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Michelle Obama is hosting weekly story-time sessions online for children while they remain at home in lockdown.
As part of a collaboration with PBS Kids and Penguin Random House, the former US first lady will take part in a four-week series of videos that will see her read from treasured children’s books.
The videos will be streamed live on the PBS Kids Facebook and YouTube accounts and on the Penguin Random House Facebook page, starting at 12pm ET (5pm BST) every Monday from 20 April until 11 May.
The first book Obama has chosen to read is The Gruffalo, which was written by Julia Donaldson and first published in 1999.
She will then read There’s a Dragon in your Book and Miss Maple’s Seeds, before ending with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
“As a little kid, I loved to read aloud,” the 56-year-old said.
“And when I became a parent, I found such joy in sharing the magic of storytelling with my own children — and then later, as first lady, with kids everywhere.”
Obama stated that in the current climate with “so many families” being “under so much stress”, she is looking forward to taking part in the virtual read-along.
“I’m excited to give kids a chance to practise their reading and hear some wonderful stories (and to give parents and caretakers a much-needed break),” she said.
Created with Sketch.
Created with Sketch.
1/10 On the key to a successful marriage
“In our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.” On Live with Regis and Kelly in February 2011.
Getty Images
2/10 On not underestimating yourself
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." In a speech to schoolgirls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London in April 2009.
Getty Images
3/10 On inspiring young people
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid. You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered… Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.” In her final White House address in January 2017.
Getty Images
4/10 On double standards regarding parenting
“When a father puts in long hours at work, he’s praised for being dedicated and ambitious. But when a mother stays late at the office, she’s sometimes accused of being selfish, neglecting her kids.” At the "Let Girls Learn Event" in Madrid, Spain in June 2016.
Getty Images
5/10 On the importance of diversity in film and TV
“For so many people, television and movies may be the only way they understand people who aren’t like them… I come across many little black girls who come up to me over the course of this 7½ years with tears in their eyes, and they say: ‘Thank you for being a role model for me. I don’t see educated black women on TV, and the fact that you’re first lady validates who I am.'” In an interview with Variety in August 2016.
AFP/Getty Images
6/10 On maintaining hopeful following the election of Donald Trump
“See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?” In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in December 2016.
Getty Images
7/10 On motherhood
"My most important title is 'mom-in-chief'. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world." At the Democratic National Convention in September 2012.
AFP/Getty Images
8/10 On championing women's education
“Men in every country need to look into their hearts and souls and ask themselves whether they truly view and treat women as their equals. And then when you all encounter men in your lives who answer no to that question, then you need to take them to task. You need to tell them that any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country.” In a speech at the summit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, July 2014.
Getty Images
9/10 On dealing with bullies
“When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high.” At the Democratic convention, July 2016.
Getty Images
10/10 On the meaning of success
"Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being inspired." In a speech at the Oregon State University commencement, June 2012.
Getty Images
1/10 On the key to a successful marriage
“In our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.” On Live with Regis and Kelly in February 2011.
Getty Images
2/10 On not underestimating yourself
"You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." In a speech to schoolgirls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London in April 2009.
Getty Images
3/10 On inspiring young people
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid. You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered… Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.” In her final White House address in January 2017.
Getty Images
4/10 On double standards regarding parenting
“When a father puts in long hours at work, he’s praised for being dedicated and ambitious. But when a mother stays late at the office, she’s sometimes accused of being selfish, neglecting her kids.” At the "Let Girls Learn Event" in Madrid, Spain in June 2016.
Getty Images
5/10 On the importance of diversity in film and TV
“For so many people, television and movies may be the only way they understand people who aren’t like them… I come across many little black girls who come up to me over the course of this 7½ years with tears in their eyes, and they say: ‘Thank you for being a role model for me. I don’t see educated black women on TV, and the fact that you’re first lady validates who I am.'” In an interview with Variety in August 2016.
AFP/Getty Images
6/10 On maintaining hopeful following the election of Donald Trump
“See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?” In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in December 2016.
Getty Images
7/10 On motherhood
"My most important title is 'mom-in-chief'. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world." At the Democratic National Convention in September 2012.
AFP/Getty Images
8/10 On championing women's education
“Men in every country need to look into their hearts and souls and ask themselves whether they truly view and treat women as their equals. And then when you all encounter men in your lives who answer no to that question, then you need to take them to task. You need to tell them that any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country.” In a speech at the summit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, July 2014.
Getty Images
9/10 On dealing with bullies
“When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high.” At the Democratic convention, July 2016.
Getty Images
10/10 On the meaning of success
"Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being inspired." In a speech at the Oregon State University commencement, June 2012.
Getty Images
Following the live-streamed story-time sessions, the videos will remain on Facebook and YouTube for people to view at their leisure.
PBS Kids added that “a suit of activities, tips and resources” for every book being read by the former first lady will be available at readtogetherbetogether.com, while “companion literary resources” will be available at pbskidsforparents.org.
Several Instagram users expressed their excitement over the upcoming read-along, with one person commenting: “What a great idea! Thank you. Truly.”