by Jeanni Ritchie
Lately, I’ve been a character in Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, playing both the character who does not want to try new things and Sam-I-am convincing him otherwise. I have tried Lebanese food at a local grand opening, corned beef on rye at a racetrack, and chocolate gravy on assignment in Arkansas.
While some of my experiments have left me declaring I’d go for seconds with a fox or in a box, others are definitely a one-and-done experience. Nonetheless I give Dr. Seuss credit for helping me expand my palate.
We celebrate Read Across America on March 2-6, coinciding with Dr. Seuss’s birthday March 2. Born in 1904, Dr. Seuss penned over 60 of the most beloved children’s books ever, including The Cat in the Hat, Daisy-Head Mayzie, and Mr. Brown Can Moo.
Several Dr. Seuss books have been turned into films, including The Lorax and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. But it is the oft-rhyming cadence of the books that make Dr. Seuss’ works stand the test of time. He brings children and their parents into delightful worlds of imagination where wockets go on adventures in your pockets and ten apples on one head is a miraculous feat.
Schools often participate in this special day, dressing up as Dr. Seuss characters and participating in Seussical adventures.
Later this fall, Lagniappe Theatre will bring Dr. Seuss characters to life in a production of Seussical Kids August 1-3.
Celebrate now by reading one of your favorite Dr. Seuss books and posting pictures with #ReadAcrossAmerica on social media.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie@gmail.com.
