Book People Unite

I record a bunch of TV shows for my kiddo on Qubo. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a cable channel with a bunch of educational and fun children’s shows, many from my own childhood. There’s Pippi Longstocking, Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?, She-Ra and a bunch of others that Wood Sprite loves. I wish today’s children’s shows had such a wide variety of great female heroes—and villains!

Anyhow, we were watching one such recorded show when this PSA came on for Book People Unite. You can watch it at the link. It’s a really cool song about how one book can change your life, and it features the talents of Jack Black, John Legend, Carrie Brownstein and a bunch of other celebrities—as well as a cameo of Lamar Burton. (I really, really miss Reading Rainbow—and Star Trek: TNG, by the way.) You’ll see live-action versions of Pinocchio, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the three little pigs and a bunch of other storybook characters singing together.

The project is for a great cause—Reading is Fundamental. It’s an organization that helps kids not only become aware of books, but also delivers books to children in poverty courtesy of donor giving. Most kids in poverty have zero books at home, which is unimaginable to me; even though we were broke growing up—my family was on and off assistance at various times, even though both my parents worked—we managed to get books at garage sales, and later through the library. If I could, I would put both food and books in every home. I know that books can be the sanctuary children—and adults!— turn to for inspiration, comfort during tough times and escape when the real world just seems bleak. Children in poverty could benefit from books the most.

Check out the PSA and project, and give if you feel moved to do so. Even if you can’t right now, maybe you could spread the word to help others find out about Reading is Fundamental.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia