What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedReading Rainbow
Series · 1983
If you loved Reading Rainbow, start with Reading the Rainbow (Caitlin L. Ryan, Jill M. Hermann-Wilmarth, 2018) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Reading Rainbow across media.
If Reading Rainbow fostered your sense of wonder through storytelling, these selections continue that journey of discovery and imaginative growth.
Books on the same thread
The Rainbow Fish
Marcus Pfister · Book · 1999
Explores: Sharing, Friendship, Vanity.
Just as Reading Rainbow used literature to explore moral growth, this book uses a classic fable to teach children about the values of sharing and friendship.
Reading the Rainbow
Caitlin L. Ryan, Jill M. Hermann-Wilmarth · Book · 2018
Explores: LGBTQ+ representation, classroom environment, social justice education.
Reading Rainbow championed the power of inclusive literacy, and this text expands that mission by providing educators with the tools to build diverse and welcoming classroom environments.
Der Regenbogenfisch (Rainbow Fish)
Marcus Pfister · Book · 1992
Explores: Sharing, Friendship, Self-Esteem.
Like the educational stories featured on Reading Rainbow, this fable uses a beautiful narrative to help young readers understand the importance of self-esteem and acceptance.
The Magic School Bus
Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen · Book · 1986
Explores: Science Education, Immersive Learning, Teamwork.
Reading Rainbow made learning feel like an adventure, and this book captures that same spirit by using immersive storytelling to turn science education into an exciting experience.
Films on the same thread
The Wizard of Oz
Victor Fleming · Film · 1939
Explores: Good vs Evil, The power of belief, There's no place like home.
Reading Rainbow often traveled to magical places through books, and this film captures that same sense of wonder as Dorothy embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1989
Explores: Finding your place, Self-discovery, Female empowerment.
Much like the coming-of-age themes often highlighted in Reading Rainbow, this story follows a young protagonist navigating the challenges of independence and finding her own unique place.
Cinema Paradiso
Film · 1988
Explores: Nostalgia, Friendship, The magic of cinema.
Reading Rainbow celebrated the deep connection between people and stories, and this film mirrors that sentiment by showing how a lifelong love of cinema shapes a person.
The Red Balloon
Albert Lamorisse · Film · 1956
Explores: Childhood Innocence, Friendship, Loneliness.
Reading Rainbow relied on the power of visual storytelling to ignite the imagination, a quality this film shares by using a simple narrative to evoke profound childhood emotions.
Podcasts on the same thread
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Curiosity, Intellectual exploration, Trivia.
Reading Rainbow encouraged kids to stay curious about the world, and this podcast continues that tradition by exploring a wide array of fascinating topics for adult learners.
Story Pirates
Story Pirates · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Childhood imagination, Collaborative storytelling, Humor.
Reading Rainbow celebrated the limitless potential of children's creativity, and this podcast honors that legacy by transforming original stories written by kids into vibrant comedic performances.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What is the primary focus of each Reading Rainbow episode?
Each episode of Reading Rainbow centers on a specific theme derived from a book or other piece of children's literature. This theme is explored throughout the broadcast using a variety of segments and stories designed to help viewers build a connection with the featured books.
How does Reading Rainbow help children connect with literature?
Reading Rainbow helps children build a lasting connection with their favorite books by taking them on journeys to exciting places. By using thematic segments to explore the content of children's literature, the program encourages viewers to engage deeply with the stories and concepts presented in each episode.
Is Reading Rainbow a show about traveling to new places?
Reading Rainbow uses the concept of traveling to exciting places as a framing device to explore literature. While the show features journeys to various locations, these segments are designed to support the central theme of a book or story being highlighted in that particular episode.
What type of content is featured in Reading Rainbow?
Reading Rainbow features content based on children's literature. The program focuses on a central theme from a book or story, which is then expanded upon through a series of segments that guide the audience through an exploration of the literature and the themes it presents.