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Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series
Reading Rainbow is one of the most successful PBS children’s series in television history, earning numerous national and international awards including 26 Emmy’s and a Peabody Award. But perhaps more important than anything else, Reading Rainbow helped generations of children cultivate a love for books. The brainchild of co-author Tony Buttino, Reading Rainbow is very much a story of humble beginnings and enormous perseverance. Over five summers, co-author Tony Buttino and his colleagues at WNED-TV, the public television station in Buffalo, New York, worked in collaboration with educators and librarians to experiment with summer reading programs. But after trialing these programs, the WNED team realized there was a big need for a new children's literacy series and believed they could create a new show with partners. After fits and starts, and enough twists and turns to fill a children’s book, Reading Rainbow premiered in the summer of 1983 and captured the attention of 6.5 million young viewers worldwide. Creating Reading Rainbow explores the many intriguing and homespun stories that, when woven together, reveal how this groundbreaking and iconic television series came to be. What led to the series being called “Reading Rainbow”? How did the road to Reading Rainbow wind its way through MisterRogers’ Neighborhood? How did a public television station in Buffalo spearhead a revolution in education and spark the passion for reading in millions of children? And, what does lasagna have to do with it? Brimming with behind-the-scenes stories, never-before-seen photographs, Buttino’s own first-person tales, and original interviews with those who worked on the series’ development– from local educators and librarians to the national production team – Creating Reading Rainbow gives readers an inside look at the foundational work, origin, and history of the beloved television show that still inspires readers today.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2024
13 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 8, 2024
Alright, I’ll admit that I’m biased, seeing that co-author Tony Buttino is my grandfather.
Christmas 2015: My grandfather gave each of his five children an Emmy for co-producing the show that spanned decades and influenced thousands of young minds. Every time I see that Emmy on the shelf, I am reminded of the incredible influence of Reading Rainbow at a time where TV was just beginning. Not to mention that Tony Buttino co-wrote this novel at 84 years young.
“Show me a child who is motivated to read and I’ll show you a better reader”
As a high school English teacher, it is astonishing to see how little students read at home- starting from childhood. If only they grew up with TV and books in tandem as their guide! Countless research has proven that reading (especially at a young age) increases academic performance, critical thinking skills, and overall intelligence. Reading Rainbow has shown us, in a world of expanding AI, that learning and technology CAN go hand-in-hand.
The novel takes the reader back to a time where TV was known to “rot the brains” of young children- and how Reading Rainbow was able to reach classrooms all around the U.S. And, of course, how rising star LeVar Burton was able to captive his young audience in such an infamous way. One thing that lost me a bit was name-dropping every person involved and then some, but I guess it is a biography format. The Buffalo “City of Good Neighbors” motif is strong throughout as WNY became a champion supporter of this beloved TV series.
When his wife died after suffering 10 long years of dementia, my grandpa decided he wasn’t going to waste any moment. He remarried at the age of 85, wrote this very novel, and starred in the new Netflix documentary: “Butterfly in the Sky.” My hero.
Christmas 2015: My grandfather gave each of his five children an Emmy for co-producing the show that spanned decades and influenced thousands of young minds. Every time I see that Emmy on the shelf, I am reminded of the incredible influence of Reading Rainbow at a time where TV was just beginning. Not to mention that Tony Buttino co-wrote this novel at 84 years young.
“Show me a child who is motivated to read and I’ll show you a better reader”
As a high school English teacher, it is astonishing to see how little students read at home- starting from childhood. If only they grew up with TV and books in tandem as their guide! Countless research has proven that reading (especially at a young age) increases academic performance, critical thinking skills, and overall intelligence. Reading Rainbow has shown us, in a world of expanding AI, that learning and technology CAN go hand-in-hand.
The novel takes the reader back to a time where TV was known to “rot the brains” of young children- and how Reading Rainbow was able to reach classrooms all around the U.S. And, of course, how rising star LeVar Burton was able to captive his young audience in such an infamous way. One thing that lost me a bit was name-dropping every person involved and then some, but I guess it is a biography format. The Buffalo “City of Good Neighbors” motif is strong throughout as WNY became a champion supporter of this beloved TV series.
When his wife died after suffering 10 long years of dementia, my grandpa decided he wasn’t going to waste any moment. He remarried at the age of 85, wrote this very novel, and starred in the new Netflix documentary: “Butterfly in the Sky.” My hero.
Read
November 13, 2024This was an odd read. I've read behind-the-scenes/origin stories of several iconic TV shows, and though they can at times be dry and a little dull, they were at least a coherent narrative. Half of this book is italicized to differentiate between author voices. There is a LOT of repetition as well. And if you're not from Buffalo, forget it - all of those names started to run together, and honestly I could care less about the people on the fringes.
There is a lot of discussion about the 5 years of development, every single painful step from the original idea to putting it into place. I started skimming - and the fact that it takes 10 chapters to actually talk about the beginning of the show that we'd come to know and love? Yikes! Then there's basically one chapter on choosing LaVar as the host, one chapter on the pilot, and the final chapter is retrospective on the course of the show, awards won, etc.
I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. I think it would've worked better in the format of an oral history, and I would've appreciated more input from the team beyond the core group of creators/producers (like the host, for instance!). On the other hand, this did inspire me to go out and find episodes, and there are currently 40 available through official channels, for the 40th anniversary celebration last year.
Perhaps someone from outside the main sphere of influence of creators/producers could've pulled this material together in a more entertaining and insightful way. I'm sure it means a lot to the people who were there (or who know people who were there), but from the outside looking in, this was a decidedly dull treatment of a true phenomenon.
There is a lot of discussion about the 5 years of development, every single painful step from the original idea to putting it into place. I started skimming - and the fact that it takes 10 chapters to actually talk about the beginning of the show that we'd come to know and love? Yikes! Then there's basically one chapter on choosing LaVar as the host, one chapter on the pilot, and the final chapter is retrospective on the course of the show, awards won, etc.
I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. I think it would've worked better in the format of an oral history, and I would've appreciated more input from the team beyond the core group of creators/producers (like the host, for instance!). On the other hand, this did inspire me to go out and find episodes, and there are currently 40 available through official channels, for the 40th anniversary celebration last year.
Perhaps someone from outside the main sphere of influence of creators/producers could've pulled this material together in a more entertaining and insightful way. I'm sure it means a lot to the people who were there (or who know people who were there), but from the outside looking in, this was a decidedly dull treatment of a true phenomenon.
Read
November 24, 2025“Butterfly in the sky…” Oh yes, as soon as I spotted the title, Creating Reading Rainbow, years fell away and the song lyrics and tune came back to me. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to learn the story of this popular and well-loved children’s TV show from the 80’s and 90’s.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 12.18.25
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 12.18.25
September 24, 2024
As Mark Twain famously said, “"Don't let school interfere with your education”. That education starts from the moment a child enters our world. All the well meaning educators, standardized tests, government funding can not take the place of a loving guardian who will give their child reading materials. The challenges of childhood today are manifold, and largely reflective of the meritocratic and non-communal values of their parents. Nevertheless, a book, and culture of reading is the greatest gift to give to a child.
The Reading Rainbow” is one of the most seminal television series that expanded children’s experience through a literary lens. Through the visual storytelling of field trips, games, and the kind host Levar Burton, children could make that early leap from the pages to the world building.
TV producer Tony Buttino and a well meaning team would broadcast 155 episodes from 1983 to 2009, until challenges of funding ended the series (p.211). Indebted to the early childhood education series like Fred Roger’s “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” and “Ride the Reading Rocket”, the Rainbow series was an outgrowth of creatives, educators, producers, financiers and community members that wanted to motivate and instill a love of learning.
