The coronavirus pandemic can cause mixed emotions and responses in children and adults. While fear, loneliness and cabin fever might be setting in for some, many people are channeling their extra time at home for good.
We love how many celebrities and companies have stepped up to help out during this time of crisis. Companies are donating items to medical workers and other essential employees. Celebrities are holding concerts from their living rooms, and even Baby Shark is reminding us to wash our hands.
Now, Dolly Parton is stepping up to give back. Starting Thursday April 2nd, Parton will be reading a story from her Imagination Library with the goal of comforting children under “shelter in place” orders. The new video series will air once a week, and it is completely free of charge.
Parton announced the bedtime story series on Facebook and in a blog post on the Imagination Library website. Here is a quote from Parton:
“This is something I have been wanting to do for quite a while, but the timing never felt quite right. I think it is pretty clear that now is the time to share a story and to share some love. It is an honor for me to share the incredible talent of these authors and illustrators. They make us smile, they make us laugh and they make us think.”
We have to agree that we don’t think there could be a better time for Parton “to share a story and share some love.”
Here’s a list of the stories Parton plans to read:
“The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper
“There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake” by Loren Long
“Llama Llama Red Pajama” by Anna Dewdney
“I Am a Rainbow” by Dolly Parton
“Pass It On” by Sophy Henn
“Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon” by Patty Lovell
“Violet the Pilot” by Steve Breen
“Max & The Tag-Along Moon” by Floyd Cooper
“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña
“Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
Parton has not announced the order in which she will read these books. We’ll have to tune in to find out. A new video will be released each Thursday at 7pm EST on Dolly Parton, Imagination Library, World Choice Investments and Dollywood channels.
Are your children going to tune in and listen to this bedtime story series from Dolly Parton?