Levar Buton - Reading Rainbow

Levar Burton was an impressionable eleven-year-old when “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” first aired back in the late sixties. Little did he know that a few decades later he would follow in Fred Rogers’ footsteps and host his own popular children’s show. Levar’s mother was an English teacher so it seemed he had no choice, but to develop a passion for literature, or as he put it "reading was mandatory, not optional" in his household. 

Inspired by Fred Rogers’ ability to entertain, and educate children all at once, Lever jumped at the chance to host the educational children’s show “Reading Rainbow.” The show was created to address the "summer loss phenomenon" where children spend their summer vacation in front of the television wasting brainpower. This concept was right up Lever’s alley knowing how the fervor he had for literature at a young age impacted his life.

Now some twenty years later, with a slew of Emmy wins, and nominations under belt, “Reading Rainbow” continues to be one of the most popular children’s show. With generations of fans “Reading Rainbow” has become synonymous with childhood nostalgia. Just hearing the theme song could evoke warm feelings of comfort, and reveries of that great time when you could do anything.

Like “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” “Reading Rainbow” encourages children to think, read, and learn. To show them that it’s cool to be smart, and creative. For several years now “Reading Rainbow” has held an annual contest for young writers and illustrators. Kids kindergarten through third grade are challenged to create original picture books. Levar has proclaimed on several occasions that what he is most proud of in terms of the show, is that they have had the ability to produce "human beings who are passionate about literature.” He also makes the point that there aren’t many shows that cover real world events, at an age appropriate level. The show has covered many current events such as September 11th, homelessness, and war.

Levar Burton had this to say about his friend Fred Rogers after his passing, “I loved Fred very deeply, and I’m not ashamed, nor am I embarrassed, to say that. Fred was a great teacher and a mentor to me, and I miss him an awful lot.” “The physical aspect of Fred is no longer here, but his spirit, as strong as it is, is here.” It has often been said that children watch too much TV. But, with the high standards Fred Rogers, and Levar Burton set for children’s programming, perhaps these icons have paved the way for a new view of children’s shows.