Although we don’t get to the Reading Rainbow story in earnest until halfway through the book, there is a central question about television’s role in expanding or contracting education based on Edward R Murrow's famous "wires and lights in a box" speech. The possibility to delight or enlighten, and possibly both was at the forefront of the wild west of early childhood television shows. The quote by Les Martin “no inherent ability in television itself for either educational “good or “ill” it is the ability and courage and imagination of those who wield the tool that determines the effectiveness of the classroom television” seems to represent the view that the television medium could be used to broaden an education. Under Tony Buttino’s direction, WNED-TV network from Buffalo would create the vision for Reading Rainbow. With $60,000 for a pilot, and storyboarded plans for 20 episodes, Reading Rainbow would adventure into the blossoming arena of literacy building for young people.
No stones will be thrown at the Reading Rainbow mission, but I was underwhelmed by the scope of the writing. I was disappointed for a book about stories, that we spent so little attention on episode recordings. Burton is quoted late in the book about a mid-volcanic eruption on set of the Kilauea filming of “Hill of Fire”. Perhaps some additional elaboration or details about the changes and challenges of the filming across some 25 years would have aded to the story. Also the book, is a bit too backslappy. Yes, we love that RR won Emmys, and there is a kind compassionate spirit to the people and enterprise. I think the readers would benefit to understand the larger scope and challenges of the politics during the length of the project. The show loses funding in 2006 - perhaps say more? Finally, the subject of challenges to childhood education should have been added as a chapter - it's the pressing issue of our time.
Given this point in our culture, where information processing vastly outpaces our human abilities to process and retain knowledge, the mission of the “Reading Rainbow” is essential. The show deserves the praise for blending technology and educational attainment. Surely there are educational resources in our moment, such as the Khan Academy and enlightened entertainment shows like “Bluey” that are challenging to young people. Libraries , enshrined and celebrated as community centers, are invaluable. Parents, many stressed and overextended, still play that pivotal role to connect children to access opportunities. A love of reading can become a love of learning and ultimately a love of life. There’s no greater mission than that.
The Reading Rainbow” is one of the most seminal television series that expanded children’s experience through a literary lens. Through the visual storytelling of field trips, games, and the kind host Levar Burton, children could make that early leap from the pages to the world building.
TV producer Tony Buttino and a well meaning team would broadcast 155 episodes from 1983 to 2009, until challenges of funding ended the series (p.211). Indebted to the early childhood education series like Fred Roger’s “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” and “Ride the Reading Rocket”, the Rainbow series was an outgrowth of creatives, educators, producers, financiers and community members that wanted to motivate and instill a love of learning.
Although we don’t get to the Reading Rainbow story in earnest until halfway through the book, there is a central question about television’s role in expanding or contracting education based on Edward R Murrow's famous "wires and lights in a box" speech. The possibility to delight or enlighten, and possibly both was at the forefront of the wild west of early childhood television shows. The quote by Les Martin “no inherent ability in television itself for either educational “good or “ill” it is the ability and courage and imagination of those who wield the tool that determines the effectiveness of the classroom television” seems to represent the view that the television medium could be used to broaden an education. Under Tony Buttino’s direction, WNED-TV network from Buffalo would create the vision for Reading Rainbow. With $60,000 for a pilot, and storyboarded plans for 20 episodes, Reading Rainbow would adventure into the blossoming arena of literacy building for young people.
No stones will be thrown at the Reading Rainbow mission, but I was underwhelmed by the scope of the writing. I was disappointed for a book about stories, that we spent so little attention on episode recordings. Burton is quoted late in the book about a mid-volcanic eruption on set of the Kilauea filming of “Hill of Fire”. Perhaps some additional elaboration or details about the changes and challenges of the filming across some 25 years would have aded to the story. Also the book, is a bit too backslappy. Yes, we love that RR won Emmys, and there is a kind compassionate spirit to the people and enterprise. I think the readers would benefit to understand the larger scope and challenges of the politics during the length of the project. The show loses funding in 2006 - perhaps say more? Finally, the subject of challenges to childhood education should have been added as a chapter - it's the pressing issue of our time.
Given this point in our culture, where information processing vastly outpaces our human abilities to process and retain knowledge, the mission of the “Reading Rainbow” is essential. The show deserves the praise for blending technology and educational attainment. Surely there are educational resources in our moment, such as the Khan Academy and enlightened entertainment shows like “Bluey” that are challenging to young people. Libraries , enshrined and celebrated as community centers, are invaluable. Parents, many stressed and overextended, still play that pivotal role to connect children to access opportunities. A love of reading can become a love of learning and ultimately a love of life. There’s no greater mission than that.
June 27, 2024
I am so excited to share this book for several reasons:
1. This was co-authored by one of my college professors, Dr. Irwin. I loved taking classes in television production with her as an undergraduate and knew a book by her about a show she worked on would be something worth reading.
2. What reader can't connect with Reading Rainbow? A show that spread a love of reading across an entire generation's youth- um, yes.
3. Reading Rainbow has roots in my hometown of Buffalo. It was so cool to hear more about this!
Reading Rainbow is huge. I can't think of the show without picturing Troy on Community singing the song so sadly, then getting to actually meet LeVar Burton. Hearing about LeVar Burton's start on the show was fantastic but there was so much lead up before Reading Rainbow.
I never had heard of Television Library Club or Ride the Reading Rocket before reading this book. There really is a history of reading and television crossover. This book provided background about Reading Rainbow but also an understanding of the roots where it came from. I loved this. Yes, I probably was the perfect target audience- a reader who used to study television production and who lives in the city a bit of this stemmed from. But I honestly think anyone picking this up will find it interesting. It's a short book and worth checking out.
1. This was co-authored by one of my college professors, Dr. Irwin. I loved taking classes in television production with her as an undergraduate and knew a book by her about a show she worked on would be something worth reading.
2. What reader can't connect with Reading Rainbow? A show that spread a love of reading across an entire generation's youth- um, yes.
3. Reading Rainbow has roots in my hometown of Buffalo. It was so cool to hear more about this!
Reading Rainbow is huge. I can't think of the show without picturing Troy on Community singing the song so sadly, then getting to actually meet LeVar Burton. Hearing about LeVar Burton's start on the show was fantastic but there was so much lead up before Reading Rainbow.
I never had heard of Television Library Club or Ride the Reading Rocket before reading this book. There really is a history of reading and television crossover. This book provided background about Reading Rainbow but also an understanding of the roots where it came from. I loved this. Yes, I probably was the perfect target audience- a reader who used to study television production and who lives in the city a bit of this stemmed from. But I honestly think anyone picking this up will find it interesting. It's a short book and worth checking out.
November 19, 2024
This book is a real slog to get through and is badly in need of an editor. Here's how I would have done it: START with filming the pilot of Reading Rainbow; how do they feel in this moment? Then "How did we get here?" and backtrack. I'd cut almost all of Tony Budino, Sr's narrative about his childhood growing up Italian-American in Buffalo without reading role models. Big deal. My dad's childhood hometown has the same stories and his own are very similar. Tony's story is interesting in and of itself as a memoir of this person who is so deeply committed to education and developing a love of reading, but I was expecting a book about the show and not one of the creators. His story is also hard to read because it's written in italics which is odd.
The narrative switches to third person occasionally and then first person in the voice of one of the other co-creators and jumps back and forth in time. A good editor should have helped shape the book to make the story more cohesive and easier to follow. Many years, lots of research and time was spent into creating the show long before it became a reality.
