because I found so many pieces and parts of the book inspiring and eye-opening and comforting.

For instance, Mr. Rogers says that when he was a boy and there were tragedies in the news, his mom would tell him, "look for the helpers; look for the people who are helping others." That shifted his perspective and helped assuage some of his fears.

Another treasure is the introduction by Mrs. Rogers (Joanne) who states, "The person Fred became in his later years came out of growth and struggle. As he got older, it seemed as if the nurturing of his soul and mind became more and more important...Discipline was his very strong suit."

And in another part of the intro she states that if she were to isolate a single thing that changed Fred's life more than anything else, it was a statement made by Dr. Margaret McFarland, a mentor and teacher. "She let him know it was okay to be sensitive."

Reading that was a comfort, since most of us "sensitive souls" are repeatedly admonished to "stop being so sensitive," and yet it is that very sensitivity that should be nurtured and developed in artists and writers.

Several months ago, I made extensive notes of this book and re-read them each morning as part of my daily mediations. That's how much I loved "The World According to Mister Rogers."

It's a well-written, easy-to-read book that leaves a lasting impression.

If ever there was a man in contemporary America who should serve as a wonderful role model, it was the late Fred Rogers. Using love and compassion as a flag for his humanitarian endeavors on public television and elsewhere, Fred Rogers became a symbol of all that is best and right with this country. I first became hooked on him as my then toddling daughter watched him every evening on public television, and while he was hardly either macho or particularly masculine, there was an undoubtedly appealing aspect to his persona that literally would warm the room. Here we have a selection of essays from Rogers that illustrate his deep philosophical concern for children as well as his abiding human compassion for others, something in seeming short supply today. Preaching a Christian cant of charity and tolerance, he continually lit a veritable beacon of positive examples through his words as well as in his life.
The selection gathered here range from his acceptance speech when inducted into the Television Hall Of Fame discussing having the courage to be an individual to various songs on his program, and an abiding message of love, the value of learning, and the desperate need to center our society around the enduring needs of children. I remember being moved each time he would gaze into the camera and seemingly tell my entranced toddler that he was proud of her, that she was special, and that to be herself was okay. She didn't have to be first, or to do anything other than to be whoever she was. His program format as being your neighbor worked magic, and tended to calm down my daughter as she watched his program and giggled at many of the hilarious antics of the puppets. But Rogers delivered some important messages to our children, and it is no mistake his programs run still, as I am sure they will forever.
His writing style is straightforward and direct, written in simple language that even younger children will comprehend. But this is not to suggest the book is meant for children. Rather it is meant for the rest of us, dazzled as we are by his daring to be himself, and to leave behind such memorable treasures, as are these essays and other works he wrote along the way. For whether he is counseling children as to how the attack on the world trade center was a result of people being so angry they didn't know what else to do with it, or counseling us as to how to express our pent-up love, caring, and compassion, Fred Rogers was a remarkable human being, and one many of us can profit by reading and heeding. Enjoy!

I had the pleasure of growing up with Mr. Rogers and was fortunate enough to share the experience with my daughters. He was a gifted and giving man and a true role model for all to follow. I have dog-eared the pages with the quotes and comments I enjoyed the most. And there were many. Who would have thought that this rebel teen would have found such a role model in Fred Rogers? His book made me remember being young and in the company of those who loved me that are now gone. Thank you Mr. Rogers and to Joanne, his wife, for seeing that this gift was put to print.

This was a beautiful gift from one of my daughters. If you ever watched Mister Rogers and sensed his honesty and integrity and his open heart you will love this book. It is a collection of thoughts and ideas that Fred Rogers felt were important to know and remember in order to raise children to grow up into caring, responsible adults who will pass on those same traits to their children. It is a pure delight to read. It is encouraging, supportive and insightful. It is heartwarming and down to earth.
I n a world that at times seems to be full of gray areas Fred Rogers writes- "It's not the honors and the prizes and the fancy outside of life that ultimately nourish our souls. It's the knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is firm."
His observation about the scarey realities of life, particularly since September 11th, seem truly timeless. He wrote- "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me. "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day especially in times of "disaster", I remember my mother's words., and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world."
How appropriate in this new awareness of the world we live in.
That this was a gift from my daughter made it all the more wonderful and one of those rare "signs" a parent gets that all the hard work was very much worth it!!

