Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood iPhone App

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is all set to debut in just a few days and PBSKids and the Fred Rogers Company have put together a new iPhone/iPad/iPod app just in time for the premiere.

For $1.99, your children get the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood app with four main sections (as described on the app itself)...

Doctor
Play Doctor Daniel with the instruments that doctors use. When children play about being the doctor, they're in charge. That can make it easier to manage when they have to be the patient.

Bedtime
Help Daniel get ready to sleep -- and your children can be thinking about their own bedtime routines and the things that help them at bedtime.

In Daniel's Bathroom
Wash, brush and flush with Daniel and play about the practice of bathroom routines.

Sticker Book
Children can have fun making up their own stories as they play with dozens of stickers Daniel's house and neighborhood.

My oldest daughter always enjoyed the Make a Journal app from a few years ago so I was eager to see what she and my younger daughter thought of this new one. So nevermind all of the professional reviews of the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood app that you'll read -- I'm going straight to the in-house representatives of the target audience.

Here's what they had to say when I asked them what their favorite part of the new app is...

4-year-old daughter:

"I like the stickers. And the bed part. The part where he goes to bed and the part where you can make his room."

2-year-old daughter:

"I give him a shot."

So there you have it. After helping put Daniel to bed, pretending to be a doctor, and flushing his toilet, my kids are sold.

I'd say this app is a hit and fully expect that Monday's debut of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood will be a hit with them as well!

Episode 0054 [1968]

Original Air Date: May 2, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a loaf of bread and mentions that Benjamin Franklin had very little money when he came to Philadelphia. Supposedly, Franklin used what little money he had to buy bread. Mister Rogers takes the bread to the kitchen where he slices it and makes makes toast. While he waits on the toaster, he sings You're Growing.

Scientist Alder stops by and explains how bread is changed by a toaster. Using a small burner, Scientist Alder also shows that metal is expanded by heat. He compares it to the way a balloon expands when inflated.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, X the Owl is printing announcements for the upcoming play. Since Benjamin Franklin was a printer, X is thrilled to be doing this as well. When he runs out of printing paper, Lady Aberlin visits the Museum-Go-Round to pick up some more for him. X the Owl invites Lady Aberlin to play the part of Mama Bear.

At the castle, Lady Aberlin asks King Friday is the play can be held in the castle's stage room. King Friday agrees to host the play only if the name is changed to King Friday, Goldilocks, Benjamin Franklin, and the Three Bears.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers cleans up the kitchen and find the balloon used by Scientist Alder.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0054 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Episode 0053 [1968]

Original Air Date: May 1, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a wig and glasses from the museum and puts them on to look like Benjamin Franklin. Reading from a book, he shares that Benjamin Franklin helped his father make candles when he was a boy.

With him, Mister Rogers has also brought a candle frame much like one that Benjamin Franklin may have used. He shows how the frame is used to string the wicks before they are dipped in candle wax. Picture Picture shares a film about how candles are made.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Corny has completed work on three rocking chairs to be used in the upcoming performance of The Three Bears. Eager to see the chairs, Handyman Negri takes each one from its box to admire Corny's work.

At the tree, Henrietta Pussycat wants to play the part of Goldilocks in the play and shares her frustration at X the Owl's suggestion that the role of Goldilocks be replaced by Benjamin Franklin. With Handyman Negri, they decide that the play will be called Goldilocks, Benjamin Franklin, and the Three Bears.

Back at the house, Mrs. Rubin stops by with a collection of wigs made by some young friends. After she and Mister Rogers try on several of the wigs, they are joined by three children from the Neighborhood who share wigs that they have made.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0053 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Vote Make-Believe

The polls will be open soon as election day is just around the corner. While most of the country (those who vote, at least) will cast their vote for Obama or Romney, I'm considering a third party candidate.

Interested in sharing your support for King Friday as you head to the polls? Pick up your own Friday/Saturday campaign shirt today!

NOTE: I am not really voting for King Friday nor do I support the idea of anyone else doing so. Secondly, the similarity between Mitt Romney's slogan and the one used on this design is not intended to mock or support Mr. Romney's presidential bid. Finally, this is all in fun. Please do no use this (or any) part of the Neighborhood Archive to engage in political debate.

Thanks.

Now go get your shirt.

Episode 0052 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 30, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a puzzle of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and one of the Three Bears. After putting together the Make-Believe puzzle, he sings What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel as he puts the pieces back in the Three Bears puzzle.

