It’s funny.  Even in this very fast-paced, technology driven world of ours, reading has never gone out of style.  Perhaps the way we read has changed a little bit as many of us have adapted to life with a tablet, but no matter how the words are delivered, there is still nothing like curling up with a really good book.  Introducing and teaching children about the joy found in books and reading is what national Read Across America day is all about!

For sixteen years running, the National Education Association has sponsored Read Across America Day, which will be commemorated with book fairs, read-a-longs or any number of other reading-centered events at a school or library near you!  The excitement and genuine fun surrounding the events found as a part of Read Across America Day are specifically geared toward kids in order to get them enthused and motivated about books and reading.  Increasing awareness and motivation when it comes to reading is proven to make a very positive difference for kids as the more kids read, the better their performance in school will eventually be.

Read Across America Day is appropriately celebrated on March 2, in honor of one of the greatest authors of children’s literature, Dr. Seuss, whose birthday falls on this day.  This year because March 2nd falls on a Saturday, Read Across America is moved to this coming Friday, March 1st.  Ask your local school or your child’s teacher about what fun and exciting activities may be in store for you and your child as many of these events you will definitely want to participate in!

Because of the Dr. Seuss connection to this special and unique reading event, it has become common in many locations for both kids and adults to dress up in appropriate costumes, actually becoming some of the more popular characters from Dr. Seuss’ children’s books.  In particular, The Cat in the Hat character seems to reign supreme over Read Across America, this year being no different.  The 2013 Read Across America theme is “Grab your Hat and Read with the Cat!”  Be sure to check out our complete selection of “Cat in the Hat” hats, costumes and accessories that are going to be perfect for all your Read Across America dress up needs!

Starting kids very early in life with exposure to books and reading makes a huge difference to them later on when they begin school.  Even as infants and toddlers, kids should be read to often, have books available to them that they can see and look at, as well as being continually exposed to and seeing others regularly reading around them. Having a reading-rich environment is a great way to start your child off on the right track when it comes to learning to read.

Read Across America is only one day of the year.   Creating a love of books and reading is a gift you can give your child that will definitely last for a lifetime.

This year, on March 2nd, the annual celebration sponsored by the National Education Association known as “Read Across America” has an especially big treat in store for kids of all ages.  Read Across America is a once a year event that is marked by schools, teachers and educators throughout the nation, and is designed to celebrate the love of books and reading.  This unique day was created just to get kids really excited about books!  This special event has been traditionally celebrated on the birthday of one of the all time greatest authors of children’s literature–Dr. Seuss, of course.  This year, as a very unique and special treat, one of the most beloved books written by Dr. Seuss has been made into a much anticipated feature film that you and your kids can get really excited about.  “The Lorax”, in theatres on March 2, is the story of a fictional town named Sneedville that is entirely made of plastic and artificial things, without a single flower, tree or any nature whatsoever.  Enjoy an exciting “green” journey into the world of the Lorax, as 12-year old Ted tries to win the affection of his crush, Audrey whose big dream is to one day see a real tree.  Enjoy all the crazy fun as the kids discover the world of the Lorax and follow him on his noble mission to save the world of nature and hopefully change the future forever!

“The Lorax”, created by the same imaginative filmmakers as “Despicable Me,” has a heavy hitting and all-star cast featuring the voices of Taylor Swift, Zac Efron, Danny DeVito, Betty White and Ed Helms. 

Your kids will be thrilled and excited to delve into the whimsical shenanigans of another one of Dr. Seuss’ greatest stories.  This film shows Dr. Seuss, as you’ve never seen him before.  “The Lorax” is a crazy, go-green adventure that will take you and your kids on a made to “make you think”, wild ride that both adults and children will enjoy.

You won’t want to miss out on this unique chance to celebrate the love of reading as well as books with your kids by getting into the spirit of Read Across America.  Schools all over the nation will be sponsoring various events as part of the festivities. This event also sparks the perfect opportunity for you to pick up a book and read it to a child!  Dr. Seuss has many wonderful stories in addition to “The Lorax” that your kids will enjoy as well, including the infamous “Cat in the Hat” series that traditionally has been the theme of this special reading celebration.  Get into “Read Across America” with Dr. Seuss and the National Education Association as we all celebrate and embrace the joy of reading!  It’s a great day to read a book!