Ep 8. Sam the Sea Cow

Reading Rainbow was a show that aired on PBS from 1983 to 2009, designed to encourage a love of reading among children. Hosted by actor LeVar Burton, each episode focused on a particular book or series of books, often with a theme like space travel or the environment.

In the eighth episode of the sixth season of Reading Rainbow, titled "Sam the Sea Cow," LeVar takes viewers on an underwater adventure to learn about manatees. The episode opens with LeVar introducing the concept of endangered species, explaining that certain animals are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and other factors.

LeVar then travels to Florida to meet a marine biologist named Dr. Ann Weaver, who studies manatees for a living. Dr. Weaver takes LeVar to a warm water spring where manatees gather to stay warm during the winter months. LeVar is amazed by the sight of these gentle giants, which can weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

Next, LeVar visits a seafood restaurant where he meets a chef who prepares vegetarian dishes using mock crab meat made from the root of a vegetable called konyaku. The chef explains that this is a sustainable alternative to using real crab meat, as overfishing has depleted some crab species.

The episode then returns to the topic of manatees, as LeVar speaks with a park ranger who explains how boats can be dangerous for these slow-moving creatures. The ranger demonstrates how to use a "manatee watch" device to monitor the area for any approaching boats, and encourages viewers to be mindful of manatees if they ever encounter them in the wild.

Back in the studio, LeVar reads the book "Sam the Sea Cow" by Francine Jacobs, which tells the story of a young manatee who gets lost in a storm and must find his way back to his mother. The book's illustrations show the beautiful scenery of the Florida coastline and the underwater world that manatees call home.

Finally, LeVar wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered species like manatees, and encouraging viewers to learn more about conservation efforts in their own communities.

Overall, "Sam the Sea Cow" is a fun and educational episode that teaches kids about the fascinating world of manatees and the importance of protecting endangered species. With its engaging mix of live-action segments and storybook reading, Reading Rainbow remains a beloved show for kids and adults alike.