From “The Cat in the Hat” to “Horton Hears A Who,” there’s nothing like reading a Dr. Seuss classic to our kids. To celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday, libraries and local organizations are holding read-athons and storytimes for kids. There’s even a special event where you can meet The Cat in the Hat while reading to cats! (see March 2).
The New Jersey Education Association has lots of Read Across America inspo, including book recommendations and a 100-book challenge you can take part in all year through Read Across New Jersey.
February 29
Read Across America Bookmark Contest
Township of Washington Public Library
Kids from Kindergarten to grade 5 can make a bookmark celebrating Read Across America. The winning student from each grade will have their bookmark reproduced and distributed. A special ceremony for the winners will be held on February 29.
Dr. Seuss’s Storytime Birthday Bash
Virtual, through Preschool Readers
Wear your silliest stripes, grab your favorite plush pal, and celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with Preschool Readers. This free virtual event will have lots of Seuss-tacular fun for fan of all ages.
March 1
NJLATS
Jersey City, Edison, Vineland
Members of the New Jersey Latino American Trooper Society will read their favorite books with kids.
March 1-31
Read Across America Challenge
The Pop Shop Cafe and Creamery, Collingswood
Kids 12 and under will get a stamp for each book they sign out during the month. Once you bring your fully stamped card to the shop, you will get a free ice cream.
Week of March 2
Hats Off to Reading
Millhill Child & Family Development, Trenton
The center nurtures kids’ love for reading and asks for the community to take part in a Day of Caring by donating books. During Read Across America week, sponsors read Dr. Seuss’s books to 4- and 5-year-old students.
March 2
Read Across America
Union County
Members of the Union County Sheriff’s Office will read to kids in the Clark, Union Twp., Roselle Park and Plainfield schools.
Read Across America Craft
Hopewell Library, Hopewell Twp.
Kids ages 3-8 will make a Read Across America-inspired craft.
Paws to Read
Tabby’s Place, Ringoes
Visit the cat sanctuary to visit from of The Cat in the Hat’s “relatives.” You can meet The Cat himself while reading to the resident cats. There will be snacks and activities.
March 4
Read Across America Book Fair
The Pop Shop Café and Creamery, Collingswood
Meet local authors who will be reading, selling and signing their books. There will be readings of your favorite Dr. Seuss books, too.
March 6
Author Reading: “The Prince & Peter”
Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School, Hightstown
Will Appiah wrote the children’s activity book “The Prince & Peter.” This fable is a story about an underprivileged preteen who overcomes challenges and uses his intelligence to defeat a fire-breathing adversary in order to save a friend. It also includes several activities that will challenge young readers. Will will read his book to the entire fourth grade class, which is extra special since he was a student at Rogers Elementary. As part of the coming home event, he will encourage the students to dream big and pick up a book.
Author Reading: “Ava Takes a Walk!”
Walter C. Black Elementary School, Hightstown
Henry Appiah will meet with students to celebrate National Reading Month. Henry will read his recently published book, “Ava Takes a Walk!,” which is a dedication to his daughter. During this event, Henry will take the entire kindergarten class on a journey with Ava and her father, as they embark on a whimsical stroll through their community. As Ava explores her surroundings, young readers will delight in discovering familiar sights and treasures hidden in plain sight.
March 7
Craft Night
The Pop Shop Café and Creamery, Collingswood
Make your own Cat In The Hat T-shirt. There will also be a Dr. Seuss-inspired dinner buffet with dessert and drinks. Expect additional activities and wonderific fun.
March 8
Cat in the Hat Meet-and-Greet and Dinner
The Pop Shop Cafe and Creamery, Collingswood
Celebrate Seuss Week with a wonderific meet-and-greet when you buy a dinner ticket.
“Freckle Juice”
Perry L. Drew Elementary School, Hightstown
The Hightstown Elks Lodge will send one of their members to read the first chapter of the book “Freckle Juice” by Judy Blume to Drew’s third-grade students. The kids will then get a copy of the book to take home.
Check back for more updates on events as they are announced. If you have a Read Across America event to share with us, email Jennifer Amato at jennifer@njfamily.com.
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