
Butterfly in the Sky
4.4
Documentary
2024
87 min
-
Two seconds into the bubbling synth sounds of its theme song will have a child of the 1980s or ‘90s exclaiming “Reading Rainbow!” Such is the beloved and ubiquitous nature of the classic children’s literary television show that introduced millions of kids to the wonder and importance of books. Not only did the series insist on having kids speak to kids about their favorite stories, but Reading Rainbow introduced the world to one of the most adored television hosts of all time in LeVar Burton. Thanks to his direct, non-patronizing and, most importantly, kind delivery, Burton became a conduit to learning for children of every background—an entrancing guide to subjects unknown.
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Community ReviewsSee all
"4.5⭐️ The story of READING RAINBOW, LeVar Burton, PBS and how the little show that couldn’t .. actually could.
I really had no idea how much Reading Rainbow meant personally until seeing this wonderfully nostalgic doc. Happy in only a way a book nerd who was profoundly changed by Roots and loved Star Trek could be. Reading Rainbow was so meaningful, earnest and heartfelt that I found my throat catching constantly throughout watching this doc. I mean who tears up over Run DMC rapping about how fun reading could be? Me. This adult. This one👆🏼 And I was well into double digits at the time the show first aired so when I say book nerd I mean BOOK. NERD.
I know I’m not alone here. Two generations grew up with LeVar’s limpid eyes and forthright sincerity making them feel seen, taken on adventures and impelling them to read. He’s interviewed at length and still quite capable of instilling childlike giddiness without even trying. With the creators and behind the scenes folks, a few very famous guest readers and some now grown child reviewers, it’s apparent everyone involved loved doing the show which clearly had a profound effect on them as well. The loss of the likes of LeVar (and Mr. Rogers!) in media to encourage kids, help build self esteem and personal growth, and realize a world greater than themselves is an acute one. For those who were beneficiaries this is a lovely way to remember.
🎶 From the front to the back as pages turn
Reading is a very fresh way to learn
And if you look into a book
You might just say
I had fun
Just like Run, DMC and Jay
UGH 🎶"
"Magical."
H G
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"A beautiful look at a key show of my childhood. I loved the look into not only the origin of Reading Rainbow but also the story of Lavar Burton. Truly an emotional ride that brought up such fantastic memories and feelings of nostalgia. Most definitely recommend if you enjoyed the show and if you enjoy documentaries."
"A very interesting documentary all the way through. The opening animation sequence is beautiful, and its writing is well structured and gives an in-depth overview of how the show came about, along with its challenges and how it affected society's view on educational television, particularly in regards to television and children's literature. A favorite for sure 💕 "