11 Storyline Online Videos Parents Will Actually Love Watching

We’ve all been there: your child is asking for "just one more story," but you’ve read their favourite book so many times you could recite it in your sleep, and a trip to the library isn't happening today. If you're okay with pulling out a device, we have a solution: Storyline Online.

Produced by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the videos feature world-class actors who bring award-winning children’s literature to life. It’s the perfect compromise: kids get the screen time they crave, and parents get a high-quality, educational experience that is genuinely entertaining to watch. From nuanced performances to book animations brought to life, these 11 picks prove that digital storytime can be a win for the whole family.

The Empty Pot read by Rami Malek

• What it's about: Written and illustrated by Demi, this gentle story follows Ping, a young boy who bravely admits to the emperor that his seed hasn't grown—and discovers that honesty matters more than success.
• Why parents will love it: Rami Malek's calm, deliberate narration, paired with a tight 10-minute runtime, makes this ideal for short attention spans and a wind-down routine. The message about integrity and character practically begs for a "what would you do?" chat afterwards.
• Why kids love it: Bright, detailed artwork and a suspenseful build keep little viewers locked in until the twist ending.
• Ideal for: A gentle bedtime wind-down for kids ages 4 to 8.

Rent Party Jazz read by Viola Davis

• What it's about: Written by William Miller and illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb, this heart-warming story follows a young boy in 1930s New Orleans who teams up with a local musician to throw a "rent party" to help his mother through a tough month.
• Why parents will love it: The acclaimed actress brings her signature gravitas and soulful warmth to a story that celebrates community resilience, mutual support, and the powerful way neighbours show up for one another.
• Why kids love it: The vibrant, rhythmic jazz setting and the feel-good message about how a little creativity and kindness can solve even the biggest problems.
• Ideal for: Conversations about empathy, best suited for children ages 4 to 8.

Carla's Glasses read by Nicola Coughlan

• What it's about: Written by Debbie Herman and illustrated by Sheila Bailey, this is the story of Carla, a young girl who loves the idea of glasses so much she wears a "crafty" pair of toy frames. When her friend Buster finds out he actually needs a prescription, he’s embarrassed, until Carla’s enthusiasm helps him see things differently.
• Why parents will love it: Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan brings a cozy, delightful energy with her natural Irish lilt that makes the story feel like a warm hug.
• Why kids love it: Carla's crafty, colourful glasses are entertaining, and her upbeat attitude is infectious.
• Ideal for: Building confidence in kids who might be nervous about eye exams or new glasses, best for ages 4 to 8.

The Sound of Silence read by Simu Liu

• What it's about: Written by Katrina Goldsaito and illustrated by Julia Kuo, this quiet, reflective tale follows a boy wandering through busy Tokyo in search of true silence.
• Why parents will love it: Actor Simu Liu's calm, grounding delivery makes the video feel like a deep exhale. In under nine minutes, kids get a gentle introduction to mindfulness, stillness, and the idea that quiet is something you can look for and enjoy.
• Why kids love it: Gentle pacing, beautiful art, and the idea of discovering quiet places.
• Ideal for: A post-school or pre-bedtime settle-down moment with kids ages 4 to 8.

Trombone Shorty read by Angela Bassett

• What it's about: Written by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier, this energetic picture book is based on the musician's childhood in New Orleans. It's all about big dreams, music, and sticking with what you love.
• Why parents will love it: Emmy-award-winning actress Angela Bassett’s powerful narration brings this musical biography to life.
• Why kids love it: Bold art, parade energy and the idea of inventing your own sound pull kids right into Trombone Shorty's world.
• Ideal for: Music-loving families and post-dinner viewing, best for ages 4 to 8.

Arnie the Doughnut read by Chris O’Dowd

• What it's about: Written by and illustrated by Laurie Keller, this playful story follows Arnie, a freshly made doughnut, who is horrified to find out what usually happens to doughnuts—and sets out to find a new purpose.
• Why parents will love it: Irish actor and comedian Chris O'Dowd provides genuinely laugh-out-loud narration with perfect comedic timing.
• Why kids love it: A talking doughnut on a mission is instant gold, and the over-the-top humour keeps them glued for 12 solid minutes.
• Ideal for: Saturday morning giggles with kids ages 4 to 8.

The House That Jane Built read by Kiernan Shipka

• What it's about: Written by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Kathryn Brown, this nonfiction picture book tells the true story of Jane Addams and Hull House, the first settlement house in America.
• Why parents will love it: Kiernan Shipka's thoughtful narration makes social justice and community care feel approachable for younger audiences.
• Why kids love it: Real-life stories about helping others and improving communities.
• Ideal for: Little history buffs and early lessons in civic values, especially ages 6 to 9.

I Need My Monster read by Rita Moreno

• What it's about: Written by Amanda Noll, this bedtime story flips the usual "monster under the bed" script. When a boy's favourite monster, Gabe, goes on a fishing trip, the other monsters just don't measure up.
• Why parents will love it: Rita Moreno’s legendary delivery adds just the right balance of drama, humour, and spooky coziness. In ten minutes, it transforms common bedtime fears into something funny, imaginative, and oddly comforting.
• Why kids love it: Goofy monsters, low-stakes suspense, and big emotions make this one feel spooky in a good way, not night-mare level scary.
• Ideal for: Rainy days or Halloween season with kids ages four to eight.

Harry the Dirty Dog, read by Betty White

• What it's about: Written by Gene Zion and illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham, this classic follows Harry, a dog who hates baths so much that he runs off and gets so filthy that his own family doesn't even recognize him.
• Why parents will love it: Hearing the iconic Betty White reading a timeless classic is peak comfort viewing.
• Why kids love it: Dogs, mud, chaos, and a satisfying reunion.
• Ideal for: Pet lovers and bedtime routines, best for ages 4 to 8.

The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake read by Wanda Sykes

• What it's about: Written by Robin Newman, this pun-filled mystery follows Detective Wilcox and Captain Griswold—a mouse and duck duo in the MFI (Missing Food Investigators)—as they hunt down a stolen carrot cake.
• Why parents will love it: Comedian Wanda Sykes turns the whole 21-minute video into a comedy bit. Along the way, kids are quietly practicing observation, logic, and story structure without feeling like they're in a lesson.
• Why kids love it: Animal detectives, clues to follow, and a twisty ending.
• Ideal for: After-school viewing or a warm-up before family movie night, best for ages 5 to 9.

Professor Nincompoop read by Bryan Cranston

• What it's about: As you might imagine, this book, written by Jimmy Vee and illustrated by Ben Askew, is about a silly professor. Nincompoop claims that he's discovered a new species of animal, but a couple of clever kids aren't quite so sure.
• Why parents will love it: Parents will love Bryan Cranston’s theatrical energy and the way the story subtly teaches kids to use critical thinking and "fact-checking" to spot a tall tale.
• Why kids love it: Cranston goes all-out with kooky voices and physical comedy. It’s a high-energy, "cartoony" performance that makes logic feel like a game.
• Ideal for: Teaching kids about "truth vs. exaggeration" and not believing everything they hear, especially for ages 6 to 9.

Want to get even more from each episode? Download the free activity guides from the Storyline Online website. Called either "Activity Guide" or "Teacher's Guide", the downloadable PDFs include craft ideas, experiments and questions to ask about the story.