By Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Who doesn’t have a favorite Dr. Seuss book? Maybe it’s “The Cat in the Hat” and that comical and clever character that we have all read and watched for a laugh and a rhyme. Or maybe it’s your copy of “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” received as a graduation gift and remaining a reminder of all that life holds for you no matter your age. Perhaps, it’s “Green Eggs and Ham,” and the forever memorable lines you find yourself quoting even as an adult. Perhaps, no other children’s author inspires such memories and preserved childhood observances in literature than Seuss and his collection of books. 

 

His body of work inspired “Read Across America Day,” also known as “Dr Seuss Day,” as a yearly observance in the USA inaugurated by the National Education Association. It is held to commemorate the March 2^nd birthday of iconic American author, Theodor Seuss Geisel also known as Dr. Seuss. The celebration is to encourage children in reading more books and also getting them excited about reading. 

 

Seuss is widely recognized for his contribution as a writer, poet and cartoonist. He wrote forty-six books for children mainly based on imaginative characters and rhymes. His work has also been adopted into many television specials, feature films and television series. He credited his mother to be his first inspiration. She often chanted rhymes to her children in order to sooth them to sleep which developed the desire and affection in Geisel to create rhymes. His early life in Springfield and the memories of his childhood had an influence on his writings which can be observed in his work.

 

The ten-year period between 1950 and 1960 saw the incredible Dr. Seuss write some of the most classic pieces of children’s literature in history. He followed up the release of “If I Ran The Zoo” in 1950 with “Horton Hears a Who!” in 1955, “If I ran the Circus” in 1956, “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” in 1957 and “Green Eggs and Ham” in 1960. It is safe to say that Dr. Seuss is a cultural phenomenon, with the legacy of his work stretching far beyond his own life, inspiring kids and adults to keep reading not just his books, but books in general! 

 

The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss is part of many children’s first foray into the literary world, which is why it’s such a fun day to celebrate. On the day, children get together to read his books – lots of them sound even better out loud! Sometimes, children might choose to dress up as their favorite characters, too.

Most importantly, Dr. Seuss Day is a celebration of children’s literature. So, if Dr. Seuss isn’t your favorite, you can still get involved by celebrating his influence on children’s literature, and by enjoying some of your own favorite authors.

 

1. Have fun making “The Cat in the Hat” hats.
2. Discover your child’s favorite Dr. Seuss book and read it together.
3. Throw a party to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Have everyone come costumed as a different character. 
4. Make creative Seuss-inspired crafts. Use favorite Seuss book quotes in each.
5. Make Seuss sticks for math manipulatives. Make learning fun!

Whether through the books of Dr. Seuss or any book that inspire and delight – always maintain reading in your children’s lives. Through the lines of a book and the images contained within, imaginations are born and nurtured – fostering a lifetime of: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”