'Reading Adventures' Song
Celebrates Joys of Literacy

Retired NEA member Rosemarie Williams wrote a poem about reading, and musican and performer Gene Mitchell set it to music. The result, "Reading Adventures," is a lively song extolling the joys of literacy. For the enjoyment of children everywhere, Williams and Mitchell have donated their work to NEA's Read Across America.

Following are the lyrics, but you can also listen -- in MP3 format (i.e. you need an MP3 player on your computer) -- to Gene Mitchell's accompanying music .  If you don't already have software to play MP3 files you can download the RealPlayer for free.

Reading Adventures

Adventures can be with you every day
Pick up a book and you're on your way
Reading every day or night
A book should never be far from your sight.

Take an adventure up to the stars
As you read about Jupiter and Mars.
Did the Sea of Tranquility have a sand dune
When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon?

Try to read about some history
You'll find out Florida's mystery.
A library has many books you need
So get going and start to READ.

Have you read Columbus sailed the ocean blue?
Ponce de Leon came with him too.
They sailed the Caribbean Sea
Those waters are close to you and me.

The Harry Potter books are here
Harry's wizardry is nothing to fear.
Dr. Seuss's books are in libraries, too,
And there's a book called, "WINNIE the POOH."

Try some reading about how to cook
The library is the place for you to look.
You can read if you are young or old
Reading is fun if it is warm or cold.

Read about pirates in days of old
Or men traveling west in search of gold.
Have a big adventure every day
Just pick out a book and you'll be on your way.

Read magazines and newspapers, too
Computers always have something new.
Go to the library night or day
Choose a book - get on your way.

Read at the beach or mountain top
Reading time must never stop.
Off to school or work you go
Filled with knowledge that you'll know.

Giants, trolls, racing cars, and lots of things
From sea world animals and even kings.
You'll have a wonderful surprise
In all the books before your eyes.

Read about colors for your art
Rainbows and magic to fill your heart
DVD players... and C.D. players to burn.
Reading can really help you learn.

Our life is helped by what reading brings
Directions, travel signs and many things.
Reading is fun, and it's something to do
So HAPPY READING to you, and you and YOU!