I saw the title: My Friend LeVar. And I wondered, “Is this the LeVar?” The Mr. LeVar Burton who was one of the influential parts of my reading childhood? And yes, Ezra Edmond’s picture book (due in October 2024 and read via an online reader copy, and illustrated by Jenna Nahyun) was about that LeVar Burton.
The story is unusual in the sense that it is not your usual action book. There is a lesson, but not the ones you usually get. The story is how young Ezra was able to learn, grow, see himself, and travel. This man on the TV was a friend who went on all those adventures with him. This was not just an actor, but someone he knew, knew him and was excited to share his love of reading, books, adventures, activities, with everyone. And then, there is a wonderful conclusion that is both a little obvious and a wonderful surprise.
The illustrations are sweet, not simple but not complex. The colors are 1970s and 1980s muted memories of what was then. They are nice. It is a nice read. It would be a good read aloud. It is a solid book. However, I am not sure if it would translate well to today’s child. I know a few years ago they revamped Reading Rainbow and had a few new books, but this seems a smidgen dated. With that said, I know Burton is working in different areas of reading, if not directly with the Reading Rainbow show that Edmond’s book so lovingly talks about, therefore, maybe it is still relevant.
Despite that possible hiccup, this book would be great for the fans of Burton be it from Reading Rainbow, ROOTS or Star Trek fame.
