I cannot believe it is Dr. Seuss’ 114th birthday, making today also Read Across America Day! Dr. Seuss books have always been a childhood favorite of mine and still are to this day. They’re fun and easy to read; rhyming words are a win with all children.
There is no wonder why we celebrate both Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Day together. Reading with and to our children is such a magical experience. Dr. Seuss books make it even more so by opening up each child’s imagination to worlds and characters that would never have come to mind without him. What about the Who’s of Whoville or a fox wearing socks?
Taking Advantage of Read Across America Day
When we can, let’s just stop and take the time to read with our children. Get down on their level and read with them. This includes laying or sitting next to them in the bed, floor, chair … where ever it may be. Truly engage with every word being read aloud. Reading Dr. Seuss books with my children is not only magically for them, but for me as well. My husband LOVES reading Fox and Socks! It is usually his book of choice.
Something about a Dr. Seuss book opens up my very own imagination, one that you would think only belonged to a child. My all time favorite to this day will always be Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Maybe because it has a new meaning now that I have children of my own.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
My kids do not have a favorite, and I don’t blame them. Dr. Seuss knew exactly how to share his love of reading to all those around. We even added some crafts and baking wacky cookies with our Read Across America Day. No better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
Are you looking for local Read Across America Events for your children? Here are a few things going in and around the Baton Rouge Area:
East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Main Library: Friday, March 2 at 11:00am; THE CAT IN THE HAT ANIMATED SHORT FILM In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, we will also enjoy a showing of the fun-filled animated short film version of The Cat in the Hat. The film is approximated 25 minutes long. All children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups are required to register.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Central Branch: Monday, March 5 at 4:30pm; READ ACROSS AMERICA STORY/CRAFT. Read Across America is back! We are celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with story/craft! We will be reading Dr. Seuss’ classic The Cat in the Hat and the children can make their own bookmarks out of craft sticks that resemble the characters Thing 1 and Thing 2! Ages 3 and up! Please call to register!
East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Fairwood Branch: Tuesday, March 6 at 4:30pm; Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with us with a reading of his classic The Cat in the Hat as well as making your own Thing 1 and Thing 2 to take home. For children ages 3-8, accompanied by an adult. Register to ensure your spot.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Greenwell Springs Branch: Saturday, March 10 at 2:00pm, Read Across America Children are invited to a special storytime to hear Dr. Seuss stories. Following the stories children may also work on a Dr. Seuss poster to be displayed in the library Children’s Room. In addition, students from a local school will be asked to create a Dr. Seuss poster to be displayed in the library Children’s Room for the month of March. Ages 7-11.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Jones Creek Branch: Saturday, March 10 at 11:00am; We will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with a fun storytime including excerpts from Fox in Socks , and from A Pair of Socks by Stuart J. Murphy. The children will play the “match the sock from the dryer” game, and make a colorful fox in socks paper bag puppet to take home. For ages 5-8. Registration is required.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library, Zachary Branch: Saturday, March 3 at 11:00am; Read Across America : Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration. Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday this year by listening to the book The Sneetches and Other Stories. The celebration will also include a game: McBean says ( a version of Simon Says), a craft: creating a sneetch out of paper and your handprint, as well as cookies and lemonade! Ages 5-8. Registration required.
Chick Fil A, Denham Springs: Friday, March 2nd at 10:30am and 6:30pm; Read Across America Day Story Time. A librarian will be coming to the Denham Springs Chick Fil A to read to the kids along with the Chick Fil A Cow. Come celebrate Read Across America!
