It’s a difficult task to capture the love of reading. The affecting act happens between a book and the person captivated by the words on a page that draw them into uncharted places. However, the clever minds behind “Reading Rainbow” were able to contextualize what happens when adolescents open picture books and embark on exciting literary journeys. They figured out it could empower not only the reader, but also cause a ripple effect in communities through the knowledge, imagination and empathy imparted. From its premiere in 1983 until its finale in 2006, the show was a beacon for youngsters encouraged to explore beyond a book’s covers and learn about the world surrounding them.

Directors Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb’s documentary “Butterfly in the Sky,” now available to rent and streaming on Netflix, captures how a few pioneering educators assembled to create such indelible children’s programming. Their tribute blends cozy,...