Acclaimed actor, activist, and philanthropist Rosario Dawson is the newest reader for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online®. Dawson reads her personal favorite Julius, the Baby of the World, written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, and published by HarperCollins Publishers.
An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, Julius, the Baby of the World tells the tale of Lilly, a spunky mouse who plans on being an exemplary sister. Lilly sets aside toys for her new baby brother and talks to him through her mother’s belly. But once Julius arrives, Lilly has a hard time controlling her jealousy. This book has a deep understanding of what sibling rivalry can feel like to a young child and also tackles the topic of self-esteem.
As with all Storyline Online read-alouds, Julius, the Baby of the World is accompanied by a complementary supplemental activity guide for teachers that aligns with Common Core Standards that strengthen verbal, written, and comprehension skills. Aimed at 1st through 3rd-grade students, the activities encourage children to engage in critical thinking and explore the themes of the book including family, adjusting to something new, love, and jealousy.
Dawson joins the illustrious cast of Storyline Online readers including Angela Bassett, Kristen Bell, Connie Britton, Terry Crews, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Garner, Allison Janney, John Lithgow, Rami Malek, Seth Meyers, Chris Pine, Justin Theroux, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh, and many more who have volunteered their time and talent to promote literacy and inspire a love of reading in hundreds of millions of children worldwide.