Adam Brody Reads ‘Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem’ for Storyline Online® in Celebration of International Literacy Day

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

The Emmy-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online® released a new video in celebration of International Literacy Day, featuring Emmy-nominated actor Adam Brody (‘Nobody Wants This,’ ‘The O.C.’) reading Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem, a hilarious and heartfelt story about friendship, perfectionism and learning to embrace flaws and mistakes. The read-aloud premieres on storylineonline.net and on the Storyline Online YouTube channel.

Written by Jimmy Vee, illustrated by Gary Wilkinson and published by Belly Laugh Books, Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem introduces Petey, a boy who is practically perfect in every way. His grades are flawless, his shoes are spotless and he always follows the rules. There’s just one thing Petey can’t seem to get right: making friends.

Determined to solve the problem, Petey creates a sock puppet pal, but when his new friend doesn’t turn out quite as perfectly as planned, he tosses it aside. The next morning, the mischievous puppet mysteriously reappears attached to Petey’s hand and proceeds to turn his perfectly ordered world upside down. Through classroom chaos, lunchtime antics and plenty of unexpected laughs, Petey begins to discover that making mistakes, letting loose and being himself might be exactly what he needs to make real friends.

Brody brings his easygoing charm and wit to Petey’s misadventures, playfully navigating the journey of perfection-minded Petey and his wildly unpredictable sock puppet. His spirited performance brings the book’s message to life: sometimes the things that don’t go according to plan can lead to something even better.

“The lesson of the book, which I really like, is that while it’s good to have goals and work hard to achieve them, the world is imperfect,” says Adam Brody, actor and reader for Storyline Online. “Sometimes it can be good to break out of your routine, and even better to have a friend or someone in your life who shows you another way to do things, enjoy life and achieve your goals.”

The video is accompanied by a free activity guide for parents and teachers, aligned with Common Core Standards, to support reading comprehension and creative engagement.

“Children are under so much pressure to get things right, and I love that this story reminds them that there is joy, growth and connection to be found in the imperfect moments,” said Courtney B. Vance, President and Chairman of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. “Adam brings that message to life with so much humor and warmth. It’s a wonderful addition to Storyline Online, and we’re especially proud to share it with children, families and educators on International Literacy Day.”

With millions of views each month, Storyline Online features celebrated actors reading beloved children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Produced by the nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation, the series is available for free, 24/7, to children, families and educators around the world.

Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem is the 103rd read-aloud in Storyline Online’s acclaimed library, which includes read-alouds by Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Bryan Cranston, Viola Davis, John Lithgow, Rami Malek, Gary Oldman, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh and many more.

To watch Adam Brody reading of Petey Perfectpants and the Silly Sock Puppet Problem and explore the full library of free videos, visit StorylineOnline.net. Keep up with new videos by subscribing to Storyline Online on YouTube and following Storyline Online on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Storyline Online is made possible through gifts, grants, and sponsorships. For more information about becoming a Storyline Online sponsor, please email sponsorship@sagaftra.foundation.