Key Takeaways:
– LeVar Burton is renowned for his roles in Star Trek and Reading Rainbow.
– Reading Rainbow encouraged children to read along with the host, Burton.
– Burton's immense love for the show led him to create a campaign to introduce reading to the internet generation.
– His Kickstarter campaign raised $5 million, leading to the creation of Skybrary.
– In 2017, he launched a podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads”, aimed at adult listeners.
– A 2022 Netflix documentary, “Butterfly in the Sky”, explores Burton's journey in Reading Rainbow.
Unveiling LeVar Burton's Roles
LeVar Burton transitioned seamlessly from playing Geordi La Forge in Star Trek to becoming the heart of a beloved children's show, Reading Rainbow. While Star Trek offered Burton worldly fame, it was Reading Rainbow that revealed his innate love for literature. This love led to a revolutionary campaign promoting reading in this tech-centric era.
Diving into the Reading Rainbow
Not a grandiose venture, Reading Rainbow enabled Burton to read children's books and deliver fun, moral-rich tales to young ones. The simplicity of the concept belied its historical significance as it made reading enjoyable and interactive for children.
The inception of this concept started with Burton captivating the audience on the six o'clock news, catching the attention of the Reading Rainbow crew. Writer Lynne Ganek proposed to cast Burton as the show's narrator – a decision hailed as “iconic” by producer Larry Lancit. Despite being out of the country at the time, Burton readily accepted the role.
Revamping Reading Rainbow for the Internet Generation
The last episode of Reading Rainbow aired in 2006, but Burton's passion for the cause endured. Aware of the internet generation's dwindling interest in reading, Burton brainstormed solutions. His idea was a campaign, exquisitely crystallized through crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. In a true testament to the cause's resonance, the campaign raised an astonishing $5 million.
Skybrary: A Virtual Library for Kids
The funds led to the creation of Skybrary, an educational app offering children access to lessons and an extensive online library. An individual can select and read from thousands of books, carrying forward the spirit of the show.
Turning Attention to Adults: LeVar Burton Reads
A new venture unfolded in 2017 when Burton initiated a podcast titled “LeVar Burton Reads”. Unlike his previous ventures, this podcast catered to adults, attracting thousands of listeners per episode.
Illuminate the Journey of Reading Rainbow
Netflix released a documentary titled “Butterfly in the Sky” in 2022. The program gives viewers an inside look into the journey of Reading Rainbow with Burton narrating his experiences. With an impressive 8.4/10 rating on IMDB, Reading Rainbow's 16 seasons are available for viewing on Apple TV+.
Wrapping Up
LeVar Burton remains a true champion of reading. From Reading Rainbow to Skybrary, and his podcast, he continues to inspire audiences of all ages to revel in the joy of reading. His podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads”, is available on Spotify for the adults who wish to return to the wonder of stories.
