Mr. Rogers Making Fire

From its opening lines (""When people like each other and like to do things together, they're friends. Can you think of someone who's your friend?''), Rogers's inimitable voice reaches out to his small readers with understanding and reassurance. He describes the pleasures of friendship as well as potential problem areas (``When your friend decides to play with someone else for a while, do you ever feel that you aren't friends anymore?'') and helpful solutions (``Well, to be friends, the same people don't have to play together all the time. . . ''). Judkis's large color photos capture the range of emotions Rogers writes about. One of several First Experience titles, this volume addresses a serious issue with sensitivity and compassion. Ages 26. (May)