Next there's a lengthy history of early kids' television shows when TV was new and everyone was wigging out, terrified TV would rot kids' brains or something. (It did but not until the late 1980s and 90s when cable became more prominent). here's also the history of other shows that inspired Reading Rainbow. Studio See out of South Carolina sounds fabulous. A magazine format show aimed at tweens and teens, it featured "field trips", on location segments going "behind the scenes" places people didn't normally go. Now that sounds like the cool part of Mr. Rogers for older kids. I would have loved that! Sadly it didn't last long and I have no memories of it airing in the Boston market. Another early show was Ride the Reading Rocket, a 60s show that would never, ever go over with the target audience of even the Reading Rainbow generation. A studio show featuring a puppet and a human reading books might be Ok for preschoolers but maybe not beginning readers?
The show that became Reading Rainbow was a made in Buffalo production which surprised me because LeVar Burton lives in Los Angeles. There's a whole lot about the educational TV shows they tried in the Buffalo market aimed at developing a love of reading in young children. The aims and goals were
1. Increase reading comprehension skills
2. Increase motivation to read.
The new show should have
1. Good host like Mr. Rogers- someone the audience can trust, someone you would buy a used car from.
Did you know?
They got Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood on board as an enthusiastic host for a prototype reading show and even tried to get Fred Rogers himself to host the show. He was far too busy and although they asked him to be a consultant, he didn't really have anything to do with the show.
2.Field trips.
3. Children's stories to entice youngsters to read.
4. Book reviews by an author or celebrity
The program goals were to
1. Encourage children to read
a. Reading is a valuable tool for learning
b. reading can be fun and entertaining
c. everyday living would be difficult without reading.
2. Introduce children to good books
a. Caldecott winners - high quality
b. Books that deal with important issues
1. child's self-image
2. expressing emotions
3. living and working with people from different backgrounds/accepting people as individuals (erasing stereotypes)
c. Books with high quality illustrations will visually support the text
3. Upgrade the image of the library
Did you know?
The show was supposed to air only in summer to address the summer reading learning loss.
An early idea for the show was to include libraries and librarians. The Television Library Club sounds like a fun program I would have loved during the school year but summer was busy swimming and playing outside. I'm surprised they got kids on board for this in summer.
Did you know?
Why rainbow? Because of the old Irish legend about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The gold has the power to make one's dreams come true. Reading won't make a child's dreams come true, but it will open up a new world and offer endless possibilities in terms of lifestyle, relationships with other people, and general knowledge. Being able to read is like having the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
FINALLY halfway in we get into Reading Rainbow.
Why LeVar Burton?
Well as we know now, his mother was a teacher and ensured her children were reading and learning and reading/learning from books that reflected their experiences and history.
LeVar first wanted to be a priest! Oh yikes! He entered the seminary at age 13! By graduation he knew that wasn't the right fit for him but his career has been spent trying to make a difference in people's lives. He believed in the mission of public television and even though the job wouldn't pay well, his agent knew it would be perfect for LeVar. He appealed to parents who knew him from Roots and teen boys who were fascinated by this actor who looked like them!
Did you know?
The first episode they taped was Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport. LeVar showed up after filming a reality show whitewater rafting in Africa ready to go! It was filmed in New York City and also included a library segment and too much talking for both kids and parents. Reworked later, it aired as episode 8.
The diversity of the show was done on purpose because their research showed urban kids of color, particularly boys, had the most summer learning loss and the show's creators understood that representation mattered. Kids would be more interested in the books if the recommendations came from kids like them, especially kids who looked like them.
The kid reviews were unscripted and sometimes kids improvised and added their own personality and flair to their review.
One chapter is devoted just to the song. Why butterfly in the sky? Because of the butterfly (ripple) effect! The song was a contract job for a studio jazz singer she did in only a few hours. Everywhere she goes, everywhere those involved in the show go, someone sings them the theme song. It's so iconic! Two generations of my family know the song! I'm betting none of the awards the show won over the years can compare to the number of the people this show touched! My brother wanted to know more about the songwriter and musician so my critique of this chapter is that those people are more of an afterthought. They don't really weigh in much in their own words.
This video condenses the story and features the people telling it on screen.
https://www.facebook.com/PBSBooks1/vi...
It was heartbreaking for everyone and all the viewers when lack of funding shut down production. Thankfully, they brought it back as an app for teachers and parents to use and book segments and some episodes are online. It streams on the ROKU PBS retro channel too, or it's supposed to.
An appendix provides episode guides with book lists, themes and episode summaries. I'm surprised and disheartened to read the very kids who were the target audience for the show when it first ran are now trying to ban some of these diverse books! They need to be reminded of how the show sparked joy in reading and exploration of different books! LeVar Burton continues to advocate for literacy and freedom to read.
When Reading Rainbow began, I had just finished Kindergarten but I was not the target audience. My mom loves reading more than any other hobby and she always read to me. I swear I read Little House in the Big Woods when I was 5 and my mom insists I didn't learn to read until the end of first grade. I hated beginning reader books and my memory is I just wanted to read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books! Anyway, my younger siblings, however, were not yet old enough to read and I remember going to the library and looking for books with the Reading Rainbow sticker to read to my siblings or have my parents read to us as a bedtime story. We loved the show and I knew those books would be good ones.
The narrative switches to third person occasionally and then first person in the voice of one of the other co-creators and jumps back and forth in time. A good editor should have helped shape the book to make the story more cohesive and easier to follow. Many years, lots of research and time was spent into creating the show long before it became a reality.
Next there's a lengthy history of early kids' television shows when TV was new and everyone was wigging out, terrified TV would rot kids' brains or something. (It did but not until the late 1980s and 90s when cable became more prominent). here's also the history of other shows that inspired Reading Rainbow. Studio See out of South Carolina sounds fabulous. A magazine format show aimed at tweens and teens, it featured "field trips", on location segments going "behind the scenes" places people didn't normally go. Now that sounds like the cool part of Mr. Rogers for older kids. I would have loved that! Sadly it didn't last long and I have no memories of it airing in the Boston market. Another early show was Ride the Reading Rocket, a 60s show that would never, ever go over with the target audience of even the Reading Rainbow generation. A studio show featuring a puppet and a human reading books might be Ok for preschoolers but maybe not beginning readers?
The show that became Reading Rainbow was a made in Buffalo production which surprised me because LeVar Burton lives in Los Angeles. There's a whole lot about the educational TV shows they tried in the Buffalo market aimed at developing a love of reading in young children. The aims and goals were
1. Increase reading comprehension skills
2. Increase motivation to read.
The new show should have
1. Good host like Mr. Rogers- someone the audience can trust, someone you would buy a used car from.
Did you know?
They got Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood on board as an enthusiastic host for a prototype reading show and even tried to get Fred Rogers himself to host the show. He was far too busy and although they asked him to be a consultant, he didn't really have anything to do with the show.
2.Field trips.
3. Children's stories to entice youngsters to read.
4. Book reviews by an author or celebrity
The program goals were to
1. Encourage children to read
a. Reading is a valuable tool for learning
b. reading can be fun and entertaining
c. everyday living would be difficult without reading.
2. Introduce children to good books
a. Caldecott winners - high quality
b. Books that deal with important issues
1. child's self-image
2. expressing emotions
3. living and working with people from different backgrounds/accepting people as individuals (erasing stereotypes)
c. Books with high quality illustrations will visually support the text
3. Upgrade the image of the library
Did you know?
The show was supposed to air only in summer to address the summer reading learning loss.
