Simu Liu reads ‘The Sound of Silence’ for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Storyline Online®

Simu Liu reads for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s children’s literacy program Storyline Online® / Photo courtesy of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Actor Simu Liu has brought joy and entertainment to millions around the world as Marvel’s Shang-Chi — and now he’s ready for his big debut in elementary school classrooms and local libraries. The actor, stunt person, author, and singer is the latest reader for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s global children’s literacy program Storyline Online®, bring the captivating and poetic children’s book The Sound of Silence, written by Katrina Goldsaito and illustrated by Julia Kuo, to life.

The Sound of Silence tells the story of Yoshio, who lives in Tokyo, Japan. Yoshio is learning how to navigate a giant, noisy, busy city. He hears shoes squishing through puddles, trains whooshing, cars beeping, and families laughing. Tokyo is like a symphony hall! Where is silence? Simu Liu brilliantly and poignantly delivers how Yoshio was able to discover the most beautiful sound in the city – silence.

Liu, who is familiar with the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, is able to capture the essence of Goldsaito’s message throughout this moving story. Her words are brought to life with Kuo’s illustrations of contemporary Japanese landscapes and traditional housing styles, which will transport children from around the world to the streets of Tokyo.

“Simu Liu is the first actor of Asian descent to play a leading role in the Marvel franchise, so he is used to breaking barriers and standing in his power, which is why it’s befitting for him to read a book about the great inner confidence that children can find when they are mindful, and can learn to identify and silence surrounding noises in our busy environments,” says SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance. “The Sound of Silence also celebrates the unique and spectacular aspects of Japanese culture, and the joy that music and art bring to our lives. It’s a beautiful addition to the Storyline Online library, and we’re excited to share Simu Liu’s telling of such a profound and timeless story with a subtle, yet poignant message.” 

As with all Storyline Online read-alouds, The Sound of Silence is accompanied by a complementary supplemental activity guide for teachers that aligns with Common Core Standards that strengthen verbal, written and comprehension skills. The Sound of Silence has themes of appreciation, beauty, and peace, and is aimed towards children from 3rd to 4th grade.

With over 900 million views worldwide, Storyline Online has been a trusted educational brand and free literacy resource for teachers and parents since 2001. Storyline Online remains committed to providing extra help to teachers in classrooms and parents with school-age children at home.

Simu Liu joins the illustrious cast of Storyline Online readers including Angela Bassett, Kristen Bell, Connie Britton, Keith Carradine, Terry Crews, Viola Davis, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Garner, John Lithgow, Rami Malek, Seth Meyers, Holly Robinson Peete, Chris Pine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Justin Theroux, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh, and dozens more who volunteered their time and talent to promote literacy, and inspire a love of reading in hundreds of millions of children worldwide.

To watch The Sound of Silence and all the Storyline Online read-alouds, visit storylineonline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.