Farewell, Reading Rainbow
I was just blindsided by an instant message from a well-meaning (and generally wonderful) co-worker.
Pleasant co-worker: did you hear about reading rainbow?
me: no, what?
PC: it got canceled
me: NOOOOO
And despite my unfailing professionalism in the work place (quiet, peanut gallery!), there may have been a whimper in there.
After 26 years, LeVar Burton's no longer going to dress up like a Medieval knight, introduce elementary schoolers to sushi or give kids their first 15 seconds of fame proclaiming their love of books. (I can't be the only one who used to practice talking about her new favorite book in a mirror, just in case Geordi called, right?)
Before Amazon's oh-so-handy list of suggestions (or the Internet, for that matter), Reading Rainbow was my best bet for finding that perfect book at the library. It inspired reading, it inspired curiousity about the world around me, and I really wanted a pet stardog. Oh, the memories.
Maybe I didn't have to take your word for it, Burton, but I did enjoy it, for many years. At least we still have Twitter -- but it won't quite be enough.
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
Comments
This is really a sad thing. I heard about it a while ago and still haven't broken the news to my son (he's 7) - he loves to check the videos and corresponding books out from our library.
Posted by: Heather J. | August 28, 2009 10:57 AM
That is so sad. I have many fond memories of watching RR with my son.
Posted by: Kathy | August 28, 2009 11:07 AM
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The show will live on in reruns, just like Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and will (hopefully) continue to inspire kids to put down the X-Box controller and pick up a book.
Posted by: Thomas H. | August 28, 2009 12:14 PM
Reruns of Mr. Rogers are fine - it's timeless. Reading Rainbow reviewed new books. Reruns will make it old and older books. Not a problem for classics, but the new book shelf at the library is what always sucked in my kids.
Posted by: a parent | August 28, 2009 2:22 PM
I just found out! I feel like my childhood got stomped on!
Maybe--- they'll bring it back somehow? new host, redone theme?
Posted by: Elizabeth W | August 28, 2009 3:57 PM
OMG I can't believe Reading Rainbow is over.
Posted by: Chrystal K. | August 28, 2009 6:59 PM