Today’s the day! “Read Across America Day” is an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. One part of the project is National Read Across America Day, an observance in the United States held on the school day closest to March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. So, it makes sense that today would also be informally known as, “Dr. Seuss day”. Unless you lack a childhood and have been living under a rock all your life, you know who the great Dr. Seuss is. But just in case you do happen to reside under a rock, let me briefly educate you on the wonder that was Theodor Seuss Geisel. He was born on March 2^nd1904 and passed away September 24^th1991 at 87 years old!. But Seuss proved to us through his brilliant rhyming schemes and dynamic colorful characters that age really is just a number- as he was one of the most successful children’s book creators of all time. Quite the accomplishment if I do say so myself! Some of his most popular books include; The Cat in The Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Green Eggs and Ham, The Lorax, Horton Hears a Who, and many others.

And though “Read Across America Day” falling on Dr. Suess’ birthday is not a coincidence, the message and main theme of the day is obviously to celebrate the birthday of this beloved individual, and what better way to honor him and make him proud than to read! So, with today we call together in hopes that kids across the country are taking time out of their busy days to pick up a book- even if it isn’t one that Dr. Seuss wrote- and embrace one of the few pleasures in life that is free. It is encouraged that everyone of all ages participates today. Read Across America Day began in May 1997, when a small group expanded their big idea. According to the NEA’s official website, “The Purpose of Read Across America Motivating children to read is a crucial factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.” And what better way in achieving that than to make education fun!

So do yourself, your parents, your teachers, and Dr. Seuss a favor and revisit your childhood within the pages of The Cat in the Hat. Sit back and let nostalgia take over while entertaining yourself with Horton Hears a Who. Spice up your morning routine and enjoy your breakfast with Green Eggs and Ham. Understand that if you do live like Dr. Seuss and embrace your creativity, you’ll truly understand, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. And always remember to be yourself along the way, because like a brilliant man once said- “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”