Mister Rogers visits Katie Lewin who is putting together a very complicated puzzle of an Italian mosaic table top. Ms. Lewin shares several of her other puzzles and describes who puzzles are made.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Handyman Negri and Daniel Striped Tiger talk about the Three Bears and decide to put on a Neighborhood play of the story. Daniel will play the part of Baby Bear and Handyman Negri will be Papa Bear; however, X the Owl agrees to be in the play only if he can be Benjamin Franklin. After X and Handyman Negri sing A Fine Feathered Friend, it is decided that the play will be called Benjamin Franklin and the Three Bears.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers looks at a book about Benjamin Franklin but cannot find anything in it about the Three Bears. Picture Picture is kind enough to share a few pictures of Benjamin Franklin.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0052 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Episode 0051 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 29, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with two teddy bears -- a mama bear and a baby bear. Putting on a hood with a pair of ears, Mister Rogers pretends to be the papa bear as he reads the story of The Three Bears.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Mime Walker has finished a performance at the castle and visits Daniel Striped Tiger. At Daniel's request, Mime Walker teaches him some basic mime techniques.

Visiting Grandpere at his trading tower, Mime Walker requests a copy of The Three Bears. Grandpere tells the story as Mime Walker performs the story as a mime.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings Les Trois Ours -- a song in French about the three bears -- before Hunkie Johnson stops by with Duke, his trained bear. They discuss being safe around wild bears before Mr. Johnson has Duke perform some basic tricks.

Mister Rogers concludes by singing Thank You For Today.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0051 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers and the Simpsons

Who knew Mister Rogers was on The Simpsons?

Sort of.

Read more on the Neighborhood Archive.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - The First Episode

Original Air Date: September 3, 2012

  

It's Daniel Tiger's birthday and he is excited for his party. He and his mom ride the Trolley to the Neighborhood bakery to pick out his cake. Katerina Kittycat and O the Owl join them along the way.

At Baker Aker's Bakery, Daniel make-believes that the goodies in the bakery are able to sing and dance. From O's book of party cakes, Daniel chooses a tiger cake.

As he helps decorate his cake with black and orange stripes, Daniel accidentally leaves a glop of icing on the tiger's head. His mother reminds him: "When something seems bad, turn it around, and find something good." Katerina helps Daniel to recognize that the glop can be made into a smile on the tiger's face.

Returning home, Daniel is disappointed to find that his cake has been smashed inside its box. His dad reminds him: "When something seems bad, turn it around, and find something good." Together, Daniel and his dad share a bite of cake as Daniel realizes that the cake still tastes good even if it's smashed.

The guests arrive for the birthday party and enjoy what is left of the tiger cake. Together, everyone sings a song about finding something positive in disappointing situations.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 101 of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Episode 0050 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 26, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a basket of fruit which he takes to the kitchen where he matches pieces that look the same. Looking at the differences between the different fruits, Mister Rogers sings Everybody's Fancy.

Mr. McFeely stops by with a battery operated steam shovel. He and Mister Rogers sit at the kitchen table and play with the steam shovel by picking up marbles from a plate. After Mr. McFeely leaves, Mister
Rogers continues playing with the steam shovel on the floor.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Belive, Grandpere has a machine that can provide any item for a person when they ask for it in French. Dr. Marchl asks for several pieces of fruit which are quickly provided by the machine.

At the tree, Henrietta Pussycat talks to Dr. Marchl about how she sometimes wishes she could play rough like boys do. X the Owl sings I'm Taking Care of You with Henrietta as he expresses his desire to take part in quieter activities like girls often do. Dr. Marchl assures them that their feelings are perfectly normal and okay.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings I'm Taking Care of You before he cleans up the kitchen.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0050 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Misterogers' NOM Puzzle-Toy

I stand by my assertion from last week that you start to find things when you aren't really looking. I recently came across another piece of Mister Rogers memorabilia that I've been looking for for quite some time -- the Misterogers' Neighborhood of Make-Belive Puzzle-Toy (as it's called on the side of the box). I had all but forgotten about it since there were several pictures of this set already on the Neighborhood Archive site contributed by various readers. But then there it was -- and for an awesome price, too!

The box is a little beat up with some minor stains and a small tear on the side -- but considering this was made in 1970, I'm okay with that. There aren't too many toys made of cardboard that have survived for 40+ years!

The bottom of the box details the contents of the set which includes seven of the major landmarks from the Neighbohrood of Make-Believe in addition to a fold-out poster.

Of course, there's also the expected corresondence with parents from Fred Rogers.

As for the contents of the box itself, I was very surprised to find that every last original piece was accounted for -- the full puzzle, seven stands, and even the poster.

Everything except the poster is in great condition and even it wasn't too bad. Just a few extra creases and a small tear on one side.

I guess the thing that surprised me most about this set is just how durable the pieces are! They're thick and heavy -- just right for being manhandled by a kid. Not like today's toys.

So how about the pieces themselves? Here's a closer look...

 

 

 

It's like I said...you never know what you'll find when you aren't looking...

