“Grandpa Ken” shares his love for reading with local schools (includes video story)

An Arizona man known as “Grandpa Ken” is using creativity and storytelling to show children and parents the importance of reading.

Instead of a traditional retirement, Ken Profitt started a website and YouTube channel where he brings books to life using costumes and positive energy.

His passion for reading began with his own children and grandchildren, and grew into volunteering at local schools a few days a week. The pandemic, however, brought everything to a stop.

“After Covid, when I knew I had to do something because the kids were my life, all of a sudden, I didn’t have a school to go to,” said Profitt.

With a little encouragement from his grandkids and a school principal who believed in him, storytime went digital: “Grandpa Ken’s Reading Time” was born.

“At the end of last year, 2025, we reached 2 million kids,” said Profitt.

Through story time and imagination, Grandpa Ken is inspiring kids to discover the power of education.

“We’re gonna change the world, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Profitt.

Zipporah Hayes

Zipporah Hayes is a senior at Florida International University who is passionate about using media as a tool for education and empowerment.

Hayes has hands-on experience in casting for major film projects and producing live music projects. She hopes to produce stories of inspiration that highlight underrepresented voices and drive meaningful conversations in the entertainment industry through digital media and broadcasting.

Hayes has an associate's degree in business management with a focus on marketing. She will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor's degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2026.