On this day in 1904, Theodor Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss, the author and illustrator of such beloved children’s books as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Geisel, who used his middle name (which was also his mother’s maiden name) as his pen name, wrote more than 60 books, including some for adults.  He has sold well over 200 million copies of his books and they have been translated into multiple languages.

The National Education Association annually sponsors Read Across America. Now in its 24th year, the program focuses on motivating children to read, in addition to helping them master basic skills.

The nationwide reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, community centers, and more participate by bringing together kids and books.

In 2004, Clay Aiken participated in Read Across America.  He visited a elementary school, donned a red and white Dr. Seuss hat and read to a lucky classroom of students.

Congratulations to the National Education Association for sponsoring such an important day and a big thank you to all the celebrities like Clay Aiken, who support the importance of reading for all.

One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss is dedicated to Clay Aiken:

“You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So… get on your way!”

~Dr. Seuss ~

From: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

~~~~~

In 2014, Clay Aiken sent out  a wonderful e-mail to a list of his political supporters.  I am sure many of you received the same e-mail, however, it is well worth reading more than once.

Friends,

Last week I had the pleasure of reading to some elementary school students in our district. We read one of my favorite short stories from childhood — The Zax by Dr. Seuss.It’s a classic story that you may remember. A North-Going Zax and a South-Going Zax bump into each other while traveling in the prairie of Prax. Both refuse to take even a single step to the side so they can proceed. Instead, they both stubbornly insist on standing still until the other Zax budges. Of course, neither does, and over time the world just builds up around them. I asked the children what they thought the moral of the story was.  We talked about pride and stubbornness and how it kept the Zax from moving forward. The word of the day was compromise. The kids got it immediately. The story and its moral seem simple enough. But after watching what’s been happening in Washington these past few years, I’m starting to think we should make this required reading for our Members of Congress. The challenges we face won’t be solved overnight by just one person or party, but sometimes you have to be willing to take the first step. Yours,Clay  

Don’t you wish your children or grandchildren had Clay Aiken as their teacher?