The Good Neighbor

The Life and Work of Fred Rogers

By: Maxwell King

Narrated by: LeVar Burton

Length: 14 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Fred Rogers (1928-2003) was an enormously influential figure in the history of television and in the lives of tens of millions of children. As the creator and star of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he was a champion of compassion, equality, and kindness. Rogers was fiercely devoted to children and to taking their fears, concerns, and questions about the world seriously.

The Good Neighbor, the first full-length biography of Fred Rogers, tells the story of this utterly unique and enduring American icon. Drawing on original interviews, oral histories, and archival documents, Maxwell King traces Rogers’s personal, professional, and artistic life through decades of work, including a surprising decision to walk away from the show to make television for adults, only to return to the neighborhood with increasingly sophisticated episodes, written in collaboration with experts on childhood development. An engaging story, rich in detail, The Good Neighbor is the definitive portrait of a beloved figure, cherished by multiple generations.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2018 Maxwell King (P)2018 Oasis Audio

Critic reviews

"[Narrator LeVar] Burton joyfully offers rich glimpses of a man whose greatest concern was ensuring that all those he encountered knew they were important and valued. Enhanced by Burton's excellent narration, this exceptional audiobook honoring Fred Rogers is sure to encourage each listener to be a good neighbor." (AudioFile)

Comprehensive biography of Fred Rogers!

Very detailed and comprehensive biography of Fred Rogers; including his childhood, upbringing, education, and influences which led to the remarkable man and childhood educator and cultural icon he became as Mister Rogers. This is beautifully narrated by LeVar Burton of Reading Rainbow (and Star Trek) fame. I cannot imagine a better choice of narrator. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having met Fred Rogers at WQED when volunteering there in the 70's and 80's, I will echo what many others have stated. Fred Rogers was exactly the same person in real life as he was on TV. So glad to have met everyone's favorite neighbor. Enjoy the book!

What a gift!

Having grown up in Pittsburgh, I have always admired Fred Rogers. I enjoyed immensely hearing about his early life which I knew little about. His life brought me back home and reinforced all the values i reaped from growing up there.
This work is a treasure. A must listen.

A New Understand of Fred Rogers

Very inspiring and eye opening account of the real man behind the persona of Mr Rogers, and the revelation that they are one and the same.

Inspirational

My boys grew up with Mr. Rogers and I didn't see him then as I do today in my maturity. It would behoove us all to follow his way in raising our children and simultaneously and inadvertently reflecting that wonderment for life and unconditional compassion and understanding for others onto us, the parents. What an authentic, beautiful man of truth he was and generous to all who was willing to accept.
I appreciated the narration for I sensed the warmth and endearment throughout the story.

What a great book to look into the life Mr. Roger

Great biography, it is highly recommend to see how Fred Rogers worked to make and live his life.

Inspiring man, devoted public servant

I enjoyed learning about the life and work of Fred Rogers. I reminisced from my childhood and was fascinated at all that was important to Mr. Rogers. Story was a little slow, reading it at 1.5 helped. Overall, inspiring. One of those feel good books that makes you want to be a little better.

Great hero

I enjoyed it very much! At first glance I did not think that the life of Fred Rogers would be very interesting, but I was wrong!
Despite being born into wealth and being poisoned by greed his family was able to incorporate wealth into a healthy lifestyle.
He found peace in his faith in Jesus and found both a calling and a lifelong work.
From his faith and family he learned the beauty of kindness to all but he grew up to laser focus in on being kind to young children.
Instead of using children as an easy mark to be exploited by corporate society he created a beautiful neighborhood and invited children.to join him and be his neighbor!
Levan Burton was an excellent narrator with a gentle, kind and easy flowing voice!

Very informative

I loved listening to this. I learned so much about Mr. Roger's that I never knew. I highly recommend listening to this if you're a fan or grew up with Mr. Roger's.

Subtle but Powerful

After finishing Mr. Roger’s biography on my 52nd birthday, I appreciate the subtle but powerful influence Mr. Rogers had on my life to become holistically healthy and caring I am still becoming.

Thank you to the Roger’s family for allowing someone to tell he story of hard work and struggle for him to emulate Kelly Sparks’ Four Rules of Life:
1) Love God with all your heart
2) Love your neighbor as your self.
3) Be your best. Do your best.
4) If you die, your are grounded.
Mr. Rogers was working and caring all the way to the end.

Appreciate the reading of the book by a trusted friendly voice from the PBS family reading another great book with the sensitivity, expression, and apparent admiration. Thank you LeVar Burton for carrying on the torch of children’s education through the television media that Fred Rogers pioneered.

I am genuinely a product of Fred Roger’s influential work in the 1970’s and am part of his legacy. Thank you all who put this book together. I am better for having listened to it.

Just perfect.

So warm, informative, and well performed. Such a tribute and a joy. I highly recommend!