An early idea for the show was to include libraries and librarians. The Television Library Club sounds like a fun program I would have loved during the school year but summer was busy swimming and playing outside. I'm surprised they got kids on board for this in summer.
Did you know?
Why rainbow? Because of the old Irish legend about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The gold has the power to make one's dreams come true. Reading won't make a child's dreams come true, but it will open up a new world and offer endless possibilities in terms of lifestyle, relationships with other people, and general knowledge. Being able to read is like having the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
FINALLY halfway in we get into Reading Rainbow.
Why LeVar Burton?
Well as we know now, his mother was a teacher and ensured her children were reading and learning and reading/learning from books that reflected their experiences and history.
LeVar first wanted to be a priest! Oh yikes! He entered the seminary at age 13! By graduation he knew that wasn't the right fit for him but his career has been spent trying to make a difference in people's lives. He believed in the mission of public television and even though the job wouldn't pay well, his agent knew it would be perfect for LeVar. He appealed to parents who knew him from Roots and teen boys who were fascinated by this actor who looked like them!
Did you know?
The first episode they taped was Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport. LeVar showed up after filming a reality show whitewater rafting in Africa ready to go! It was filmed in New York City and also included a library segment and too much talking for both kids and parents. Reworked later, it aired as episode 8.
The diversity of the show was done on purpose because their research showed urban kids of color, particularly boys, had the most summer learning loss and the show's creators understood that representation mattered. Kids would be more interested in the books if the recommendations came from kids like them, especially kids who looked like them.
The kid reviews were unscripted and sometimes kids improvised and added their own personality and flair to their review.
One chapter is devoted just to the song. Why butterfly in the sky? Because of the butterfly (ripple) effect! The song was a contract job for a studio jazz singer she did in only a few hours. Everywhere she goes, everywhere those involved in the show go, someone sings them the theme song. It's so iconic! Two generations of my family know the song! I'm betting none of the awards the show won over the years can compare to the number of the people this show touched! My brother wanted to know more about the songwriter and musician so my critique of this chapter is that those people are more of an afterthought. They don't really weigh in much in their own words.
This video condenses the story and features the people telling it on screen.
https://www.facebook.com/PBSBooks1/vi...
It was heartbreaking for everyone and all the viewers when lack of funding shut down production. Thankfully, they brought it back as an app for teachers and parents to use and book segments and some episodes are online. It streams on the ROKU PBS retro channel too, or it's supposed to.
An appendix provides episode guides with book lists, themes and episode summaries. I'm surprised and disheartened to read the very kids who were the target audience for the show when it first ran are now trying to ban some of these diverse books! They need to be reminded of how the show sparked joy in reading and exploration of different books! LeVar Burton continues to advocate for literacy and freedom to read.
When Reading Rainbow began, I had just finished Kindergarten but I was not the target audience. My mom loves reading more than any other hobby and she always read to me. I swear I read Little House in the Big Woods when I was 5 and my mom insists I didn't learn to read until the end of first grade. I hated beginning reader books and my memory is I just wanted to read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books! Anyway, my younger siblings, however, were not yet old enough to read and I remember going to the library and looking for books with the Reading Rainbow sticker to read to my siblings or have my parents read to us as a bedtime story. We loved the show and I knew those books would be good ones.
June 14, 2024
I was 10 when Reading Rainbow premiered in 1983, and I was already an avid reader and was involved in many outdoor adventures during the summers, so I never watched an episode of the show. I appreciate the impact of the show on several generations of people, and as a big PBS supporter, I was curious to learn more about this classic educational TV show.
The long history behind Reading Rainbow is told by three different authors, which lead to a disjointed narrative that jumped back and forth in a non-chronological way that made it hard to follow at times, especially because it jumped from first person narrative to third, and often! There was a lot of talk about the history of the Buffalo TV station that ultimately produced the show, and I was sort of "meh" about all that information.
I read the whole book but can only remember a few things: they had over 20 seasons and only 155 shows, in part due to lack of funding. The guest list was INCREDIBLE. I had no idea such an eclectic mix of personalities were used. Even though LeVar Burton was the face of the show, I only counted two quotes from him, and that was very late in the book.
I've seen many 5-star reviews for this book from people who grew up on Reading Rainbow, which may have colored their perspective a bit. It's just not written that well and rather like a textbook. I'm glad I read it, but I'll definitely never revisit it.
The long history behind Reading Rainbow is told by three different authors, which lead to a disjointed narrative that jumped back and forth in a non-chronological way that made it hard to follow at times, especially because it jumped from first person narrative to third, and often! There was a lot of talk about the history of the Buffalo TV station that ultimately produced the show, and I was sort of "meh" about all that information.
I read the whole book but can only remember a few things: they had over 20 seasons and only 155 shows, in part due to lack of funding. The guest list was INCREDIBLE. I had no idea such an eclectic mix of personalities were used. Even though LeVar Burton was the face of the show, I only counted two quotes from him, and that was very late in the book.
I've seen many 5-star reviews for this book from people who grew up on Reading Rainbow, which may have colored their perspective a bit. It's just not written that well and rather like a textbook. I'm glad I read it, but I'll definitely never revisit it.
November 16, 2024
I adored Reading Rainbow growing up and was excited to learn more about its origins and development. While this text covers the basics, it feels like it is primarily just a strung-together set of transcribed interviews with many extraneous details about the lives of those involved, and very few specifics about the educational impact of the work until the very last chapter (did we really need half a chapter about the Emmy Awards red carpet, including seat fillers and an anecdote about singing sisters in an Italian family? No.). The timeline jumps around without a clear reason, and the end result is presented up front, robbing the ensuing paragraphs of any narrative tension or heft. One chapter even uses the term "spoiler alert" multiple times, drawing even more attention to the style. I would have loved to learn more details about how books were chosen, how field segments came together, how authors felt about the show, the effect of the show on book sales or statistics regarding summer reading loss in areas where the show was popular. How did Reading Rainbow fit into the zeitgeist of literacy efforts in the 80s, 90s - how have those efforts changed as media and television use has changed? I am a little sad that a book about the power of storytelling felt short on storytelling itself.
December 31, 2024
This was disappointing as hell. I don't know what I expected, but I thought it would be a lot more about books and how they were chosen and onset antics and LeVar Burton. This is about the minutia of decision making over 30 years in the world of public television. Tony Buttino is a cool guy and all and I'm very grateful he created the show he did, but I don't actually care about his aunts and uncles or clothing choices or any of the other stuff that Irwin seemed to think was relevant. There was one single chapter on choosing books and kids and that's it. Like, give Buttino a lifetime achievement award already (or he probably has one-- I was skimming) and tell us about THE BOOKS.
June 18, 2024
I grew up loving Reading Rainbow as a child and I learned a lot from this book. I did not love it however. I feel like to much time was spent on the station that produced the show and the fact that there were 3 writers made it feel a little disjointed.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.
October 9, 2025
Very disappointing. I recommend you skip reading this and go watch the 2022 Reading Rainbow documentary "Butterfly in the Sky" which has much of the same information found here, except you don't have to wade through it in order to find it, like you do in this 15 chapter, 211 page book.
This is because the three authors: Barbara, Tony, and Pam's egos are so big they get in the way of what any fan who grew up watching the reruns of this show really wanted and why they even bothered to pick up this book in the first place.
The irony is unbelievable. "Take a look, sorry, NOT IN THIS BOOK!"
