'Cat in the Hat' is back

Local libraries, schools and clubs are gearing up for what may be the largest birthday bash of the year.

Tuesday marks the 95th birthday of the late Dr. Seuss, and to celebrate, the National Education Association is sponsoring "Read Across America" day.

Children will stuff themselves with "Cat in the Hat" cakes, watch Dr. Seuss movies and sit in on reading sessions.

The nationwide initiative is to generate new enthusiasm in young readers by encouraging parents to read to their children.

"We want to encourage and promote a love for reading," Gabrielle Long, NEA spokeswoman, said. "We want every child to be in the company of a caring adult and a book."

In its second year, the program, which originated out of complaints from a frustrated teacher who did not know how to motivate her students to read more, is seeing a lot of success.

Last year, 1 million adults and 10 million kids participated in the program, NEA officials said, adding that this year's pledges are up from last year.

"It took off like wildfire," Long said about the event. "We were amazed at all the teachers, schools and libraries who got involved."

Some local schools are going all-out for Tuesday's event. For example, at Roberta C. Cartwright Elementary School, the Parent Teacher Association will prepare green eggs and ham for the 1,065 students.

Holding the read-in on Dr. Seuss' birthday was no accident. Seuss -- born Theodor Seuss Geisel in 1904 in Springfield, Mass. -- is a favorite of many and recognized by most parents, reading experts say. He brought a new way of reading to children's literature.

"Cat in the Hat" was published as a textbook to be used at a time when institutions were using readers such as "Dick and Jane," Cyndi Giorgies, assistant professor of literature education at UNLV, said.

"With its repetitive sayings, rhymes and nonsensical words, it was a transitional book for reading that nobody had seen before," she said. "That's why it was such a huge phenomenon."

At first, Giorgies said, Seuss' writing was criticized. People wondered how children could figure out the nonsensical words he used, "but they could because of the rhyming," she said.

"The rhyming gets kids hooked into reading. Once you get them into it they become more interested. Dr. Seuss is in a class all by himself."

Seuss' first book, "And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street," written in 1936 after a trip to Europe, was rejected 43 times before a friend published the book for him.

"The Cat in the Hat," a 220-word book, was written and published in 1957 after Life magazine published a report on illiteracy among school children. It was an instant success. Another book, "Green Eggs and Ham," contains only 50 words.

Seuss wrote 44 children's books -- some that have been made into cassettes, television shows and videos. He died in September 1991.

"I was so sad the day that Dr. Seuss passed away," Giorgies said. "But his work lives on. It's a true testament of what he brought to children's lives and children's literature -- what a great gift."

Last year Seuss' birthday bash was the largest celebration of reading this country had seen, the NEA reported.

"He has got the blend of what everyone is looking for -- the phonics, repetition, rhyming and interesting stories," Long said. "All of that is perfect."

"He's written with his own particular way of looking at the world with incredible creativity," said Joyce Dixon, librarian at Sahara West Library, where a birthday bash will be held. "Dr. Seuss is a very important contributor to children's literature."

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas will celebrate with parties, and each club has set a goal of how many books will be read during the month of March. During the month, clubs will include field trips to the library where participants can get library cards and check out books.

Seuss, in his last book, "Oh! The Places You'll Go," published in 1990, described the goal nicely:

"You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join high fliers who soar to high heights.

"You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest."

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