Favorite Quotes:

"What matters isn't how a person's inner
life finally puts together the alphabet and numbers of his outerlife.
What really matters is whether he uses the alphabet for the
declaration of a war or the description of a sunrise---his numbers
for the final count at Buchenwald or the specifics of a brand-new bridge."

"Love is like infinity. You can't have more or less infinity, and you
can't compare two things to see if they're 'equally infinite.'
Infinity just is, and that's the way I think love is, too."

"I hope you're proud of yourself for the times you've said 'yes,'
when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful
only to somebody else."

"A high school student wrote to ask, 'What was
the greatest event in American history?'
I can't say. However, I suspect that
like so many 'great' events, it was something very
simple and very quiet with little or no fanfare...."

"One of my wise teachers, Dr. William F. Orr, told me,
'There is only one thing evil cannot stand and that is forgiveness.'"

This is a very thoughtful book that includes the wit and wisdom of Mr. Rogers, in an easy-to-read format that is both interesting and educational. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't know who Mr. Rogers is. Like virtually all American Children of the '80s & '90s I grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Of course I didn't know it then, but looking back, Mr. Rogers was a very unique person. Mr. Rogers was perhaps the only man in modern pop-culture who was able to speak to kids in such an honest and intelligent way. Mr. Rogers taught me the importance of compassion and the importance of never taking anyone (or anything) for granted. I recommend this book to anyone with a heart and a mind.

Like many adults, i grew up on Mr. Rogers and remember his TV shows and characters. This book is aptly subtitled- "important things to remember" and is a great collection of stories, anecdotes and thoughts on topics that matter like Love, relationships, individuals, respect and honesty. It help us remember what its like to be a good neighbor.
There is a foreword written by his wife which is very touching and the book is easy to read--each short anedote/saying is printed on a separate page. It would be a good idea to read a page a day and use that as the basis for "a thought for the day."
This book would make an ideal present for the coming holidays, especially for kids and for those who grew up with Mr. Rogers and didn't we all??

Mister Rogers was a regular part of my life as a child. I remember sitting in front of the TV everyday. Singing his "It's such a good feeling..." song along with him. His gentle nature and optimistic look on life rubbed off on me.
Today, as I travel the country presenting workshops and seminars on the power of being positively passionate and defeating the ill effects of negativity, I think Mr. Rogers' words echo within.
This book captures the essence of Mr. Rogers' work. Read it and reflect on his simple truths and powerful philosophies. I've already purchased several copies of this book as gifts to others.
Mr. Rogers lives in every person who searches for the good in things and strives to make the world a better place!

I bought this book on a total whim -- I think I needed to add something for free shipping. :) It is a collection of inspirational words and a few stories on everything in life. It sits on my desk, and I have a habit of reading one page at the end of each day. Fred Rogers' amazing, loving wisdom shines through on every single item. He has something helpful to say about a wide range of topics. This is a great gift for almost anyone, including yourself.

My apologies to the publisher, but let me share one quote from the book:

I hope you're proud of yourself for the times you've said "yes," when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to somebody else.
-- Mister Rogers, "The World According to Mister Rogers, Important Things to Remember"

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me a better insight into the man that I used to watch as a child on television and his destined path from a shy puppeteer and musician to ministering in front of the camera to millions of children. His quotes were very thought out and important to Fred and he had plenty of them! I would say that Fred dedicated his life to being sensitive to his listening audience's ears and really saw that his creative spirit allowed him to send a positive message about neighborhoods and being a good neighbor.

When you read this heart-warming book, you feel the compassion and wisdom of a rare soul. Mr. Rogers is a wonderful book, and a great read when you need to find comfort. This book joins my favorite, Optimal Thinking-How To Be Your Best Self which taught me how to overcome self-sabotage, deal with painful feelings correctly and make the most of every situation. With the comfort and insight gained from these books, I can say this is still a beautiful world.

Books do not have to be voluminous in leaf count, or dense in discourse to be rich in wisdom. Many of the generation I raised and hence forth were plopped in front of the television set, to watch shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers neighborhood. What were these kids really absorbing? Well this post humanist book, is a tribute to the values of Fred Rogers, which if you listen to your grown children and `don't ignore what you hear', you may hear what you already know but may have lost track of.