Here was a great opportunity to give fans some behind-the-scenes stories from our favorite Season One, classic, old school episodes: "Gila Monsters" "Tight Times" "Bea and Mr. Jones" "Three Days on a River..." What was it like taping these episodes? Did LaVar have any background training in dance? Who came up with these ideas and themes like moving to new places, the importance of being yourself, or the joy of camping outdoors? I live in Utah. Who discovered Jason Hardman's inspiring story about starting his own library? Remember, we didn't have social media or even the internet back in the prehistoric days of the early 80's! Where is Jason Hardman now, and what happened to that library? Who are those people in the photographs shown during the reading of "Three Days on a River?" Those photos are not in that featured book from that episode. And where exactly did LaVar and kids tape their overnight camping trip? Is everything really legal in New Jersey? (Thx Lin Manuel Miranda!)
Do we get any of this?
No!
instead the reader is forced to hear the long, boring, expository set up that takes the first 10 chapters to get through!!!! Does anyone really care about all the prep work that took years in the making "How Did We Get Here?" stuff featuring the creators of the show telling us their childhood stories? Yes, we get it, they all grew up in poor homes where books were treasured possessions. Or did we really need an entire chapter about a neighborhood block party that inspired these adults now concerned parents (ala Sesame Street) to question if the medium of television could get kids interested in utilizing their school and public libraries to pick up books and discover the joys of reading? "Hey, we should put on a show about that!" Pandering to PBS and other television executives begging for funding.
I mean, did we really need entire chapters on local East coast produced shows for kids about books, with field trip segments that obviously inspired Reading Rainbow field trip segments, shows that half the population in the United States probably never even heard of? ("Ride the Reading Rocket" "Television Library Club") Leading to yet another chapter dedicated to the show's creators going and getting the blessing of Mister Fred Rogers himself for their struggling new show, humbly asking if he might come and be their savior host? All really sweet and touching but...WHO CARES???
*Spoiler Alert!*
We already know who the host of the show is going to be!!!!
Finally, at long last, we have reached Chapter 11 and here's LaVar Burton, a little nervous but fully on board and ready to debut himself as the new host of a show for kids to inspire them to read over the summer so they won't be so far behind when school starts in the fall. Here's what it was like shooting what would be the 8th RR episode "Gila Monsters..."
Except by this point I've long given up on this book delivering anything interesting and have fallen asleep. I LOVED this show as a kid. I even wrote up my own "Reading Rainbow Episode Guide" after discovering the DVDs for all the episodes at my local library, checking them out and falling down the most wonderful rabbit hole watching episodes I hadn't seen in years. You can still view many of these episodes for free on YouTube and there's supposed to be a streaming option available soon-all 21 seasons worth-but if it's not free I'm out. Hey, I still like to have fun, 40 years later, without spending a cent which is the theme for "Tight Times (they are A-changin'!)"
The ONLY SAVING GRACE this book offers is the wonderful resource in the very back. THE APPENDIX-Episode Guide and Book List. Complete with title, featured book info, narrator, theme, the three books reviewed, and a short description for each and every episode in the show's 21 season run. This proved very helpful in the editing of my own personal Episode Guide writing project.
THIS APPENDIX IS THE ONLY REASON TO READ THIS BOOK.
But I like my own Episode Guide, the one I typed up for my own records and have saved on a flash drive, better. I own all the featured books from the first four seasons which I spent many happy hours digging through used book sale shelves and thrift stores and ordering on Amazon for my own home library. I just spend several blissful hours using this book and the 2022 documentary as a resource adding additional notes to the Episode Guide I typed up for myself years ago. It's lots of fun to read and if anyone would like to pay me to publish what I have written up so far in this Episode guide please contact me...
This is because the three authors: Barbara, Tony, and Pam's egos are so big they get in the way of what any fan who grew up watching the reruns of this show really wanted and why they even bothered to pick up this book in the first place.
The irony is unbelievable. "Take a look, sorry, NOT IN THIS BOOK!"
Here was a great opportunity to give fans some behind-the-scenes stories from our favorite Season One, classic, old school episodes: "Gila Monsters" "Tight Times" "Bea and Mr. Jones" "Three Days on a River..." What was it like taping these episodes? Did LaVar have any background training in dance? Who came up with these ideas and themes like moving to new places, the importance of being yourself, or the joy of camping outdoors? I live in Utah. Who discovered Jason Hardman's inspiring story about starting his own library? Remember, we didn't have social media or even the internet back in the prehistoric days of the early 80's! Where is Jason Hardman now, and what happened to that library? Who are those people in the photographs shown during the reading of "Three Days on a River?" Those photos are not in that featured book from that episode. And where exactly did LaVar and kids tape their overnight camping trip? Is everything really legal in New Jersey? (Thx Lin Manuel Miranda!)
Do we get any of this?
No!
instead the reader is forced to hear the long, boring, expository set up that takes the first 10 chapters to get through!!!! Does anyone really care about all the prep work that took years in the making "How Did We Get Here?" stuff featuring the creators of the show telling us their childhood stories? Yes, we get it, they all grew up in poor homes where books were treasured possessions. Or did we really need an entire chapter about a neighborhood block party that inspired these adults now concerned parents (ala Sesame Street) to question if the medium of television could get kids interested in utilizing their school and public libraries to pick up books and discover the joys of reading? "Hey, we should put on a show about that!" Pandering to PBS and other television executives begging for funding.
I mean, did we really need entire chapters on local East coast produced shows for kids about books, with field trip segments that obviously inspired Reading Rainbow field trip segments, shows that half the population in the United States probably never even heard of? ("Ride the Reading Rocket" "Television Library Club") Leading to yet another chapter dedicated to the show's creators going and getting the blessing of Mister Fred Rogers himself for their struggling new show, humbly asking if he might come and be their savior host? All really sweet and touching but...WHO CARES???
*Spoiler Alert!*
We already know who the host of the show is going to be!!!!
Finally, at long last, we have reached Chapter 11 and here's LaVar Burton, a little nervous but fully on board and ready to debut himself as the new host of a show for kids to inspire them to read over the summer so they won't be so far behind when school starts in the fall. Here's what it was like shooting what would be the 8th RR episode "Gila Monsters..."
Except by this point I've long given up on this book delivering anything interesting and have fallen asleep. I LOVED this show as a kid. I even wrote up my own "Reading Rainbow Episode Guide" after discovering the DVDs for all the episodes at my local library, checking them out and falling down the most wonderful rabbit hole watching episodes I hadn't seen in years. You can still view many of these episodes for free on YouTube and there's supposed to be a streaming option available soon-all 21 seasons worth-but if it's not free I'm out. Hey, I still like to have fun, 40 years later, without spending a cent which is the theme for "Tight Times (they are A-changin'!)"
The ONLY SAVING GRACE this book offers is the wonderful resource in the very back. THE APPENDIX-Episode Guide and Book List. Complete with title, featured book info, narrator, theme, the three books reviewed, and a short description for each and every episode in the show's 21 season run. This proved very helpful in the editing of my own personal Episode Guide writing project.
THIS APPENDIX IS THE ONLY REASON TO READ THIS BOOK.
But I like my own Episode Guide, the one I typed up for my own records and have saved on a flash drive, better. I own all the featured books from the first four seasons which I spent many happy hours digging through used book sale shelves and thrift stores and ordering on Amazon for my own home library. I just spend several blissful hours using this book and the 2022 documentary as a resource adding additional notes to the Episode Guide I typed up for myself years ago. It's lots of fun to read and if anyone would like to pay me to publish what I have written up so far in this Episode guide please contact me...
