Stand-up comedian, actor, producer and writer Sarah Silverman is the newest reader for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Emmy nominated children’s literacy program Storyline Online.
Silverman reads A Tale of Two Beasts written and illustrated by Fiona Roberton and published by Kane Miller Books. A Tale of Two Beasts is a story told in two parts – first from the point of view of a little girl and then from the POV of a little beast who meet each other in the deep, dark woods.
In part one, Silverman’s entertaining and whimsical storytelling draws viewers into the world of a happy little girl who finds a strange beast in the woods and takes it home as a pet. She gives it love, care and attention, but to her dismay, it runs away back to the woods. The story stops, rewinds and starts again. In part two, Silverman transforms her tone and voice to the story’s new protagonist – the little beast. This time, it’s a dark tale of ambush, kidnapping and mistreatment by a terrible beast (the little girl) who the woodland creature must escape from to return to freedom. Can the two beasts resolve their differences and find a common narrative?
A Tale of Two Beasts is an eye-opening story that helps children look at the same situation from different perspectives. At the conclusion of her almost 6-minute read aloud, Silverman shares why she chose the book, “Everybody has a different way of seeing the same thing and that’s how it is in life with everything . . . . And to get to see both characters’ point of view is cool.”
Sarah Silverman is the latest actor to join the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s expanding cast of Storyline Online readers that includes Kristen Bell, Kevin Costner, Viola Davis, James Earl Jones, Chris Pine, Christian Slater, Wanda Sykes, Justin Theroux, Lily Tomlin, Betty White, Elijah Wood and more. Storyline Online features actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced, original illustrations.
“Sarah’s storytelling style is so fun and engaging, she takes you to whole different world when you watch her read,” said Cyd Wilson, Executive Director of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. “We were over the moon when she volunteered to read for Storyline Online and decided to release her video during Teacher Appreciation Week because we know this video will be watched and loved by millions of children, parents and teachers all over the world.”
The award-winning children’s literacy program of the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Storyline Online streams 48 videos at no cost to children, parents, and educators worldwide, and receives more than 6 million views every month.
As with all Storyline Online videos, A Tale of Two Beasts comes with a supplemental activity guide aligned with Common Core Standards that strengthens verbal, written and comprehension skills. Aimed at students in 1st through 3rd grades, these activities encourage students to engage in critical thinking and ponder the themes from the book including differing perspectives, making friends and empathy.
In addition, Storyline Online has an app for iPhone and Android. The app features the full digital library of Storyline Online videos, complimentary educational activity guides and more.
To watch A Tale of Two Beasts and all of Storyline Online videos, visit storylineonline.net,
