‘Read Across America’ brings Dr. Seuss to ASU

“The Cat in the Hat” is one of the most well-known children books by Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. Children of all ages are entertained by Dr. Seuss’s beloved stories of imagination and timeless characters.

All of Dr. Seuss’ beginner books are meant to be enjoyed and a useful tool toward learning.  His cartooning for magazines and advertisements led him to writing his first children’s book titled “And to Think I saw it on Mulberry Street.”

Since then, children of all ages have read Dr. Seuss’ books of rhymes and bright creatures.  Dr. Seuss’ goal was to create children’s books for interest and easy reading. And after decades, his books are still read among thousands of young readers.

Jill Kary, coordinator of the event, hosted the 2nd annual celebration called “Read Across America.” The event is in honor of Dr. Seuss’ 109th birthday.  Young children came together to play activities, games, win prizes, and see the Cat in the Hat himself in the auditorium of the ASU museum.

All of the activities were based on Dr. Seuss’ books such as: “Hop on Top,” “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” “Horton Hears a Who!” and “Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?”

The children participated in a treasure hunt to find pom-poms, played hop scotch with bean bags, pin the hat on the cat, took pictures as Thing 1 and Thing 2, sounded out words and a relay race by using a spoon to pick up plastic fish from one bucket to another.

All participants received candy, toys and hats during the festivities. The children also formed new friendships along with having fun being active in the games.

Brittany Haught, a freshman early education major of Mountain Home, worked at the event. “It’s good. I’ve always liked kids, and it’s cool to see them interacting.”

The children welcomed the Cat in the Hat with cheer as he peddled his way on a unicycle in the auditorium.  The special guest juggled his way to the children’s laughter and then read “Fox in Socks.”

Jill Kary, director of the event, said “I love to read, and I love it when children read.”

Kary participated in the festivities herself while reading multiple Dr. Seuss books to the children as they passed around the Cat’s hat full of candy.

“It’s all about the mission. Touch people where they live. It is all about reading,” Kary said.

The National Education Association established the “Read Across America” celebration on March 2, 1998.  It’s a worldwide event to encourage children to read and motivate the community to make reading an important factor toward a child’s education.

A total of 200 kids showed up last year at the event. This year, an average of 100 kids and parents were present. At the end of the event, children watched the 1957 version of “The Cat in the Hat” animation with their parents.

 “Dr. Seuss, kids love him,” said tour coordinator Paige Creed, “It’s a fun thing at the museum.”