Again my son Jack gave me this book as well, as we cultivate a new chapter in our lives. I am grateful to find wisdom and wit in Jack's humor. Both my sons and I now share books and value the conversations they generate. Most of all the values instilled upon Jack are already flourishing as a young adult. Apparently some of the `shit I said' resonated with the message of his world around him. I have to say, I too enjoyed sitting in front of Mr. Rogers neighborhood with my kids when I could.

Below are some of his worthwhile values to remember.

If you think you are small and insignificant then you have obviously never slept in the same room as a mosquito.

The list is longer please keyword cigarroomofbooks. Better yet, read the book...its short. Share your favorites.

The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start

I love Mister Rogers' writing style; his straightforwardness which was also gentle. This book is written in the simple language that he's known for -- even younger children will understand. Read it to yourself and dare, as he did, to be yourself. Read it to your children to encourage them in the "important things to remember" in life.

... because I cried several times while reading this delightful little book, just because I still miss him. It seems odd, on one level, to grieve the death of a man I never met, and yet, on another level, he made viewers feel as if he personally cared about their needs. The book does the same thing. Also, the forward by his wife is lovely, and so informative. I enjoyed reading that he was *her* icon long before anyone else's! This is a pearl of a book from a man with a heart of gold.

This made me miss Mr. Rogers. I grew up watching him every day -- and was sad on weekends when he wasn't on -- and think of him often. I hope my kids find someone whom they identify with as much as I identified with him. This is a great, beautiful collection of thoughts.

How exciting that something so wholesome, a book that all the family can read and enjoy, is doing well! Some people bemoan the loss of values in the USA today - the success of this book shows that there are countless readers out there proving them wrong. 4 cheers for family reading! Give your grandmother this book for Christmas! Read it with your children! Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)

If you are looking for a good book to cheer someone up or for a graduate or other celebrant in need of some good, but simple advice then this is a great choice. There's some great advice inside, all told in Mister Rogers's simple, familiar style.
Be warned that the book is small, and fairly light on text. It is arranged with one quote for page, and most of the pages have a little bit of text and a whole lot of blank space. I read the entire book in about an hour before going to bed. I borrowed it from the library, and copied down a few quotes that I found particularly helpful, but otherwise I didn't feel the need to own this book.

This is one of those books you must keep on your bookshelf to randomly read every now and then. It reminds you to have courage in yourself, understand about love, having a good sense of inner discipline and realizing that we are all worldwide neighbors and human beings. One of the last lines I underlined is so imperative in today's world: 'We all can minister to others in this world by being compassionate and caring'.

As a child of the 70's having grown up with Mister Rogers, I've found myself reading quotes composed by him in The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember (2003). While I remeber watching and loving Mister Rogers, in my adulthood and subsequent lost childhood, I didn't realize how wise he truly was.

I originally got this book from my local public library. It is so good that I purchased five copies from the store.com to give as gifts for teachers and special education teachers. This book is a nice example of using well chosen, thoughtful words that result in many positive messages. Enjoy!

Not that the shelves of management, leadership and customer service books I've acquired haven't been helpful, but what success comes down to is love. Whether you're talking about your career, position, customers or co-workers (employees and bosses included), you have to show the love. Whenever I get a compliment on how I lead or care for my customers, it' all thanks to one of the greatest influences in my life, Mr. (Fred) Rogers.

When I was seven years old, I got hooked on Mr. Rogers and watched him regularly. I learned a lot of my basic good values from him. The book is full of memories, and there are lyrics of great songs. This is a book for everyone. As other reviewers, I also suggest Optimal Thinking: How To Be Your Self which shows you how every situation as an opportunity to be your best and how to make the most of every situation by putting your best self in charge.

Not what I expected. I thought there would be more "thoughtfulness" from Mister Rogers, but what it turned out to be were his individual thoughts, sometimes one line, on a single page. Seems wasteful, if you ask me. I wonder if Mister Rogers would have approved the waste of paper?

This is an awesome book, one to have ready to read and re-read or to give as a meaningful gift. Many insights and words to live by. It will lift your spirits and give you an encouraging message for your day.

A nice little book full of simple, innocuous sayings displaying a keen grasp of the obvious. But by and large, I didn't find anything that really grabbed me, anything that made me think "Wow!" I did find one or two exceptions to this. Rogers writes:

"Sometimes, though, I wonder if we confuse strength with other words - like aggression, and even violence."

I wonder what Mister Rogers would have made of politicians defining "strength" as "support for war."