I was expecting a biography of LeVar Burton, but Edmond's book turns out to be more an ode to Reading Rainbow. This may be one that adults enjoy more than children. I don't know if the reruns of this groundbreaking show are still being aired, so kids may need to have the premise explained to them. Perhaps it can lead to a discussion of heroes and celebrities, and what it would be like to meet our idols.

Book 211 of 300 ~ 2024

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

LeVar = StarTrek TNG - yes, I didn't mind TNG but OS forever.. = 1 🌟

LeVar = Reading Rainbow = Superhero = 1 🌟

This fella should be a National Treasurer just like Dolly Parton.

He encouraged so many children to read for over 20 yrs.

How lucky was the author to meet his childhood hero. I'd love to meet him too.

Love this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Levar has been a huge part of my life growing up and is still today. I am so excited to share everything I can from Reading Rainbow to my kids. It sparked my love for reading at a very young age. So I was beyond excited, and honored really, to be able to read the ebook ARC of this book. We can’t wait to add it to our home collection. In this wonderful story we get to follow Ezra who loves his friend from TV, Levar, and the many books he has to share with everyone. He tells us all about the many reasons why he loves reading and learning with Levar. One day he gets to meet him in person and soon learns that his others friends love Levar too. The author does an outstanding job telling us his wonderful story.
I love this special tribute to a person who has been a positive influence to so many people for so many years. He has sparked a passion for reading in so many young children. The lasting and positive impact he made is felt in this heartfelt story. Enjoy this with your little readers and future readers. It is a perfect addition to my home collection of books, many I learned from Levar. Well written and a great addition to any book lovers collection.
1000 stars

Biographical AND autobiographical! Told from the viewpoint of a child, Ezra tells us about his adventures with LeVar Burton. Now, Ezra is seeing LeVar on TV, but we really feel how much connection was forged through Reading Rainbow, as LeVar spoke to the children, and not to the camera.

While LeVar teaches Ezra about many cultures, there’s particular attention given to Ezra and LeVar’s roots…or, Roots, I’ll say. Ezra is introduced to LeVar by his parents, who know him from the series Roots. There’s also mention of ancestors escaping to freedom. I love how this book subtly points out how important it is for children to see themselves in media.

And it’s also important to make those media personalities real, and young Ezra had the good luck to actually meet LeVar, randomly, at the grocery store. The art portrays him as a towering figure…for one page. And then LeVar is kneeling with Ezra, and it’s just a lovely moment.

This book makes me really want a continuation of Reading Rainbow. It feels like such a missed opportunity.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

My Friend LeVar by Ezra Edmond is an awesome book that showcases one story of how LeVar Burton has impacted people's lives through Reading Rainbow. As a youngster, the Author. Ezra Edmond had an encounter with a man he looks up to--LeVar Burton, host of his favorite show Reading Rainbow. Being a fan of Levar Burton for numerous reasons, including Reading Rainbow, reading My Friend LeVar was a pure joy from beginning to end! I highly recommend My Friend LeVar by Ezra Edmond! It's a perfect book for any setting! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is on Goodreads.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. What a wonderful picture book to introduce children to the world of reading. The pictures are vibrant and the story is thoughtful. A great addition to any home or professional library.

LeVar Burton is one of my heros, so I was thrilled to see this picture book!
I loved this opportunity to see my hero through a different child's eyes.

I plan on buying this book in physical copy so I can read it with my kids!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book! I grinned the entire time while reading this story and reminiscing about how much Levar Burton affected me too as a child. I am so thankful that the author decided to share their wonderful story of Levar Burton and how he helped foster their love for learning and reading. My Friend Levar is a fantastic way to share how special of a person Levar Burton is and his great love for reading to a new generation. I hope to see this book in every library and absolutely can't wait to see more books from this author.

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.