May 8, 2024
I knew immediately I was going to thoroughly enjoy this book as I read Barbara Irwin's preface. Her warm remembrance of not just the show but of all those connected to it was evident. They were a natural team. Their recognition of what the show came to mean to so many and their gratitude for the chance to create something memorable added to the tone of the book. I was already past its target age when it premiered but as a by then teacher, I found it a delight and inspiration, so I was delighted to find this book. It also gives us an episode guide and book list as well as interviews and notes.
I don't normally share blurbs in my reviews, after all, they're readily available elsewhere, but thought this paragraph of the publisher's blurb spoke volumes:
"Creating Reading Rainbow explores the many intriguing and homespun stories that, when woven together, reveal how this groundbreaking and iconic television series came to be. What led to the series being called “Reading Rainbow”? How did the road to Reading Rainbow wind its way through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood? How did a public television station in Buffalo spearhead a movement in education and spark the passion for reading in millions of children? And, what does lasagna have to do with it?"
Needless to say, I'm not going to deprive you of the fun of finding out the answers to these intriguing questions on your own but will say you'll learn about the many ups and downs of the creation and production of "Reading Rainbow" as you read. As a fan of host Levar Burton, though, I found the story behind his joining to team interesting. He was still riding high on the success of his role in "Roots" and, quite frankly, if nothing else, they probably assumed they're never be able to afford him given that their budge was next to nothing. Yet, Burton, the son of an English teacher who loved to read himself, was determined to do something to make a difference in the world. He came aboard and they had their face.
Needless to say, the producers faced many highs and lows. There were things that worked and, of course, things that didn't. You'll see how they learned from mistakes, however, turning most into positives. I mean, who knew a love of reading was going to lead the on camera team to, say, stand on the edge of a volcano threatening to erupt or that Burton would learn to fly a plane and scuba dive as a result of the show's direction? All that and much, much more. While Levar Burton was obviously the focus, the face of the show, learning the behind the scenes activity and planning was fascinating. More impressive, it was mostly done on a low budget. Their stories ring with warmth. They seem to have been delighted to simply be there and it shows. They bonded in their common goal, to help make reading and learning about our world accessible and, yes, fun. They became a family. They made a difference. Thanks #NetGalley and #GlobePequot - #NorthCountryBooks for sharing this warm-hearted memory with me. I've always been a reader, so I loved the show and highly recommend this book.
I don't normally share blurbs in my reviews, after all, they're readily available elsewhere, but thought this paragraph of the publisher's blurb spoke volumes:
"Creating Reading Rainbow explores the many intriguing and homespun stories that, when woven together, reveal how this groundbreaking and iconic television series came to be. What led to the series being called “Reading Rainbow”? How did the road to Reading Rainbow wind its way through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood? How did a public television station in Buffalo spearhead a movement in education and spark the passion for reading in millions of children? And, what does lasagna have to do with it?"
Needless to say, I'm not going to deprive you of the fun of finding out the answers to these intriguing questions on your own but will say you'll learn about the many ups and downs of the creation and production of "Reading Rainbow" as you read. As a fan of host Levar Burton, though, I found the story behind his joining to team interesting. He was still riding high on the success of his role in "Roots" and, quite frankly, if nothing else, they probably assumed they're never be able to afford him given that their budge was next to nothing. Yet, Burton, the son of an English teacher who loved to read himself, was determined to do something to make a difference in the world. He came aboard and they had their face.
Needless to say, the producers faced many highs and lows. There were things that worked and, of course, things that didn't. You'll see how they learned from mistakes, however, turning most into positives. I mean, who knew a love of reading was going to lead the on camera team to, say, stand on the edge of a volcano threatening to erupt or that Burton would learn to fly a plane and scuba dive as a result of the show's direction? All that and much, much more. While Levar Burton was obviously the focus, the face of the show, learning the behind the scenes activity and planning was fascinating. More impressive, it was mostly done on a low budget. Their stories ring with warmth. They seem to have been delighted to simply be there and it shows. They bonded in their common goal, to help make reading and learning about our world accessible and, yes, fun. They became a family. They made a difference. Thanks #NetGalley and #GlobePequot - #NorthCountryBooks for sharing this warm-hearted memory with me. I've always been a reader, so I loved the show and highly recommend this book.
August 9, 2024
4.75 stars
This book is rich with PBS television history, boasting plenty of first-hand accounts by the people that spearheaded the creation and development of the show, the music, the concept, everything. I give this 4.75 stars instead of the full 5 stars ONLY because I was really hoping for more LeVar Burton behind-the-scenes content throughout. But the book really is more about everything else in the history of education television, culminating in the creation of one of the most enduring legacies in edu-tainment surpassed only perhaps by "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" (and I had no idea how intertwined the origins of those two programs actually are.)
I literally grew up on Reading Rainbow: it premiered in 1983 when I was one. I was a pretty early reader - Mom had me reading on my own by age four - and my one aspiration in life was to be one of the Reading Rainbow kids who got to talk about their favourite books at the end of each episode. I was riveted to the screen and then I would go scour my local library for whatever books were mentioned on the show. I was its target audience and it nurtured my love of reading in far more ways than I can count. I dee-double-dog-dare anyone to hear the first line of that ICONIC theme song and not continue singing it. It's impossible! I'm 42 years old and I still have that whole thing memorised even though I can't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday. And I'm guessing that I'm not the only one, but...you don't have to take my word for it!
I recommend reading this book and then watching the recent documentary on Netflix, "Butterfly in the Sky" and you will learn so much about how a motley crew of producers, teachers, librarians, and TV broadcasters came together to create MAGIC. It might have seemed daft at the time - how could a television program inspire a lifelong love of reading in children? - and yet, here we are, decades and innumerable awards later, and the show still resonates profoundly.
Thanks to NetGalley, authors Barbara Irwin, Tony Buttino Sr., & Pam Johnson, and North Country Books (a division of Globe Pequot Publishing) for providing this advanced digital readers' copy. All opinions are my own.
This book is rich with PBS television history, boasting plenty of first-hand accounts by the people that spearheaded the creation and development of the show, the music, the concept, everything. I give this 4.75 stars instead of the full 5 stars ONLY because I was really hoping for more LeVar Burton behind-the-scenes content throughout. But the book really is more about everything else in the history of education television, culminating in the creation of one of the most enduring legacies in edu-tainment surpassed only perhaps by "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" (and I had no idea how intertwined the origins of those two programs actually are.)
I literally grew up on Reading Rainbow: it premiered in 1983 when I was one. I was a pretty early reader - Mom had me reading on my own by age four - and my one aspiration in life was to be one of the Reading Rainbow kids who got to talk about their favourite books at the end of each episode. I was riveted to the screen and then I would go scour my local library for whatever books were mentioned on the show. I was its target audience and it nurtured my love of reading in far more ways than I can count. I dee-double-dog-dare anyone to hear the first line of that ICONIC theme song and not continue singing it. It's impossible! I'm 42 years old and I still have that whole thing memorised even though I can't remember what I had for breakfast yesterday. And I'm guessing that I'm not the only one, but...you don't have to take my word for it!
I recommend reading this book and then watching the recent documentary on Netflix, "Butterfly in the Sky" and you will learn so much about how a motley crew of producers, teachers, librarians, and TV broadcasters came together to create MAGIC. It might have seemed daft at the time - how could a television program inspire a lifelong love of reading in children? - and yet, here we are, decades and innumerable awards later, and the show still resonates profoundly.
Thanks to NetGalley, authors Barbara Irwin, Tony Buttino Sr., & Pam Johnson, and North Country Books (a division of Globe Pequot Publishing) for providing this advanced digital readers' copy. All opinions are my own.
