'Reading Rainbow' cancelled, citing lack of funds

The long-running series Reading Rainbow aired its last original
episode last week. (Photo: www.pbskids.org)

The PBS series Reading Rainbow aired its final episode last Friday, citing lack of funds as the reason for the cancellation. The Emmy award winning program has been a staple of PBS children's programming (now known as PBS Kids) since 1983, and was hosted by actor LeVar Burton, also known for his roles in Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Featuring a diverse selection of modern children's books narrated by well-known actors, plus kids' book reviews, the program distinguished itself from other children's programming by showing kids "why to read" as opposed to how to read, according to a recent NPR interview with John Grant, head of content at Reading Rainbow. Grant also noted that the show needed several thousand dollars in funding to renew the show's broadcast rights.

Over the years Reading Rainbow has featured hundreds of children’s books, including such titles as Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Frog and Toad Together; George Shrinks; I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie; Martha Speaks; The Piggy in the Puddle; and Where the Wild Things Are, just to name a few.

After 26 seasons, Reading Rainbow is the third longest running children's program on PBS, behind Mister Rogers Neighborhood, which aired original episodes from 1968 through 2001, and Sesame Street, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this November.

For more info: For more book suggestions for children, check out the Discover America books for young readers, and Sandra Boynton picture books for pre-readers.