The life and philosophy of Fred Rogers, who helped to rear several generations of children through his own softly-spoken, value-driven PBS program. Impossible to watch without a fond, admiring smile on your face and a new appreciation for the weighty, sensitive topics that the program frequently covered.

In his own open, methodically honest way, Rogers tackled everything from war to racism, illness to assassination, stripping the fear and uncertainty from a difficult time while never skirting the issue or talking down to his young audience. It wasn't all so weighty, of course, but I was constantly taken aback by how efficiently and earnestly a puppet show could get through such material without feeling heavy-handed or agenda-driven. Rogers has a way of disarming potential explosives with a genuine gesture and the force of his own warm personality. Soaking his feet on the porch with a black man on a hot summer day when race relations were particularly tense, for example. The simple message speaks as loudly to the adults as it does to their kids.

Seeing how easily Mr. Rogers was able to connect with each and every child on a personal level, I often felt inadequate as a parent, but I also found a model to strive for. Even in my late thirties, he's teaching me new lessons. Spiritually moving material that's guaranteed to dig up forgotten memories, inspire deep thoughts and invoke misty eyes.