Episode 1
Paul Bunyan
30m
Lavar visits a lumberjack camp in the forest. Today's featured book is based on the legend of Paul Bunyan, the giant woodsman.
Episode credits
Guest stars Buddy Ebsen
TV series
Reading Rainbow
1983TV-Y21 seasons8.4 / 10
Take a look, it’s in a book, a Reading Rainbow!
Journey to exciting places and build a lasting connection with your favorite books. Each episode centers on a theme from a book, or other children's literature, which is explored through a number of segments or stories.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 3, 2026
You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
Journey to exciting places and build a lasting connection with your favorite books. Each episode centers on a theme from a book, or other children's literature, which is explored through a number of segments or stories.
Season 3 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Reading Rainbow
Episode 2
The Patchwork Quilt
30m
The Patchwork Quilt
Episode credits
Guest stars Isabel Sanford
Episode 3
Hill of Fire
30m
Hill of Fire
Episode credits
Guest stars Fernando Escandon
Episode 4
The Tortoise and the Hare
30m
LeVar has entered a bicycle race. He's in competition not just with the other bikers, but with himself as well. This program also includes a lengthy piece on a karate class. Comedienne Gilda Radner reads the Aesop's tale of "The Tortoise and the Hare," about an arrogant rabbit that's over confident that he can beat a determined turtle in a foot race.
Episode credits
Guest stars Gilda Radner
Episode 5
Perfect the Pig
30mfinale
LeVar visits a pig farm in Hawaii to find out why pigs are so popular. He also interviews Kermit the Frog to ask him about his famous girlfriend, Miss Piggy.James Coco reads the story of Perfect the Pig, about a little runt pig who makes a wish to have wings in order to be special, and how he found a special person to be his friend and companion.
Episode credits
Guest stars James Coco, Jim Henson
Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026
More about Reading Rainbow
Cast
LeVar BurtonSelf - Host
Julia ChildSelf - Narrator (voice)
Ruth BuzziSelf - Narrator (voice)
Madeline KahnSelf - Narrator (voice)
James Earl JonesSelf - Narrator (voice)
Vincent GardeniaSelf - Narrator (voice)
Lauren TomSelf - Narrator (voice)Patrick McCaffreySelf - Narrator (voice)
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 155
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
Lancit Media ProductionsUnited States- RCN Entertainment
- On-Screen Entertainment
BTPM PBSUnited States
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