Episode 0049 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 25, 1968

  

Mister Rogers has just had a milkshake at the Neighborhood drug store and arrives with an extra set of drinking straws. In the kitchen, he runs the sink full of water and adds some dish soap. Using his straws, Mister Rogers blows bubbles into the water before he sings Let's Be Together Today.

Mrs. Rubin stops by with a collection of paintings made with straws. She and Mister Rogers put paint on paper and create their own artwork by blowing through a straw.

A note from Lady Aberlin is delivered by the Trolley inviting viewers to the D Room of the castle for a surprise.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, everyone is gathered inside the castle where Paul Draper performs a tap dance routine. After dancing, Mr. Draper is introduced to the guests and talks about the importance of practice and dedication in order to succeed. Mr. Draper shows different ways he dances to express his feelings.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers sings Please Don't Think It's Funny as he enjoys a glass of milk and talks about feelings.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0049 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Speedy Delivery DVD Giveaway

NOTE: This giveaway has ended.

With less than two weeks until the premiere of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, how about another giveaway here on the Neighborhood Archive?

I've got an extra copy of Speedy Delivery -- the excellent documentary covering David Newell's career with the Neighborhood. I purchased this film when it was first released and a second copy was recently given to me. Of course, I don't need two copies so I'm more than happy to pass my extra copy along to someone else.

So what do you need to do to enter? Just drop me an email with the subject line "Speedy Delivery" (no message content necessary) and you'll be all set. I will accept entries up until 8am (CST) on Monday, September 3rd at which time a random winner will be selected with the help of random.org. The winner will be announced later that day. (September 3rd, of course, is the day we're all welcomed into Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood)

Want to do more? Help spread the word about the Neighborhood Archive! As I recently suggested, if you're on Facebook and/or Twitter (as most people are these days), please take a minute to share a link to the Neighborhood Archive. Now more than ever, with Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood knocking at our doorsteps, there is a large audience out there with Mister Rogers and his message on their mind. It's my hope that that audience will find the Neighborhood Archive!

Episode 0048 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 24, 1968

  

Mister Rogers invites viewers outside as he sings Won't You Be My Neighbor. On the porch, he has a dog -- a dachshund named Neddie -- that he is watching for Mr. McFeely. After feeding Neddie a snack, Mister Rogers takes her inside where he looks at a book about different kinds of dogs.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Chef Brockett passes through with a basket full of apples. After giving one to Daniel Striped Tiger, he sings I'm a Chef before leaving an apple at the Museum-Go-Round. At the tree, Chef Brockett gives small cups of apple sauce to X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat. After making an appointment with King Friday, Chef Brockett gives him a small bottle of apple juice.

Back at the house, Mr. McFeely stops by to pick up Neddie and shows Mister Rogers a French poodle named Roscoe. Chef Brockett arrives with the rest of his apples which he and Mister Rogers place into a large bowl of water. After bobbing for apples, they quietly enjoy a snack.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0048 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Episode 0047 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 23, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a book about fur, feathers, and hair which he shares with viewers. The book includes pictures of Henrietta Pussycat, X the Owl, and a group of people and talks about their differences. After reading the book, Mister Rogers sing I Like You As You Are.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Marion and Nicholas Petrov are inside the castle dancing for King Friday XIII. After dancing in dressed as Henrietta Pussycat and X the Owl, they also perform in traditional dance attire.

Back with Mister Rogers, Betty Aberlin stops by and borrows the Fur, Feathers, and Hair book to take to Make-Believe.

Returning to Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin shares the book with X and Henrietta before they sing A Fine Feathered Friend and the Petrovs dance by in their costumes.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0047 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Episode 0046 [1968]

Original Air Date: April 22, 1968

  

Mister Rogers does not change into his sweater and promptly leaves the house for the Neighborhood barbershop. Mr. Spampinato, the barber, cuts Mister Rogers' hair as they talk about how haircuts do not hurt. After metioning that everyone's hair is different, Mister Rogers sings Everybody's Fancy as Mr. Spampinato continues his haircut.

When Mr. Spampinato leaves for an appointment with Corny in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Mister Rogers shares a book with viewers which shows various items a person might find in a barbershop.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Bernie Jessol shows Daniel Striped Tiger some gymnastic moves before going to the Neighborhood barbershop for a haircut.

Meanwhile, Mr. Spampinato arrives at the factory where he gives Corny a haircut as they talk about many of the same topics discussed with Mister Rogers. At the castle, Mr. Spampinato inspects King Friday's hair and finds that it is "in very good condition."

Returning to the barbershop, Mr. Spampinato finds Mr. Jessol showing Mister Rogers a handstand on the barber's chair. After his haircut is finished, Mister Rogers returns to his house where he sits on the porch and sings I Like to Be Told.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0046 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.