Sir Jonathan Pryce Reads ‘Calvin Can’t Fly’ for Storyline Online®

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

New Release Takes Flight During National Literacy Month

To celebrate National Literacy Month, the Emmy-winning children’s literacy program Storyline Online® is releasing a new video featuring multiple Emmy and Oscar-nominated actor Sir Jonathan Pryce (Slow Horses, The Two Popes) reading Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie. The read-aloud premiered today on storylineonline.net and on the Storyline Online YouTube channel.

Written by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Keith Bendis, and published by Union Square Kids, Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie follows Calvin, a starling unlike any other. While his cousins spend their days learning to swoop and soar, Calvin prefers to spend his time inside the library, devouring books of every kind. His love of reading sets him apart—until one day, what he has learned from books becomes the very thing that saves his entire flock.

Bringing warmth, wit, and gravitas to the story, Jonathan Pryce infuses Calvin’s journey with a heartfelt sense of wonder, while imbuing the larger cast of characters with humor and personality. His distinctive voice and masterful storytelling elevate the book’s message about the power of knowledge and the joy of reading.

“I’ve always believed that books expand our world and our imagination in extraordinary ways,” says Jonathan Pryce. “Reading Calvin Can’t Fly reminded me of the joy I felt discovering books as a child, and I hope young viewers feel that same spark of inspiration to read and explore.”

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

“Jonathan Pryce embodies exactly what Storyline Online is about—world-class actors using their talent to inspire a lifelong love of reading in children. His reading of Calvin Can’t Fly beautifully captures the book’s message about curiosity, courage, and the value of books,” says Courtney B. Vance, SAG-AFTRA Foundation President and Chairman of the Board. “We are thrilled to release this story and let it fly!”

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

In addition to Jonathan Pryce, Storyline Online features over 95 acclaimed actors reading beloved children’s books aloud, including Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Rami Malek, Chris Pine, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Yeoh and many more.

To watch Calvin Can’t Fly and all of Storyline Online’s read-alouds, 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.