As I sit here staring at a blank screen, I wonder how I could possibly write a post that could really celebrate Dr. Seuss.
I suppose I could embrace the daughter-of-a-teacher side of me and speak on reading and education. Or embrace the political cartoonist beginnings of Seuss and speak as the daughter of a political journalist. Can I tell the story of a mom who has watched the transformative power reading in her teenager? Would I even do the story justice?
The truth is, there’s not a lot I can add to the thousands of articles, stories, and studies that show the transformative power of reading. So I am going embrace all my thoughts on reading, in my best attempt to celebrate Theodor Seuss Geisel … rhymes
But first, a small shout out. Recently my oldest was celebrated at her school library for reading more than a million words so far this school year. This Dr. Seuss inspired poem is for her.
A Million Words
One girl, two girls. Big book, small book.
A million tales in every cranny and nook.
Imagination, adventure, wisdom, and fun.
A million characters to find under the sun.
A teacher, mom’s writing is perfectly neat.
A million lessons she taught with every worksheet.
Daddy wrote about politics, logging, and time.
A million stories to share, cut short of their prime.
On the couch, on the swing, in the bed with her sister,
A million anecdotes she always takes with her.
She’ll read about crooks, heroes, compassion, and pride.
A million nuggets of wisdom books provide.
For a toddler, the stories keeps boredom at bay,
A million possibilities in every book and every day.
Little hands stack up all the books they can get,
A million books she can’t read … just yet.
Read in a whisper or read really loud.
Change your voice. Act it out. Don’t be too proud.
Read a book, be inspired to travel or sing.
Who knows the adventure a million words can bring.
