Reading Rainbow

Reading Rainbow is a TV show that aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006. It was hosted by LeVar Burton, who encouraged kids to read books. Each episode featured a picture book read aloud and real-world segments. The show's famous catchphrase was But you don't have to take my word for it.

How the Show Worked

Each episode started with LeVar Burton reading a picture book to viewers. Then LeVar would visit interesting places related to the book's topic. At the end, kids would review their favorite books and encourage others to read them too.

A Love of Reading

Reading Rainbow won over 250 awards including 26 Emmy Awards. The show inspired millions of kids to visit their local libraries. LeVar Burton continued promoting reading through a Reading Rainbow app and podcast. The show proved that reading is an adventure.

Fun Facts

• Reading Rainbow won 26 Emmy Awards.
• The show aired for 23 seasons on PBS.
• LeVar Burton is also famous for playing Geordi La Forge on Star Trek.

Did You Know?

The theme song Butterfly in the Sky was so popular that kids would sing it on playgrounds across America. LeVar Burton launched a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign to bring Reading Rainbow to more kids through an app and website!