CELEBRATING READING

What child – or adult – has not delighted in the tongue-twisting rhymes and fanciful characters in Dr. Suess books? The Cat in the Hat, the Grinch and Sam, I am, are some of the most readily recognized characters in young children’s literature.

Readers, young and old, will have a chance to celebrate Dr. Suess and his books as part of the seventh annual Read Across America sponsored by the National Education Association.

This year’s read coincides with the March 2 centennial of the birth of Theodor Geisel, better known to millions as Dr. Suess.

Read Across America was started in 1998 as an effort to promote reading by focusing national attention on the importance of motivating children to master this basic skill. It was conceived of as a pep rally for reading, according to the NEA. Because children take so easily to his books, Dr. Suess’ birthday was chosen for the annual event, although activities go on throughout the year. February, for example, is Black History Month, so children are encouraged to read stories about African Americans and freed slaves. March is National Nutrition Month and activities such as allowing children to cook foods featured in favorite books are encouraged.

The highlight of a year of reading, however, is the Read Across America day. Last year, more than 45 million children and adults participated in thousands of events ranging from pajama parties to readings featuring sports stars, television and movie celebrities and politicians.

This year, rangers at Mount Rushmore and West Virginia coal miners will swap their usual headgear for the trademark red and white striped stovepipe hat worn by the Cat in the Hat. In Maine, events are scheduled at schools and libraries from Madawaska to Addison to Kennebunk. The Katahdin Elementary School in Staceyville will be one of the busiest on March 2. The school will be decorated in a Dr. Suess theme, skits will be performed and there will be a Cat in the Hat story night featuring costumed readers. The day ends with a sleepover in the school gym. Many schools will serve green eggs and ham, no doubt a treat for young diners.

Such events are funded in part by tiny grants (up to $50) from the Maine Education Association. One of the best parts of the day, according to the group’s spokesman Keith Harvie, who travels to a different school each year to partake in the day’s events, is watching high school students reading to their elementary school peers.

“Read Across America is the highlight of the school year for many students and teachers,” said Cathie Bunk, a teacher at the Edna Libby School in Sebago Lake.

Even the mean old Grinch would approve.