Ep 12. The Shaman's Apprentice

Reading Rainbow is an educational television show that aired in the United States from 1983 to 2006. The show focused on promoting literacy and imagination in children through the exploration of books and storytelling.

In season 9 episode 12, titled The Shaman's Apprentice, host LeVar Burton takes viewers on a magical journey to the Amazon rainforest. The episode is based on the book by Lynne Cherry of the same name.

The Shaman's Apprentice tells the story of a young boy named Kamanya who dreams of one day becoming a shaman like his grandfather. Kamanya lives in the Amazon rainforest and is surrounded by the lush vegetation and diverse animal life that call it home. His community relies on the shaman to communicate with the spirits of the forest and maintain good health and harmony.

In the episode, viewers follow Kamanya as he embarks on a journey to learn from his grandfather and become a shaman's apprentice. Kamanya learns to listen to the sounds of the jungle and use his intuition to communicate with the plants and animals around him. He discovers the importance of respecting nature and living in harmony with the spirits of the forest.

LeVar Burton reads passages from the book and highlights the beautiful illustrations by Lynne Cherry. He also speaks with experts in the fields of anthropology and biology, who provide additional insight into the customs and traditions of the Amazonian people and the importance of preserving the rainforest.

Viewers are also treated to a special musical performance by Brazilian musician and composer, Sergio Mendes. Mendes performs a song inspired by the Amazon rainforest and the harmony that can be found in nature.

Overall, The Shaman's Apprentice is an enchanting and educational episode of Reading Rainbow. It teaches children about the importance of respecting the natural world and the customs and traditions of indigenous communities. Through the exploration of Kamanya's journey to become a shaman's apprentice, viewers are encouraged to use their intuition and imagination to connect with the world around them.