Butterfly in the Sky

If you were a child that grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, you were subject to a slew of programs for educational growth and development. “Magic School Bus,” “Sesame Street” and “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” were staples that made sure you knew your science, letters, numbers and valuable life lessons. Yet, for me, my day was never complete without an episode of “Reading Rainbow.” As I would watch LeVar Burton taking me on another adventure and fostering my love of writing and literature. It has been about sixteen years since “Reading Rainbow” said goodbye…and now it’s time for a little recognition. Directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, the documentary film Butterfly In The Sky takes us down memory lane through the creation and twenty-six year run of the beloved television show and, of course, how encouraging children to read spurred a generation to pick up a book and immerse themselves in the pleasure of a story. 

As part of the brainchild of creator Dr. Twila C. Liggett, “Reading Rainbow” fulfilled a need that still exists to this day: to foster learning and garner interest in reading amongst children. After finding a home with the Corporation of Public Broadcasting as their funding, the search was on for a host that would bolster the support to get all kids engaged in reading. Coming off his acclaimed role as Kunta Kinte in the movie Roots, LeVar Burton found his calling as the host of “Reading Rainbow”…and warmed his way into the hearts of children. From there the show shot a pilot in 1981, premiered in July 1983 and became a national hit with the younger generation…tackling tough topics and celebrating diversity through books and stories featured on the show. And even after its end in 2006, reading continues to thrive…inspiring generations to come.  

Thomason and Whitcomb pay home to the beloved series “Reading Rainbow” in the best way: through the stories of the cast, crew and guests that were part of the magic. The beauty of Butterfly In The Sky goes beyond giving viewers a tale of appreciation and nostalgia, delving deep into what truly made the show a success: those who loved it enough to make it succeed. The cast and crew were more than just co-workers, they became family. And when funding came under fire from the House Appropriations Committee they fought back as a family. Sadly, when the show lost its funding and ended, they mourned as a family.  

Aside from the hard work behind the scenes, Butterfly In The Sky not only gives LeVar Burton his long overdue accolades, but creator Dr. Liggett as well. Liggett had her finger on the proverbial pulse of educational need while Burton revived a love of reading for children. They provided and satisfied a necessity that I didn’t realize I and others needed in youth, a space where kids were encouraged to learn and grow outside of the walls of a classroom. And how special it was with Burton at the proverbial helm to introduce and engage young learners on new and exciting topics.  

While “Reading Rainbow” may only now exist in syndication and streaming services, Butterfly In The Sky reminded me that while the show is no longer producing new episodes I can still relive the nostalgia of my youth and pass it on to the next generation. Its message is still relevant and so are the lyrics to that iconic theme song: “I can go anywhere. I can be anything. Take a look, it’s in a book…a Reading Rainbow.” “Reading Rainbow,” thank you for filling my childhood with wonder and the love of a good page-turner.