One of the best quotes from Disney’s blockbuster movie “Frozen” comes from the adorable little snowman Olaf, who proclaims, “I like warm hugs!” And right now, as millions of people are at home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, we could all use some virtual warm hugs to keep our spirits up.
That’s why Josh Gad, the actor who voices Olaf, came up with an innovative way to connect with fans of all ages. Gad announced on Twitter that he will read a bedtime story every night during this time of hunkering down inside our homes.
On March 13, Gad went live on Twitter to share his idea with the world.
“So, since we’re all stuck at home right now I figured we’d have a little fun together,” he told his fans during the live stream.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 14, 2020
“So, I’m going to see how this goes, but I decided I’m gonna read to you and your children — or just you, depending on what you prefer. I’m not gonna pass judgment right now since the world is a little bit of a hot mess.”
From there, he pulled out one of his favorite kids’ books, “Olivia Goes to Venice” by Ian Falconer, and did a read-aloud session!
Since then, Gad has faithfully shown up on Twitter each night at about 7:30 p.m. EDT for what he’s calling the #GadBookClub. For 10 minutes, he reads a children’s book using his incredible skills as a voice actor — because we all know how much better a book is when every character has a unique voice!
Gad wrote in a tweet that his stories are just his way of doing his part to “help keep you and your kids (somewhat) sane?”
Just trying to do my part and help keep you and your kids (somewhat) sane? See you tonight! https://t.co/WoqxNcKEg4
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 16, 2020
His efforts appear to be paying off because families are posting about their gratitude for Gad’s nightly story time on social media.
Twitter user Jillian Brunson posted heartfelt thanks from all the “kids” in her family:
We LOVE this. Thank you thank you thank you from children ages 3,5, 32 & 33
— Jillian Brunson (@jillian_brunson) March 16, 2020
Meanwhile, other Twitter fans of Gad’s, such as Licensed To Mom, shared photos of their families sitting together and enjoying the stories, like Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree.”
@joshgad is reading our bedtime story tonight #thegivingtree#gadbookclub#theyexpectedmoreofanOlafvoice 𤣠pic.twitter.com/7wDCKYyvDL
— Licensed To Mom ð¦ð¼ (@LicensedToMom) March 17, 2020
So, mark your calendars and make a nightly appointment to check out the #GadBookClub as a family. It’s a great way to end the day on a happy note and maybe even discover some new family favorites!
Other celebrities who are helping out — remotely — during the coronavirus quarantine include beloved children’s author Mo Willems who is hosting daily “Lunch Doodles” online to encourage kids to make art each day, and Antoni Porowski of “Queer Eye” who is providing free cooking lessons on Instagram, in a series titled “Quar Eye: Cooking Lessons in Quarantine.”
It’s wonderful to see the creative ways in which people are connecting during this time of isolation.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
