Back in 2018, I wrote about my experience of seeing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”, the documentary about Mister Rogers. The film, which has a 98% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, was phenomenal.
I also wrote:
To say he was one of the kindest, gentlest men I have ever seen would be an understatement.
I also noted that I was strongly considering buying a cardigan (or two) to wear whenever I taught as a tribute to Mister Rogers, and to remind me of what kind of teacher and person he was. My wife/Santa brought me two cardigan sweaters the next Christmas, and I’ve worn them proudly on many of the days that I’ve taught. The students got to know those sweaters pretty well.
Instead of wanting to be like Mike, I wanted to be like Fred, and dressing like him was part of the process.
Today, thanks to fellow accounting educator and Internet curator extraordinaire, Bob Jensen, I have more guidance as to how to be like Fred (beyond the obvious things like being kind and respectful).
Bob posted a link to a story from Open Culture that provided a list of Mr. Rogers 10 favorite books. The list was put together in response to a request Mr. Rogers had received from someone who was putting together a book that would be a compilation of the favorite books of famous people.
Here is Mr. Rogers response to that request, including the list of his favorite books:
I must admit I have not read any of the books on the list, at least cover to cover.
Sure I’ve read many passages from the Bible, and I’m familiar with many of the works of Shakespeare, and I’m sure I’ve read many poems by Robert Frost. But the other ones, I’ve never really heard of.
It’s an interesting list, and provides some further insight into the kind of person Fred was, as does the language of the letter itself.
So I guess if I want to be like Fred, it looks like I’ve got some serious reading to do.
I’m curious if anyone is familiar with any of the books listed 1-6; is there one you might recommend I get started with?
I can’t help with any review of the 1 – 6 items on the list, but I am surprised you glossed over the fact that “The Vegetarian Times” made the list. He is iconic as a personality, and beloved as a person. A fine choice to emulate in our own lives. Great post!
LikeLike
thanks, Brad. I did notice the Vegetarian cookbook, so it seems like I’ve kind of got that in common with him!
LikeLike
The Little Prince has been translated from the original French, Jim, and is a delightful and very famous story for children. The Secret Garden is my favourite children’s classic of all times, filled with mystery and delight, it is also a favourite of my son, Gregory’s. They are both children’s books. I don’t know the others.
LikeLike
thanks for the recommendations, Robbie. Have a great weekend!
LikeLike
You too, Jim.
LikeLike
The Secret Garden is a must read for anybody of any age. I still quote from it today. Once you read it, I’ll share my favourite quote with you.
LikeLike
thanks for the recommendation, Shelley! I’ll be sure to follow-up…
LikeLike
Omg you have to read The Little Prince it’s one of my favourite books!
LikeLike
thanks, Pooja! I look forward to it.
LikeLike
You’ll love it!
LikeLike
I’ve read Le Petit Prince, it’s excellent and worth reading. I compiled a list of my top ten recipe books for a publication on the top 100 recipe books. It was difficult to do. I wonder if he found his list difficult as well?
LikeLike
thanks for the suggestion, Tandy. I’m sure it is hard to narrow down to a list to just 10 items when you are talking about something you are passionate about. Any vegan recipe books in your top 10?
LikeLike
No, as I hadn’t read any then. But I love Bosh! And ref to their books often
LikeLike
thanks for letting me know about Bosh!
LikeLike
The Little Prince is a good read. I highly suggest that you do give it a look
LikeLike
thanks for the recommendation, jomz!
LikeLike
the little prince. i’ve also read and enjoyed the secret garden, but the little prince is a powerful little book.
LikeLike
several people have now recommended the little price; I guess I’ll add it to my reading list!
LikeLike
I really think you’ll enjoy it
LikeLike
I’ll let you know…
LikeLike
I read The Secret Garden in grade school. It was a great read
then. I don’t recall much about it other than it held my interest and there was a mystery.
LikeLike
now you’ve got me intrigued… looks like I need to catch up on some childhood reading I should have done…
LikeLike
I got nothing to recommend. Never read or heard about the book before or the man you mention. But thanks for sharing, it’s a simple post but somehow calm. Anything book related calms me 😄
LikeLike
I just assumed everyone has heard of Fred Rogers; he was the host of a children’s TV program. If you get a chance, I’d recommend the documentary!
LikeLike
Thanks Jim. 😄 I’ll look it up.
When was he a children tv host and where? Another reason why I never of him probably is because I was born mid-80s and I never even seen a TV before I was 12. 😂 And I grew up in the Philippines. They rarely show American programs in local channels back then…
LikeLike
here’s some info about Mr. Rogers:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Rogers
LikeLike
Oh that’s some famous sweater! Haha 😀 Thanks for the link.
LikeLike