Actor, media mogul, television producer, philanthropist and literacy champion Oprah Winfrey is the newest reader for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's award-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online.
Winfrey reads The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, a fun, intergenerational story about an enthusiastic girl with a hula-hoopin’ itch, written by Thelma Lynne Godin, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton and published by Lee & Low Books.
At the conclusion of her nearly 12-minute read, Winfrey shares why she chose to read The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, “I love hula hoops so much and it was one of my favorite things to play with as a girl. And even now whenever anything fun or special or really fantastic happens in my life, I go out and I get my hula hoops.”
“There is no greater champion of reading in the world than Oprah Winfrey, and that is why there is no greater honor than to have Oprah read for Storyline Online,” said JoBeth Williams, President of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. “Her tremendous lifelong passion for sharing books and promoting the joys of reading through her own book club, will now also be shared with millions of children all over the world through Storyline Online. We are thrilled to release The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen read by one of the world’s greatest readers, Oprah Winfrey.”
An Emmy nominated children’s literacy program of the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Storyline Online® streams 53 videos at no cost to children, parents, and educators worldwide. The program is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, and receives more than 10 million monthly views.
Winfrey is the latest actor to join the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s expanding cast of Storyline Online readers that includes Allison Janney, Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Kristen Bell, Rita Moreno, James Earl Jones, Sarah Silverman, Kevin Costner, Wanda Sykes, Justin Theroux, Lily Tomlin, Betty White and more. Storyline Online features actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced, original illustrations.
As with all Storyline Online videos, The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen comes with a supplemental activity guide aligned with Common Core Standards that strengthens verbal, written and comprehension skills. Aimed at students in 2nd and 3rd grades, these activities encourage students to engage in critical thinking and ponder the themes from the book including dreams and aspirations, overcoming obstacles, sharing and giving, persistence, holidays and traditions.
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.
