At Best Of Best Reviews, we recognize outstanding companies that lead their industries with excellence, innovation, and a commitment to positive change. This year, we are thrilled to award Hooked on the Wizard™ the Best Arts-Infused Education Program for Children in the U.S. of 2026. Founded by award-winning author Shannon Elizabeth Johnson, Hooked on the Wizard™ is transforming the way children engage with education through the power of storytelling, creativity, and emotional learning.

A Revolutionary Approach to Learning

Hooked on the Wizard™ is not just another educational program, it’s a groundbreaking approach that seamlessly integrates the arts into learning, helping children discover their voice, regulate their emotions, and build confidence. Through the flagship program, Hooked on the Wizard of Oz, children experience the magic of storytelling while gaining crucial life skills. The program uses music, movement, and mindfulness techniques to empower children, fostering a love for learning that goes beyond the typical classroom experience.

The Power of Arts in Education

What truly sets Hooked on the Wizard™ apart is its belief that the arts should be the foundation of education, not just an enrichment activity. While many educational programs treat arts as an add-on, Hooked on the Wizard™ builds its curriculum around the arts, creating a deeply engaging and transformative experience. Music, movement, and creative expression are interwoven with social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM principles, offering a holistic approach to child development that nurtures both the heart and mind.

Commitment to Restoring Arts Education

At a time when arts education is increasingly disappearing from schools, Hooked on the Wizard™ is leading the charge to restore creativity, expression, and emotional intelligence to children’s learning. The “Overfund the Arts” initiative is a core part of the program, aimed at elevating arts education and making it a key part of children’s academic experience. With the goal of bringing this transformative model to communities across the country, Hooked on the Wizard™ is already making waves in schools, with programs that reach children where they are and help them become who they are meant to be.

Proven Success and Impact

The impact of Hooked on the Wizard™ is evident in the success stories from parents, educators, and children themselves. Teachers have reported that students who participate in the program show increased confidence, improved emotional regulation, and a deeper connection to their peers. One teacher shared, "The children in my class have transformed. They are more confident, they are more engaged, and they are genuinely excited about learning." Parents have also seen remarkable changes in their children’s attitudes toward school and life. A parent said, “My child is more confident than ever. The integration of arts and storytelling has helped them open up emotionally and express themselves in ways I never thought possible.”

A Program That Grows With Children

Hooked on the Wizard™ goes beyond the typical classroom experience. It offers not just books and lessons but an entire ecosystem of resources, including community-based programs, curricula, and performances. One of the standout components is the Hooked on Courage™ course, a six-week program that combines arts, mindfulness, and character education. With plans to scale across the U.S. and globally, Hooked on the Wizard™ is poised to make a lasting impact on how children learn and grow.

Why Hooked on the Wizard™ Deserves This Award

Best Of Best Reviews is proud to recognize Hooked on the Wizard™ as the Best Arts-Infused Education Program for Children in the U.S. of 2026 for their innovative approach to education, their unwavering commitment to restoring arts education, and their ability to empower children to become confident, emotionally intelligent individuals. Through their unique blend of arts, storytelling, and social-emotional learning, Hooked on the Wizard™ is setting a new standard for what education can, and should, look like.

To learn more about Hooked on the Wizard™ and explore their groundbreaking programs, visit Hooked on the Wizard and Hooked on Courage Course.

Congratulations to Hooked on the Wizard™ for this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to the continued positive impact they will have on the future of children’s education.