WESTSIDE — Students at Decatur Northside Elementary School and Glenn Duffy Elementary School in Gravette marked Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a celebration of reading.
Dr. Seuss, or Theodore Seuss Geisel, was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Mass. to German immigrants.
Geisel published 44 children’s books throughout his career, including favorites, such as "Green Eggs and Ham," "The Cat in the Hat," "Whorton Hears a Who," and "The Grinch who Stole Christmas."
Geisel's book, "The Cat in the Hat," celebrated its 50th birthday in 2007. Geisel was challenged to write a fun and interesting comic style book that first graders couldn't put down. "The Cat in the Hat" contains only 236 words.
In addition to working as a children’s author, Geisel also worked as an illustrator for advertising campaigns and as a political cartoonist.
The National Education Association has adopted Geisel’s birthday as Read Across America Day, according to Dr. Seuss' Rand House Publishing Web site www.seussville.com.
The Decatur Northside Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday all week long with fun dress-up days - such as silly-hair day, silly-socks day and sillyhat day - and guest readers. The Grinch - played by superintendent Larry Ben - made a special appearance at Wednesday’s assembly to read his favorite Dr. Seuss book. The Cat in the Hat also visited with children at the assembly.
After the assembly, the students ate cupcakes in their classrooms as a grand finale to the birthday celebration.
Students at Glenn Duffy Elementary in Gravette also celebrated Seuss' birthday with special guest readers and lots of fun activities.
News, Pages 16 on 03/09/2011