The weekly read-aloud series for kids and families, “Mondays with Michelle Obama,” launched on April 20 as a joint effort from the former First Lady, Penguin Young Readers, Random House Children’s Books, and PBS Kids, has been such a hit, it’s been extended to include four more stories—and feature some very special guests.
On Monday, May 18, in back-to-back story times, Mrs. Obama shared Giraffe Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith, and was then joined by her husband, former President Barack Obama, as the couple read The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarconne-Roach. May 25th’s lineup will spotlight Mrs. Obama reading Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss, and also Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings, during which former First Dogs Sunny and Bo will be on hand.
The series is livestreamed at 12 noon EDT on PBS Kids’ Facebook page and YouTube channel, and the Penguin Random House Facebook page; past episodes are available to view on-demand via those platforms as well.
In addition to encouraging kids and families during the pandemic, “Mondays with Michelle Obama” supports PRH’s recently launched literacy initiative, Read Together, Be Together, and PBS Kids’ “Read-Along” effort. Activities, reading tips, and other resources tying into the books selected for Mrs. Obama’s series can be found at the Read Together, Be Together site and in the For Parents area of the PBS Kids site.
