I really liked the idea behind this book and it was really well put together.

The book is well written and it is easy to follow and I loved the ending.
It is great that the book was inspired by the author's meeting in real life too - it is a great tribute to that story and what a way to share the memory.

The illustrations were really good and they brought the book to life.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

Just like the author, I have many fond memories of watching Reading Rainbow and reading certain books for the first time. I only wish I'd had a chance to meet him like the author! This book would be a wonderful edition to any children's department not only for the historical aspect but for looking at all of the ways Reading Rainbow helped kids discover what books have to offer. I too appreciated the back matter that shared the authors story about how the book came to be as well as information about Levar Burton and Reading Rainbow.

Ezra's friend LeVar always has a book to share. From playing in the snow, to decorating eggs, to eating pancakes with Paul Bunyan--Ezra and LeVar explore all different kinds of stories. Through imaginative play they discover new worlds, learn to be curious, and revel in reading. One day young Ezra meets LeVar Burton in real life! Soon afterward, Ezra discovers that his friends know LeVar from TV, too.

This joyous celebration of the impact that LeVar Burton had on kids during his years on television stems from the author's real-life admiration of LeVar Burton and their chance meeting when Ezra was a child.

My Take:
This book is a valuable addition to any library, personal or public, for young readers. My concern is whether young children will recognize Mr. Burton and understand why this story resonates so deeply with adults who grew up with him introducing them to books. Overall, the subject matter was compelling enough for me to select this book and consider finding episodes of Reading Rainbow for the young readers I know.

This 90's baby's heart is in love! I think most people from my generation can remember the excitement of Reading Rainbow day and the joy that accompanied the giant box TV being wheeled into the classroom. What a wonderful tribute to LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow!

While I did greatly enjoy this story, I don't know that it will make much sense to present-day students who are not familiar with Reading Rainbow. I'd say it is more for their grown-ups to enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This book was so wonderful! The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and the story itself was touching. I highly recommend this book for ALL readers!

Reading Rainbow is one of my all-time most influential TV shows. I’ve always admired Levar. As a reading teacher, I have shared archived episodes with my students as part of book review lessons. This book made me smile through and through.

Literally the cutest children’s book. I too grew up watching reading rainbow and honestly if my classmate came to class with a picture with THEE Levar Burton I would be extremely jealous (adult me still is). Every year I look out for the children’s book to buy all my nieces and nephews and this def will be the book this year. Thank you for this arc.

You never outgrow your love for Reading Rainbow. Trekkies fondly remember him from Next Generation, and who can forget him in Roots. But the child in the story knows that LeVar is his personal friend who encourages, goes on adventures, and teaches so many things! "LeVar inspires me to be creative and use my imagination"
The illustrations by Jenna Nahyun Chung are simple, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Oct 01, 2024
#KidLit @readingrainbow @levarburton @PBSKIDS podcast LeVar Burton Reads #galimoto #Friends

Ahhhh! My Friend LeVar?! Heck yes I had to read this children's book. LeVar was my childhood friend too! Just like I'd expect a book about LeVar Burton to be, this book is beautiful and inclusive. I LOVE that the author included a photo and the true story. This book is perfect for just about any 80s/90s kid who loved Reading Rainbow.

This nonfiction picture book tells the author's story of loving Reading Rainbow as a child and getting to meet the host. His mom happened to have her camera with her, even though this was in the days of film, and she took a picture of her child with LeVar Burton. The picture appears at the end of this book.

The story may be slightly confusing for some children, since it presents the author's adventures with the host in an imaginative style, as if they were physically together to read books and do crafts. This represents the kind of connection that children can feel with a favorite television host, but a kid who doesn't have a solid grasp on the history of the Reading Rainbow TV show may not fully understand what's really happening in the story.

This book is a nice ode to reading, and to the power that children's television hosts can have in a child's life. This will especially appeal to adults who also grew up watching Reading Rainbow, especially if they want to share their nostalgia and memories with their own children.

