Pick Up a Book, Pass It Around

Today is Read Across America day. It's also of course, the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss (though his middle name was Seuss, he added the "Dr." himself), author and illustrator of 44 books. Schools and libraries around the state will celebrate the master rhyming storyteller and encourage children to read.

This year, the National Education Association, a group of more than 3.2 million educators who work to improve public schools, and several literacy and youth groups, are calling on book lovers around the nation to take up The Lorax, the popular Dr. Seuss children's book published in 1971 about the lovable creature who fights to save the environment.

In our area, there are several public events planned today:

• At Swedish Issaquah, from 9-11 a.m., 751 N.E. Blakely Dr. in Issaquah, enjoy projects and storytime for Read Across America Day, with crafts sponsored by Stroller Strides and Macaroni Kid of Soqualmie Valley-Issaquah. Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m.
• Little ones 9-24 months of age will delight in Waddler Storytime at the , at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
• The Issaquah Library and the National Honor Society of Issaquah High School are hosting a free celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday! There will be food and activities in English and Spanish at the KCLS Service Center, 960 Newport Way NW in Issaquah, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Share your plans for celebrating Read Across America Day with Patch or on the Read Across America pledge site. NEA and Lorax' publisher, Random House, also have lesson plans and lots of other materials, resources and printable activities for teachers, parents and kids.  

If your school or family celebrates Dr. Seuss' birthday, share your event photos with Patch.