June 21, 2024
Well Documented History Of The Origins Of An Acclaimed Program. Coming in at 32% documentation, this is one of the better documented nonfiction tales I've read of late. Given that it doesn't actually make many claims that require larger amounts of evidence, this is actually even more astounding - the authors documented seemingly more just to provide the data than to necessarily "prove" their claims. Which is to be commended.
The actual narrative of the tale as told though... could use some better editing, and perhaps the final version of this text - vs the Advanced Review Copy edition I read - has that better editing. But for the edition I read, the narrative could get a touch disjointed at times, often switching between authors and perspectives from paragraph to paragraph and even seemingly at times within a given paragraph. Which makes the overall reading experience a bit tougher, which is a shame given that the very story we're learning here is the creation of a program that would become truly legendary in getting kids excited about reading.
Those looking for a large presence of host LeVar Burton are going to be disappointed, as while the book discusses how his involvement came about and then references him a few times as it progresses through the timeline of the show, there are only a few scant quotes directly from him - most seeming from the very documentation the authors cite in the end.
Instead, this book focuses more on coauthor Tony Buttino's own history and efforts to get the show up and operational, including deep dives into his family and neighborhood as he grew and developed as both a person and a television professional.
Still, for anyone interested in learning the backstory of Reading Rainbow and how it came into existence, this book is a treasure trove unlike any other. Very much recommended.
The actual narrative of the tale as told though... could use some better editing, and perhaps the final version of this text - vs the Advanced Review Copy edition I read - has that better editing. But for the edition I read, the narrative could get a touch disjointed at times, often switching between authors and perspectives from paragraph to paragraph and even seemingly at times within a given paragraph. Which makes the overall reading experience a bit tougher, which is a shame given that the very story we're learning here is the creation of a program that would become truly legendary in getting kids excited about reading.
Those looking for a large presence of host LeVar Burton are going to be disappointed, as while the book discusses how his involvement came about and then references him a few times as it progresses through the timeline of the show, there are only a few scant quotes directly from him - most seeming from the very documentation the authors cite in the end.
Instead, this book focuses more on coauthor Tony Buttino's own history and efforts to get the show up and operational, including deep dives into his family and neighborhood as he grew and developed as both a person and a television professional.
Still, for anyone interested in learning the backstory of Reading Rainbow and how it came into existence, this book is a treasure trove unlike any other. Very much recommended.
June 17, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Creating Reading Rainbow is an engaging and well written memoir/behind-the-scenes reminiscence by series co-creator Tony Buttino and collaborators. Due out 18th June 2024 from Rowman & Littlefield on their Globe Pequot imprint, it's 296 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a deep dive into the creation, realization, filming, and enduring popularity of the beloved series from the point of view of the people who were there. Along with the stories, the book contains numerous mostly black & white photographs of the people involved in writing and production, the kids who were the primary audience, and the stage and sets from the show and various PBS stations.
The authors/publishers have also included appendices with bonus material including interviews, episode guides with relevant book lists, and extensive chapter notes which will provide readers with many hours of further reading.
Four stars. This would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use or gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Creating Reading Rainbow is an engaging and well written memoir/behind-the-scenes reminiscence by series co-creator Tony Buttino and collaborators. Due out 18th June 2024 from Rowman & Littlefield on their Globe Pequot imprint, it's 296 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a deep dive into the creation, realization, filming, and enduring popularity of the beloved series from the point of view of the people who were there. Along with the stories, the book contains numerous mostly black & white photographs of the people involved in writing and production, the kids who were the primary audience, and the stage and sets from the show and various PBS stations.
The authors/publishers have also included appendices with bonus material including interviews, episode guides with relevant book lists, and extensive chapter notes which will provide readers with many hours of further reading.
Four stars. This would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition as well as home use or gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 16, 2024
Ok so Reading Rainbow the show gets all the stars. Unfortunately I didn't like how this book was organized (it takes until around chapter 11 to even GET to the actual show this book is about), this is much more a biography on Tony Buttino's career as a whole than it is about a single beloved children's show. Which isn't a BAD thing, it's just not what I was looking for when picking up this book. For me I also found the writing style to be repetitive and with clunky transitions. But you don't have to take my word for it.
With that being said, I did love getting a deeper look into everything that went into the creation of the show that wasn't covered by the "Butterfly in the Sky" documentary. I do wish the authors gave more space in the text to speak with LeVar - while he might not have created the show, he's a large part of why it had the longevity on air that it did and WHY forty years later, there are still generations of adults who can sing the theme song and who will talk fondly about what the show meant to them.
Overall it was an interesting read, even if it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I did enjoy that the back of the book lists every episode and goes over the theme and the details. That was a nice trip down memory lane.
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and North Country Books in exchange for an honest review.
With that being said, I did love getting a deeper look into everything that went into the creation of the show that wasn't covered by the "Butterfly in the Sky" documentary. I do wish the authors gave more space in the text to speak with LeVar - while he might not have created the show, he's a large part of why it had the longevity on air that it did and WHY forty years later, there are still generations of adults who can sing the theme song and who will talk fondly about what the show meant to them.
Overall it was an interesting read, even if it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I did enjoy that the back of the book lists every episode and goes over the theme and the details. That was a nice trip down memory lane.
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Globe Pequot, and North Country Books in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2024
Book Review
I’m of the Xennial generation and I absolutely loved the show Reading Rainbow a small child. I did not have cable grown up, but I was able to access the show because it was available for free through the PBS network. My family and I were also book lovers, and we took advantage of our neighborhood library. Because of my childhood love of Reading Rainbow, I requested this book from Globe Pequot Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series is a collaboration between three authors involved with the show. Most notably to me were the anecdotes by Tony Buttino Sr., who was instrumental in the creation of Reading Rainbow, as well as promoting television as a learning tool over the course of decades. It was interesting to learn about the early era of educational programming on television, and I always appreciate a deep dive into a world I previously knew little about.
I couldn’t get enough of the parts that featured Levar Burton, and I wish he was in the book just a tad more. They really picked the perfect actor to host the show and he is synonymous with Reading Rainbow. The book also lists all the other people that contributed to the show, and there were a lot! I think that anyone interested in “behind the scenes” entertainment stories would get something out of this book. 4 stars!
I’m of the Xennial generation and I absolutely loved the show Reading Rainbow a small child. I did not have cable grown up, but I was able to access the show because it was available for free through the PBS network. My family and I were also book lovers, and we took advantage of our neighborhood library. Because of my childhood love of Reading Rainbow, I requested this book from Globe Pequot Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series is a collaboration between three authors involved with the show. Most notably to me were the anecdotes by Tony Buttino Sr., who was instrumental in the creation of Reading Rainbow, as well as promoting television as a learning tool over the course of decades. It was interesting to learn about the early era of educational programming on television, and I always appreciate a deep dive into a world I previously knew little about.
I couldn’t get enough of the parts that featured Levar Burton, and I wish he was in the book just a tad more. They really picked the perfect actor to host the show and he is synonymous with Reading Rainbow. The book also lists all the other people that contributed to the show, and there were a lot! I think that anyone interested in “behind the scenes” entertainment stories would get something out of this book. 4 stars!
July 19, 2025
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and North Country Books for the eGalley to review!
This was a remarkable deep dive into the creation of Reading Rainbow from the crew itself, so in-depth that it includes the personal history of co-creator Tony Buttino to get the fullest context of how the show came into being. I've never read something so in-depth about a piece of media and it's so wonderful that we're able to get the perspectives of so many people that were involved, from the creators to the children who read and reviewed for the show. To see how Reading Rainbow was a culmination of so many little and big things blew my mind and I can say for certain as a Reading Rainbow kid myself that they made very good on their promise of reaching out to every kid and representing everyone.
