Reading Rainbow’s LeVar Burton wants to read children’s books to families for free. The former host of the popular kid's educational television program wants to help kids quarantined at home during the coronavirus crisis. Reading Rainbow first aired in 1983 on PBS Kids with the aim to educate young children and motivate them to read. The show was so popular that it ran for over 21 seasons, with the final episode airing in 2006. Although the show ended more than ten years ago, LeVar Burton has remained a dedicated advocate of children’s literacy.

Burton had an idea to curate a live-streamed version of his LeVar Burton Reads podcast where he could read to families quarantined at home with their children for free. Burton made a plea on Twitter to authors requesting that he be allowed to read their short stories without fear of legal ramifications. Several notable authors responded quickly to Burton, offering their entire catalog of work. Neil Gaiman’s exchange with Burton on Twitter was particularly heartwarming. Check out their exchange below.

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The coronavirus crisis has sparked a worldwide pandemic, forcing everything from movie theaters to schools to be shut down indefinitely. However, the entertainment world has rallied to help those in need. From designer Christian Siriano sewing much needed face masks for healthcare workers to Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donating $1 million to food banks. The coronavirus doesn’t discriminate against the rich or poor, but thanks to celebrities like LeVar Burton, kids everywhere can still have the chance to learn. LeVar Burton’s dedication to children’s literacy has always been inspiring and has never been more vital in this day and age.

Many of the kids that grew up with Reading Rainbow are now raising children of their own. While the world has advanced in tech in the twenty years since Reading Rainbow first aired, nothing will ever beat a good old fashioned short story. Now more than ever kids and families forced to quarantine at home could use a hero, or in this case, a reading rainbow.

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Source: Twitter