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^® (storylineonline.net). Winfrey reads The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen (storylineonline.net/books/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 2^nd and 3^rd 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.

To watch The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen and all of Storyline Online videos, visit storylineonline.net, and subscribe to youtube.com/storylineonline. Keep up with new videos to be released throughout 2019 by following @StorylineOnline on Twitter and StorylineOnline on Facebook.

ABOUT THE SAG-AFTRA FOUNDATION
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides vital assistance and free educational programming to the professionals of SAG-AFTRA while serving the public through its Emmy^® nominated children’s literacy program Storyline Online^®. The Foundation relies solely on support from gifts, grants and sponsorships to maintain its free programs. For more information, visit sagaftra.foundation.

Connect with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Snapchat: sagaftraFOUND
Twitter: @sagaftraFOUND
Instagram: @sagaftraFOUND
Facebook: facebook.com/sagaftrafoundation
YouTube: youtube.com/sagaftrafoundation
Hashtag: #sagaftraFOUND

The post Oprah Winfrey reads The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen for SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online® appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.

If you have a little girl like me who is already a fan of books like ‘Fancy Nancy’ or ‘Pinkalicious,’ then she will absolutely love ‘Princess Cupcake Jones!’ Not only is this book adorably illustrated with vibrant pictures for both parents and children to enjoy, but it’s also written in a fun poetry style that rolls off the tongue like a song, while teaching children wonderful everyday lessons that need to be learned.

As soon as the lovable, independent, and spirited character ‘Princess Cupcake Jones’ landed in our home, my 6 year old daughter Madison instantly gravitated to her. She didn’t want to wait until bedtime to read about ‘Princess Cupcake Jones,’ but instead she made herself comfy on the couch and starting looking through the book immediately to find out what her adventures would be.

My daughter really liked ‘Princess Cupcake Jones’ first book, ‘Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu.’  In this story, Princess Cupcake loses her beloved tutu.  While looking for it, she learns the valuable lesson about the importance of tidying up and putting things in their proper place and she also finds some hidden treasures along the way.

 My daughter Madison already can’t wait to read the second book in the Series now too, ‘Princess Cupcake Jones Won’t Go To School.’ This story delivers an important message about facing fears in regards to starting school.  It helps children and their parents learn about sharing feelings, taking risks, and being supportive of new adventures.

I really love the fact that ‘Princess Cupcake Jones,’ is a Princess who lives in a palace and yet she is still expected to have responsibilities and chores like any other typical child. She’s a down-to-earth relatable little girl and little girls everywhere will enjoy her adventures.  I also find it spectacular to have a children’s book, where the adorable lead character is a little girl who is African American. I think this diversity is important for all little girls to experience.

So in the words of my daughter Madison, “Mama, ‘Princess Cupcake Jones’ is now one of our new favorite books!”

Yes, Madison, it is.

If you would like to find out more about ‘Princess Cupcake Jones’ or shop for any  ‘Princess Cupcake Jones’ products go to  www.princesscupcakejones.com.

The post ‘Princess Cupcake Jones,’ One of Our New Favorite Books! appeared first on Michelle Rivera Lifestyle.