ARC Copy...I thought it was a sweet narrative and awww author as a kid was super lucky too! I agree and relate with author as I grew up watching reading rainbow and I loved it too!

This was a sweet children’s book based on the author’s own experience watching Levar Burton and getting to meet his idol. Loved the illustrations too.

I requested this book from NetGalley (thanks of the eArc!) after reading the rather odd [book:Leonard Cohen|203162908]Leonard Cohen by Maria Isabel Sanchez. When I requested it I did not know about the Reading Rainbow, although I am familiar with LeVar Burton - mainly through StarTrek and his podcast LeVar Burton Reads. This little volume is surprisingly sweet, even without having the full background, or having watched the show. It's nicely illustrated and celebrates Black authors and stories. It has a certain nostalgia for the 90s, although that is not the focus. Unsurprisingly it has an American tone to it, so I probably wouldn't wouldn't buy it for my Australian friends, but if I was American I would definitely put this on my shopping list.

This text is unique in its presentation of a young person's connection to a true hero, Levar Burton. Its storyline and illustrations connect the reader not only to the time period, but to a love of reading. The story is presented in a way that also helps students or children connect to Reading Rainbow, an element that was probably critical to their parents' time in middle school. The personal note from the author at the conclusion which conveys just how real this interaction with his hero was stands to serve two purposes: it shows children that the key moments in their lives are worth writing, and it shows us the impact that one person can have on another.

A sweet children’s book about the authors experiences watching Reading Rainbow starring his good friend LeVar Burton. Who didn’t love Reading Rainbow growing up, I still remember watching in the afternoon after school. I loved all the references to different books and the shout out to Roots. I also loved the list of all the featured books at the end. We are a library family and LeVar started it all.

The synopsis appealed to me and the book didn't disappoint. It recounts the author's love of the show, Reading Rainbow and it highlights his love of books and reading. What made this even more special was that he met LeVar Burton when he was a kid and included the actual photo he took with him at the end of the book. The illustrations show diversity and I think would appeal to kids. Cute read!

My Friend LeVar gave me all the feels as I recall my childhood watching Reading Rainbow. I always felt like LeVar was a friend. I dreamed about being a kid recommending books on the show. Now, as an elementary school librarian, I show some of the old episodes on the streaming platform our school has. I cannot wait to purchase this book to share with my students. I love the way this story incorporates the books and activities from the show. I also love how it is based on Ezra's meeting LeVar. It beautifully conveys how books take you on adventures.

My Friend LeVar is a moving picture book based on the author’s own experience with his childhood hero. This heartwarming book explores how positive role models make a lasting impact on children and the way they engage with others.

LeVar helps the main character and his classmates explore the worlds inside books, have them courage to try new things and remember to always be kind and accepting.

The illustrations feature children from an array of different backgrounds and there is also disability representation.

Oh, what wonderful memories I have of “The Reading Rainbow” growing up! LeVar Burton played a pivotal role in the show and ultimately inspired my love for reading. This heartwarming book brings back those delightful memories. LeVar Burton, the magical host, sparked a lifelong love for reading in many, including the boy in this story. The boy's life was positively impacted by the show, and a sweet moment in the book is when he unexpectedly meets Burton in a store, with his mom capturing a cherished photo. The book concludes with the author sharing this special photo and the story behind the book's creation. It also includes a list of children's books mentioned in the text and beautifully done illustrations.

It was such a treat to read this ARC copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thanks to Charlesbridge Books and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a lovely book! This is the story of one little boy who loved the television show, Reading Rainbow on PBS, starring LeVar Burton, and the impact the show and the books featured on his life. It also includes a very cool story about the boy, who happened to be in a store with his mom and ran into his TV idol. His mom took a picture of him and LeVar, which he has cherished to this day. At the end of the book, the author shares the actual picture of him and Burton and the story of the genesis of the book. There’s also a list of children’s books referenced in the text. The illustrations are done well, too. My only complaint is that there is one word, galimoto, that I had no clue what it meant, and I don’t know if kids would just skip over that word or try to look it up.