School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-This collection includes new interpretations of 13 songs originally performed by Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) on his popular PBS program. A variety of musical celebrities offered their talents for this production. While the pieces still express the same familiar, positive messages for children, most have been re-worked, are performed in a variety of musical styles, and may sound unfamiliar to those who have heard the original songs. "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" is performed twice, once by Jon Secada and later by Roberta Flack. Donna Summers offers a hip-hop version of "Are You Brave?," while Ricky Skaggs provides a bluegrass remake of "Let's Think of Something to Do While We're Waiting." Other contributors to the collection include Amy Grant who performs "It's You I Like" and CeCe Winans who offers her rendition of "Then Your Heart Is Full of Love." In addition, Maureen McGovern performs "This Is Just the Day" and Crystal Gayle sings "Did You Know?" The set concludes with an ensemble production of "Thank You for Being You." A bonus DVD is included which offers a "behind-the-scenes" look at the making of the CD, including interviews with the performers. This collection will be a hit with fans of Mr. Rogers and his classic TV program and will be a popular addition for public libraries.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
As children and fans of all ages know, the late Fred Rogers's legacy lives on, most recognizably in repeats of his beloved PBS children's program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Now comes this recording on which a number of country and pop artists pay tribute to everyone's favorite neighbor by giving a new twist to some of his most popular songs. Amy Grant lends smooth vocals and a reassuring tone to "It's You I Like," while Jon Secada turns in a velvety and upbeat R&B-flavored "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" (and Roberta Flack performs a ballad version of the same song). Maureen McGovern's voice soars on a jazzy rendition of "This Is Just the Day" and former disco diva Donna Summer tries a different musical approach with the inspirational introduction to "Are You Brave?" then kicks into gear with a more hip-hop beat for the rest of the song. The entire ensemble joins voices on "Thank You for Being You," to round out the proceedings. Those who grew up with Rogers's neighborhood will be most fond of the concept's novelty and the quality orchestral treatment here, and a new generation of youngsters may just see the show with new eyes after hearing these original arrangements. All ages. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
