“Reading Rainbow” is back! Birmingham librarians weigh in + how to watch
Reading time: 5 minutes
Grab your library card, Birmingham! Reading Rainbow is officially making a comeback! If you were an ‘80s or ‘90s kid like me, who grew up humming “Take a look, it’s in a book…”, this PBS classic was more than just a TV show—it was pure childhood magic.
With new episodes beginning Saturday, October 4, I couldn’t be more excited. But I’m not the only one: local librarians are, too.
Read on to see why they think the reboot will be a must-see, plus get great book recs and find out how to watch.
Why Reading Rainbow still captivates kids (and Birmingham’s librarians)
Whether it was Levar Burton’s calm vibe or infectious laugh, the animated stories or the book reviews given by real kids, Reading Rainbow was a gateway to the imagination.
Judith Wright, the Executive Director of the Homewood Public Library, shared how the show sparked her love of reading and set her on the path to becoming a librarian.
“Reading Rainbow was a weekly staple in my elementary classes. Each episode opened up new worlds and introduced me to countless stories and characters, igniting my love for reading. I still clearly remember the episode that featured Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema.
When my school’s librarian helped me find it later that day, it became the very first book I ever borrowed from the library.”
Judith Wright, Executive Director, Homewood Public Library
Reading Rainbow inspires local library programs
Over at the Hoover Public Library, Children’s Librarian Justin Banger ties his memories of the show to folk tales and flapjacks.
“I remember watching the episode featuring Paul Bunyan. It was the beginning of my love for folk tales, trees and pancakes. The giant pancakes that landed on the houses in that book and the ones from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (also a R. R. Feature) are core memories for me.”
Justin Banger, Children’s Librarian, Hoover Public Library
What’s cool is Justin’s decade’s-long love for these stories has led to special programming at the Hoover Public Library.
“We’ve hosted two Pancake Palooza programs at our library, complete with pancake flipping and tossing games, lumberjack bears and, of course, pancakes.”
Justin Banger, Children’s Librarian, Hoover Public Library
From LeVar Burton to Mychal Threets
LeVar Burton was the iconic host of the original Reading Rainbow, and while fans, including myself, will miss him, the reboot will feature a new host: Mychal Threets (a.k.a Mychal the Librarian).
How do our local librarians feel about the show’s new host?
For Justin, Mychal the Librarian is spot-on.
“He embodies library welcomeness. Kids see the fun on the show, then realize those same books are waiting for them at the library.
Justin Banger, Children’s Librarian, Hoover Public Library
Ashley Enoch, Children’s Librarian at the Pelham Public Library, is just as pumped:
“Mychal’s positive energy is contagious. I’m looking forward to seeing him share that with a new generation of readers.”
Ashley Enoch, Children’s Librarian, Pelham Public Library
STAR MOMENT: When I reached out to Judith about her thoughts on the Reading Rainbow reboot, I was amazed to learn that she met Mychal Threets at the 2025 American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“When I met Mychal, I told him how much joy and light he brings and how much love our library has for him.”
Judith Wright, Executive Director, Homewood Public Library
Reading Rainbow inspired Birmingham adults too
While some watched the original show as kids, others found it inspiring later in life.
Shannon Haddock, Program Specialist at the Hoover Public Library was in college when the show aired, but LeVar Burton’s energy was unforgettable. And she’s excited to introduce the new show to her granddaughter.
“Modeling behaviors that embrace being ‘a book nerd’ is what it’s all about. Mychal the Librarian never fails to impress me.”
Shannon Haddock, Program Specialist, Hoover Public Library
Birmingham-area librarians’ picks for Reading Rainbow’s reboot
I couldn’t resist asking our local librarians for their top pick for a book they hope to see featured on the new show. As you can imagine, these bibliophiles had a tough time picking just one. But, they somehow managed to do it.
Here’s which read they said:
- Judith Wright: A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
- Justin Banger: Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer
- Shannon Haddock: Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw, illustrated by Margot Apple
My pick would be from an author native to Birmingham, such as:
- One Hundred Shoes by Charles Ghigna (a.k.a, Father Goose)
- Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham
- I Love My Happy Hair by Dr. Linda Holloway
In the words of Reading Rainbow’s original tagline, “you don’t have to take our word for it”. You can obtain these books or any others featured on the show by visiting your local library or viewing their online selections. Be sure to tell them I sent you!
WATCH THE SHOW: You can stream the Reading Rainbow reboot Saturdays in October on ReadingRainbow.org or the KidZuko YouTube Channel.
Are you excited about the Reading Rainbow reboot? Let us know on social @bhamnow.
