Beloved Kids TV Show Films At Library In North Jersey (VIDEO)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Five elementary school students in West Orange have become online stars after appearing in some all-new episodes of “Reading Rainbow.”

Over the summer, a casting call went out seeking young talent to appear on the beloved educational show, which aired for 26 years after debuting on PBS in 1983. The show has been revived for a new generation, with new host “Mychal the Librarian” Threets taking up the mantle from actor LeVar Burton.

Five students from Hazel Elementary School were selected to become part of the cast for the four-episode season arc, with additional episodes filmed for future release. Filming took place at the West Orange Public Library.

“The West Orange Public Library was happy to be a part of the relaunch of the Reading Rainbow in our new library space,” director Dave Cubie said.

“It was an honor to feature readers from our library community,” Cubie said.

Principal Joel Castillo said the chosen students “did great,” noting that several of them helped to design the show’s new logo.

“It’s wonderful to see how Hazel’s love of reading extends far beyond our school walls,” he added.

The students – Owen Lang, Philip Ciesla, Max Sadaka, Aurelia Fischler and Logan Longsworth – are in grades 1 through 3 at Hazel Elementary. Each has been a great ambassador for the world of reading, school administrators said.

“When you really get into a book, it takes you to a different place,” Fischler said.

“Reading makes you smart,” Ciesla said.

The students also shared their current favorite books, which included:

• Owen Lang – “Dog Man” book series (by Dav Pilkey, author of Captain Underpants) and animal books
• Philip Ciesla – “A Kid’s Guide to Cats”
• Max Sadaka – “Harry Potter”
• Aurelia Fischler – “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, “Dog Man” series, “Goosebumps” series
• Logan Longsworth – “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” (series), “Booger Boy” (series)

Episodes of “Reading Rainbow” are available for streaming on the show’s website, or on YouTube’s Kudzu channel.

Watch the first episode below, or view it online here.

• See Related: West Orange Is ‘Film Ready’ For Movie Producers, NJ Officials Declare
• See Related: West Orange Featured In ‘Happy Gilmore 2’

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