Today is Read Across America Day! It celebrates the Doctor’s birthday (Dr. Seuss, that is) and the joy he created with his wonderful imagination.

Because of Theodor Geisel, we have unforgettable characters like the mischief-making Cat in the Hat, an environmentally concerned guy named the Lorax, the 20th century Scrooge named the Grinch, and an exceedingly kind elephant named Horton who saved the Whos from utter obliteration. (These and other Seuss creations as well as the doctor himself can be explored on a highly interactive website .)

In the official White House proclamation declaring March 2, 2012 as Read Across America Day, the President calls upon “children, families, educators, librarians, public officials, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

My hope is that the day’s activities — and there are lots everywhere — continue throughout the year. There is drama, humor, mystery, hope, camaraderie, information — and well, you name it, you can find it reading.

So thanks — and a happy birthday — to Dr. Seuss.

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
March 2, 2012

Related Topics

Activities, Children’s Books, Motivation, Struggling Readers
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