BJ Novak and Other Stars Join 'Read Together Be Together' Virtual Storytime Program
A new nationwide reading movement will be launching through a virtual storytime program to stress the importance of the shared reading experience between parents and children, and your favorite celebrities might just be a part of it!
PEOPLE reports that BJ Novak, Misty Copeland, Danica McKellar, Tiffani Thiessen, Brady Smith, and Scott Kelly will be among the bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators participating in the program. Originally set to launch this summer, the sessions have been moved up to support parents and caregivers at home during the Coronavirus pandemic. The stars are all participating in the Read Together, Be Together (#ReadTogetherBeTogether) campaign, which kicked off on Monday and aims to help make family reading a regular and cherished activity. The program was concocted by publishing giant Penguin Random House in partnership with Parents magazine. You can see the schedule for the program below.
We're working with @PenguinKids and @RandomHouseKids on a new virtual storytime initiative, #ReadTogetherBeTogether! Every weekday at 3 p.m EST/12 p.m. PST, you can hear a new picture book, read live by celebrities and authors! ? Learn more here: https://t.co/zdfzWysoXG pic.twitter.com/oOc5TFXpbI
— Parents (@parentsmagazine) March 23, 2020
The campaign also includes an considerable list of age-appropriate books, as well as reading tips for caregivers developed with Parents magazine.
In a joint statement, the presidents and publishers at Random House Children’s Books and Penguin Young Readers said, “We’re very proud to be partnering with Parents magazine on such an important initiative, particularly at a time when there is a great need for resources to help caregivers foster reading within the home. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in our mission to create lifelong readers, and we are excited about this new program to support them."
Parents‘ editor-in-chief Julia Edelstein added, “Now more than ever, reading together is a comforting way to connect with our kids. Books can transport them to different worlds, spark their curiosity, and make them laugh."
This program seems like a great way for families to get some quality time while school is out of session due to Coronavirus. A full schedule of the virtual storytimes can be found at readtogetherbetogether.com.