Michelle Obama is hosting a virtual storytime for kids every Monday for the next month.
Kicking off today, ‘Mondays with Michelle’ will stream on several different platforms so parents across the country can sit their kids down to read a book with the former first lady.
Mrs. Obama, 56, will read four different books through May 11, starting off with today’s pick, The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson.
The perfect babysitter: Michelle Obama is hosting a virtual storytime for kids every Monday for the next month
Stay tuned! A new video will be released at noon every Monday through May 11
‘Mondays with Michelle’ is a collaboration with Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books, and PBS Kids.
Every Monday, a new video will begin to stream at noon EST on PBS Kids’ Facebook page, its YouTube page, and Penguin Random House’s Facebook page.
‘I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite children’s books and give kids an opportunity to practice their reading (while giving families a much-needed break!),’ the former first lady wrote on Twitter.
The first reading, The Gruffalo, streamed today at noon, showing Mrs. Obama in what looks like a home office, with shelves of books, knick-knacks, and picture frames behind her.
Several plants could also be seen on the shelves behind her, including a white orchid that had a red ribbon tied around the stem.
Hey kids! The first reading, The Gruffalo, streamed today at noon
Yay for books! ‘Mondays with Michelle’ is a collaboration with Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books, and PBS Kids
See ya! She signed off with a wave after finishing the book, telling viewers: ‘I can’t wait to see you next week’
‘This is a book about a little mouse who uses his wit and imagination to outsmart a snake, an owl, and a hungry fox on a stroll through a deep, dark wood,’ she said to introduce today’s reading.
She signed off with a wave after finishing the book, telling viewers: ‘I can’t wait to see you next week.’
Next up is There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher on April 27, followed by Miss Maple’s Seeds, written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, on May 4.
Finally, on May 11, she will read Eric Carle’s classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
According to Mashable, the readings are for Penguin Random House’s literacy initiative Read Together, Be Together.’
The initiative had been slated to launch this summer, but was pushed up due to the pandemic.
On the calendar: Next up is There’s a Dragon in Your Book by Tom Fletcher on April 27, followed by Miss Maple’s Seeds, written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, on May 4
‘I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite children’s books and give kids an opportunity to practice their reading (while giving families a much-needed break!),’ the first lady wrote
Flashback: She and former President Barack Obama are pictured reading to kids on Easter in 2016
Equal opportunities: Mr. Obama is a big promoter of girls’ education around the world
Ahead of the first reading, several parents and teachers at home shared their excitement.
Parents said they were tuning in with their kids from Arkansas, Minnesota, Florida, Texas, and New York.
‘My 4 year is looking forward to reading with Michelle. We’re EXCITED,’ wrote one.
‘Westchester Area School Preschoolers are in attendance and we are excited,’ said another.
‘Our boys are so excited and ready to hear the story you will be reading today. Thank you!’ commented a third, while yet another wrote: ‘My daughter had me searching all over to ensure she did not miss a read-along with Mrs. Obama!!! She and I are super excited!!!’