Read Across America with Dr. Seuss

Yesterday I was excited to attend an event that raises awareness for something I am a huge advocate for: children’s literacy. Celebrities were on hand to read their favorite Dr. Seuss books and celebrate the unveiling of a “READ” installation at the New York Public Library. The 26-foot tall installation made entirly of Dr. Seuss classics was unveiled in honor of the National Education’s Association’s Read Across America campaign. The 25,000 books will later be donated to New York Schools.

Inside the library was a Dr. Seuss wonderland covered in blue and red. Delicious snacks colorful drinks were displayed in a way only Dr. Seuss would approve.

While munching on some of the sugary snacks we listened to some of my favorite celebrities read Dr. Seuss classics.

{Dreamy} Mark Ruffalo read “The Lorax” complete with his own character voices and all.

Uma Thurman enlightened us with “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”

Common read one of my favorites, “Green Eggs and Ham”

The always beautiful Keri Russell read the Dr. Seuss classic, The Cat in the Hat.

And no Dr. Seuss and Target event would be complete without a sighting from some of our Dr. Seuss favorites and Bullseye, Targets bull terrier mascot.

The event was a great showcase of the commitment that Target is making for children’s literacy. It was so great to see so many local students lounging on pillows across the room reading their favorite Dr. Seuss book. Even Harlan got in on the reading action.

Each child that attended the event yesterday got to pick out one of their favorite Dr. Seuss books home to read!

Target is inviting families to attend reading events at Target stores nationwide on Saturday, February 26, as a part of its sponsorship of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Program. Each child who attends will receive a special gift; including Dr. Seuss reading activities, a pack of crayons, and snacks. The goal of the program is to focus on helping more U.S. children read proficiently by the end of the third grade.

As a former sixth grade teacher who had many children who still couldn’t read, I encourage parents to start reading to their children young. It is one of my favorite activities to do with Harlan. Now I can’t get her away from her bookshelf!

For more photos of the event, please visit the A Mommy in the City Facebook page.

Disclosure: A Mommy in the City was not compensated for this post.