It takes a while to get to the actual production history of the series, but the wait is so worth it and the context is too, so keep reading on!! This book also includes a thorough episode guide and book list in the appendix, so this is not just an excellent book for Reading Rainbow fans, but also of collectors and historians who want the full story and information behind the series. I'm genuinely blown away by this one!
This was a remarkable deep dive into the creation of Reading Rainbow from the crew itself, so in-depth that it includes the personal history of co-creator Tony Buttino to get the fullest context of how the show came into being. I've never read something so in-depth about a piece of media and it's so wonderful that we're able to get the perspectives of so many people that were involved, from the creators to the children who read and reviewed for the show. To see how Reading Rainbow was a culmination of so many little and big things blew my mind and I can say for certain as a Reading Rainbow kid myself that they made very good on their promise of reaching out to every kid and representing everyone.
It takes a while to get to the actual production history of the series, but the wait is so worth it and the context is too, so keep reading on!! This book also includes a thorough episode guide and book list in the appendix, so this is not just an excellent book for Reading Rainbow fans, but also of collectors and historians who want the full story and information behind the series. I'm genuinely blown away by this one!
Read
October 29, 2025It really made my heart happy reading about a program created by such a diverse group of people who understood deeply the power of literature. To hear how the creators of reading rainbow valued the input of educators, librarians, students, parents, etc etc just wow. I feel lucky to have gotten to experience the magic of reading rainbow and I hope I can share that with my students. “Take a look, it’s in a book” is more relevant than ever. Also, I can’t wait to see where Librarian Mychal takes us!!
“WHY READING RAINBOW? An old Irish legend states that there is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. The gold has the power to make ones dreams come true. Reading won't make a child's dreams come true, but it will open a new world and offer endless possibilities in terms of lifestyle, relationships with other people, and general knowledge. So, being able to read is like having the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms”
“WHY READING RAINBOW? An old Irish legend states that there is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow. The gold has the power to make ones dreams come true. Reading won't make a child's dreams come true, but it will open a new world and offer endless possibilities in terms of lifestyle, relationships with other people, and general knowledge. So, being able to read is like having the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms”
August 6, 2024
As a 90s kid, Reading Rainbow was a fundamental part of my childhood. I truly believe…actually…I KNOW that Reading Rainbow impacted me in such a profound way that reading is a core part of my life as an adult.
Levar Burton in general made reading magical. Literally SHOWED me that reading could be magical.
I was lucky enough to attend a screening of the documentary “Butterfly in the Sky” a few months ago and was able to actually meet Barbara & Pam (the show was born here in Buffalo) and listen to them talk about the show so obviously I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their book.
This is such a great book filled with the history of the show and all of the amazing people who made it possible.
If Reading Rainbow was a part of your life at any point I highly suggest picking this book up. You won’t be disappointed.
Levar Burton in general made reading magical. Literally SHOWED me that reading could be magical.
I was lucky enough to attend a screening of the documentary “Butterfly in the Sky” a few months ago and was able to actually meet Barbara & Pam (the show was born here in Buffalo) and listen to them talk about the show so obviously I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their book.
This is such a great book filled with the history of the show and all of the amazing people who made it possible.
If Reading Rainbow was a part of your life at any point I highly suggest picking this book up. You won’t be disappointed.
January 26, 2025
I loved Reading Rainbow when I was little, and now I'm enjoying seeing my kids watch it. It was fun to read about the origins of the show and all the people that made it happen, the grassroots efforts and the Buffalo hometown pride. I enjoyed getting to know The different individuals who made Reading Rainbow such a success.
The book read a bit like a script might. I imagined this as a documentary. The italics for Tony Buttino was a bit odd in print - I imagined his words in a voiceover throughout the book and it made more sense.
I liked seeing all the episodes broken down at the end, with all the books referenced in each episode. It makes me want to order a bunch of these for my own kids! Can't wait to rewatch many of these episodes with them and think about what went into the creation of the show...
The book read a bit like a script might. I imagined this as a documentary. The italics for Tony Buttino was a bit odd in print - I imagined his words in a voiceover throughout the book and it made more sense.
I liked seeing all the episodes broken down at the end, with all the books referenced in each episode. It makes me want to order a bunch of these for my own kids! Can't wait to rewatch many of these episodes with them and think about what went into the creation of the show...
June 10, 2024
Very insightful. It was really cool to read about people who were committed to harnessing television to make a difference in the lives of young viewers. Soon after (and even during Reading Rainbow's tenure), many television shows when more the "edutainment" route. Reading Rainbow learned a lot from other programs and coordinated a lot with their local school districts - something I was pleasantly surprised to learn.
There are multiple authors of the book, so sometimes the flow of the narrative is a little confusing, but this was enjoyable to read. I'm thankful for the Reading Rainbow legacy, and for this insight into how it came to be.
There are multiple authors of the book, so sometimes the flow of the narrative is a little confusing, but this was enjoyable to read. I'm thankful for the Reading Rainbow legacy, and for this insight into how it came to be.
October 28, 2024
I would never have guessed that it took so much effort to create a children's show like Reading Rainbow. It was really a love effort for its creators, specifically for Tony Buttino. It was his brain child.
The plus for the book was its many lovely pictures, but the reading itself is a little dry. My son loved Reading Rainbow as did so many others. The main purpose of the show was to stop the loss of reading proficiency during the summer for primary students. But, I think an added benefit was creating life-long readers.
Congratulations to all.
The plus for the book was its many lovely pictures, but the reading itself is a little dry. My son loved Reading Rainbow as did so many others. The main purpose of the show was to stop the loss of reading proficiency during the summer for primary students. But, I think an added benefit was creating life-long readers.
Congratulations to all.
February 24, 2025
Creating Reading Rainbow was an insightful look into the making of Reading Rainbow including other educational programming that laid the groundwork for Reading Rainbow. It was exceptional in telling the history with recollections from those involved. It was great to see how Buffalo and the Buffalo Public Broadcasting network were so involved in educational television specifically designed to prevent summer reading loss which ultimately led to Reading Rainbow. Included in this book is a complete appendix of all the Reading Rainbow episodes, the books used, and the people involved.
July 28, 2024
Did I learn new stuff, like Mr. McFeely from Mr. Rogers had his own show? Yes! But overall, this book was just more of a discussion of a few key players in Reading Rainbow that included their whole life story and what led up to Reading Rainbow. I enjoyed the Butterfly in the Sky documentary so much, though!!
November 27, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4. I have fond memories of Reading Rainbow so it's interesting seeing the oral history (primarily from Tony Buttino), especially its predecessor programs in the Buffalo area (I didn't know about Mr McFeeley hosting the Television Literacy Club!)
I feel like I should rewatch the documentary to put faces to names.
I feel like I should rewatch the documentary to put faces to names.
August 16, 2024
I wanted to like this book for the topic’s sake, but couldn’t. It’s basically a rough draft that should have been given to a professional writer to craft into something more enjoyable.
The appendix with list and description of all the books covered on the show is great though.
The appendix with list and description of all the books covered on the show is great though.
June 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy. I loved Reading Rainbow as a show but this book was a good insight into the show. I was not as wowed as I had hoped to be but this was an informative read.
July 8, 2024
I am giving it four stars although I didn't need such detailed background information about some of the people who worked on the show.
August 18, 2024
I’ve heard of Reading Rainbow but I never saw an episode. I appreciate the efforts to improve the importance of reading and in an entertaining way.
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