Matthew Cordell

Author and Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell is known for putting his heart into every word and brushstroke of his work. According to Cordell, the most consistent theme in his life has been his desire for drawing. With nurturing art teachers in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, his interests developed and expanded to other artistic avenues all the way to his Caldecott Medal-winning Wolf in the Snow.

His newest work, Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers, available Spring 2020, is the only authorized picture book biography of Mister Rogers and a labor of love for Cordell. He is both the author and the illustrator of this moving and informative picture book that explores the history of the acclaimed television show and its inspiring creator in an accessible way for children.  Not only does it highlight Mister Rogers’ personal journey, but it also features all the beloved characters from the Land of Make Believe, as well as exclusively published archival photos provided by Fred Rogers Productions.

In a world that seems to increasingly need to witness the impact that loving and respecting one another can have on society, this is exactly the kind of book that can make a difference.  When asked about his new book in USA Today, Cordell writes, “I hope young readers will see a kind and humble man who did great things, all for the purpose of caring for children. And I hope adults will pause to see how special our children—all children—are, and the tremendous potential they have.”