Watch Reading Rainbow, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

1993
1 Season

Reading Rainbow is an iconic television show that ran on PBS for over two decades, starting in 1983 and ending in 2006. The show was hosted by actor LeVar Burton, famous for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and aimed to promote children's literacy by featuring popular children's books and encouraging kids to read. One of the books featured on the show was If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a fun and whimsical children's book that follows the mischievous adventures of a curious mouse. The book, written in 1985, quickly became a favorite among young readers and has since become a classic in children's literature. The show's episode based on the book follows the same storyline, with Burton reading the book aloud to viewers and providing insights into the story and its themes.

The episode starts with Burton introducing the book and its author before jumping into the story itself. The book begins with a young boy giving a mouse a cookie, which sets off a chain reaction of events that leads the mouse on a wild adventure around the house. The mouse's curiosity leads him to ask for more and more, starting with a glass of milk and ending with him cutting his own hair.

Throughout the episode, Burton provides commentary on the story and its themes, highlighting the importance of curiosity and showing how small actions can have big consequences. He also encourages viewers to read the book for themselves and to continue exploring the world of literature.

The episode also features live-action segments that relate to the book, such as a visit to a bakery where kids get to see how cookies are made and an interview with the book's author, Laura Numeroff. These segments help to bring the story to life and engage young viewers in the world of books and reading.

Overall, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a great example of the kind of content featured on Reading Rainbow. The show aimed to promote reading and literacy in children while also entertaining and engaging them with interesting stories and fun activities. And while the show may no longer be airing new episodes, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of countless young readers who were inspired by Burton's infectious passion for books and reading.

Reading Rainbow, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 19, 1993 and on PBS

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Seasons

4. Mr. George Baker

December 17, 2004

Wayne Brady narrates the story of an elderly man who decides to go back to school to learn to read, even though he is almost 100, and his relationship with his young neighbor as they wait for the bus every day.

3. Owen

April 11, 1996

It's easy to get flashbacks while watching Reading Rainbow. Now it's LeVar's turn, as he gets in touch with visions of "his boyhood." Matthew Broderick reads "Owen," about a little mouse who's very attached to his security blanket and doesn't want to give it up, even if it means he will be teased when he starts school.

2. Two Old Potatoes and Me

January 21, 2005

Jordan Puryear reads "Two Old Potatoes and Me," about a girl who works with her father to recycle two rotted potatoes by replanting them using the sprouts to grow a whole new crop of potatoes. LeVar, working with his daughter, is inspired to make potato dishes from recipes in the book.

1. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

October 19, 1993

One thing leads to another in this episode, with LeVar in a bowling alley, showing how certain actions lead to consequences. Included is a piece on an expert at domino displays and domino art. Beth Howland reads "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," the tale of a little boy who offers a cookie to a mouse, and all the events that occur afterwards as a result.

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Where to Watch Reading Rainbow, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Reading Rainbow, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Reading Rainbow, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie on demand at Google Play and Apple TV.