The Full Story:
March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’ Birthday – and is Read Across America Day! Born in 1904, the man also known as Theodor Geisel went on to become the famous writer and cartoonist we all love today. And while he passed away in 1991, the magic of his stories will live on. In all, Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 44 children’s books containing fun rhymes, wacky plots, and outrageous characters. Some of our favorites are “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “The Lorax.”
Dr. Seuss’ books have been made into a number of TV specials & series and films – one was even made into a Broadway musical (“The Grinch”). His books and characters are also featured in Seuss Landing, one of many islands at the Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida. In an attempt to match Geisel's visual style, there are reportedly "no straight lines" in Seuss Landing.
Although he was a successful writer and cartoonist here in America, his books were also loved worldwide and have been published in many different languages. Dr. Seuss won numerous awards for his work, such as a Pulitzer Prize, two Academy awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Peabody Award!
As for Read Across America, this celebration takes place on Dr. Seuss’s birthday for a reason. Children and their education was a guiding light for Geisel. Accordingly, this is a day for children to celebrate reading. You can celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by participating in Read Across America with your kids. Read your kids’ favorite books together. You can also celebrate with fun activities like making “Cat in the Hat” hats or green eggs and ham! Looking for some ideas to making the most of the day?