WHYY for Kids

It's In a Book
It was in 1983 that LeVar Burton shared his first story -- a book called Tight Times about a family experiencing financial trouble -- with a children's television audience. More than 20 years later, Burton is still turning kids on to the wonderful world of reading through the critically-acclaimed program Reading Rainbow, which airs weekdays at 2:30 p.m. on WHYY TV12.

Through animation, fieldtrips and storybook narration, Reading Rainbow tackles real-world issues such as homelessness and violence while always keeping the joy of reading at the center of its message. This month, Burton shares the book Badger's Parting Gifts, which helps kids deal with the death of a loved one; visits teenager Craig Kielburger, who was nominated for the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for founding the global youth service organization Kids Can Free the Children; and meets some exceptional kids who spend their free time volunteering.

March is "Read Across America" month: Share a story with a child in your life, and visit WHYY online to find out how you can win free books for your family!

For more reading fun, visit Reading Rainbow online to read and rate the selections on "LeVar's Booklist;" listen to reviews of the books featured on the show; play games; and print out fun activities designed to help kids improve their reading and writing skills.

Sesame Street Meet-and-Greet
Y Kids Club members will have the chance to meet some of their favorite Sesame Street characters on Saturday, March 13 when the cast comes to the Wachovia Spectrum for the new Sesame Street Live production "1-2-3...Imagine." Space for this Y Kids Club-only event is limited, so call (215) 351-0511 to reserve your spot! Visit Y Kids Club for more information. All WHYY members receive a $3 discount on tickets (excluding premium and VIP seats) to Sesame Street Live from March 11 to 14.

If you know a child who would like to become a Y Kids Club Member, enroll him or her online at the Y Kids Club homepage! Each child receives a MemberCard, four issues of BUZZ (the Y Kids Club newsletter) per year, invitations to area children's events, and a special birthday surprise! Visit the Kids Club Homepage or call (215) 351-0511 for more information.