LeVar Burton hosted a Facebook Live session with Blavity on Tuesday and took viewers on a much-needed nostalgic journey.

The Reading Rainbow icon read his latest book The Rhino Who Swallowed A Storm, in the live video. Using that famous voice, Burton read the story of a rhino who learns valuable life lessons after facing a fearsome storm. 


"Just like every story with a storm, this one ends with a rainbow," Burton said before closing the book. "I believe there is a little bit of rhino in every single one of us."

After reading some kind words from viewers, the 63-year-old decided to treat his fans with a familiar tune.

"Butterfly in the sky," he said. "I can go twice as high. Take a look. It's in a book. The Reading Rainbow. I can go anywhere. Friends to know, ways to grow. Reading Rainbow." 

There are even more treats on the way for Burton's fans in the coming days.

"What I have decided to do is read three times a week," he said. "On Monday mornings, I'm gonna read to kids. On Wednesday afternoons, I'm gonna read to the [young adult] audience. On Friday evenings, I'm gonna read to the grown-ups in the house."

The Reading Rainbow host went to Twitter to explain the importance of reading to people during the coronavirus crisis.

"I’ve been busting my brain for about a week now trying to figure out how to do a live-streamed version of #LeVarBurtonReads," he wrote. "I figured that during this difficult time I could contribute by reading aloud to folks who could use some diversion for themselves and their families."

Earlier this year, the Sacramento native launched a video series titled This is My Story, which chronicles some of the racist experiences he and his friends have faced. The actor, who played the role of Kunta Kinte in Roots, said he "believes in the power of storytelling to move the culture forward."

Last year, a park in Sacramento was dedicated to the former Reading Rainbow host. 

“He’s always been proud of his Sacramento roots and he continues to use his career and his influence to be a strong advocate for literacy for children,” city assistant planner Brianna Moland said.

Commissioner Chinua Rhodes said, “I really am happy to see somebody, especially somebody of color, coming out of the south area in such a positive way who’s made a great impact.”

Reading Rainbow, which had a 23-year run on PBS, engaged children in meaningful conversations while increasing their appetite for reading. The show broke the stereotype which suggests that Black people don't read.  

A digital copy of The Rhino Who Swallowed A Storm is available here. Blavity is hosting a series of Facebook live videos with your favorite influencers and public figures in the coming weeks. 

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