Read Across America Day is held on whichever school day closest to March 2nd each year, because March 2nd is the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This year March 2nd falls on a Wednesday. In 1997 the National Education Association decided to create a holiday to promote reading. The very first Read Across American Day was held in 1998.  Schools and libraries across the country use this day to help encourage children to read, and promote the love of reading and books.

Many schools celebrate with Seussian hats, themed parties, and storytimes. I will celebrate with my children by re-reading some of my favorite books and perhaps watching movies based on those books. What actually happens that night will depend on how crazy my elementary school aged children are after the school activities.

I plan on preparing for the day by reading up in Dr. Seuss. There are a number of great biographies and commentaries on his life and works. I have some nonfiction for adults and some for children listed below for those interested in learning more about an author that has delighted, entertained, or inspired so many over the years.

For Adults:
Dr. Seuss & Mr. Geisel by Judith & Neil Morgan

Dr. Seuss Goes to War: the World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Richard H. Linear

The Tough Coughs as he Ploughs the Dough: Early Writings and Cartoons by Dr. Seuss edited and with an introduction by Richard Marschall

For Children:
Who was Dr. Seuss? by Janet Pascal

Oh, the Places he Went: a Story about Dr. Seuss–Theodore Seuss Geisel by Maryann N. Weidt

Dr. Seuss by Cheryl Carlson

The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew up to Become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull

Dr. Seuss by Charlotte Guillain

Theodor Geisel by Tanya Dean

If you would rather celebrate with something that requires a little less attention, you might want to just sit back and watch some movie adaptations of Seuss’s work. If this is more your speed then relax and enjoy; Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, the cartoon version of Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, or the live action take on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham: and Other Favorites, Horton Hears a Who!, or any of our other Dr. Seuss DVD’s.