Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Today is Theodore Seuss Geisel's 112th birthday!  That's Dr. Seuss to those of us who have had a life-long love of his wonderful children's books.  But then who among us does not love the Cat in the Hat, Yertle the Turtle, the Lorax, Horton (who heard a Who!) and The Fox Who Wore Socks! How many of us learned to read with One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and To Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street? 

There are television specials, movies, plays and even an amusement park celebrating the wonderful worlds he created.  

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" Universal Orlando

Dr. Seuss is such a beloved author that the National Education Association decided to celebrate his birthday with a nationwide reading event called "Read Across America". 

Libraries and schools across the country have created events to observe Dr. Suess' birthday and celebrate reading.  There are parties, and read-a-thons, crafts, games and other activities to motivate and encourage children in a life-long love of books.  For more information on the NEA "Read Across America" Project, click here.

I do not need a special day to appreciate the joy of a good book.  I grew up loving to read and I always have a book with me in case I have an opportunity to read a few pages.  I think that early days spent with Truffala Trees and Thing One and Thing Two and Mr. Gump with a seven hump Wump helped to shape my love of reading.

My coffee mug- a gift from my cousin who knows me very well! 

I think my favorite Dr. Seuss book is Green Eggs and Ham,  I can remember reading it over and over again when I was a beginning reader. So I decided to make a special batch of "green eggs and ham" (well, green eggs, I am not sure what to do about green ham!) to celebrate his special day and this wonderful book. 

These treats are a variation of the Holiday Pretzel Treats that I make for various occasions. These are all over the internet, but here is my version. 

Instead of using Hershey Kisses, use candy wafer melts (available at Michaels and other craft stores).  Of course the "egg yolks" are green M&Ms. Bake at 200 degrees for about 3 minutes, or until just melted, watching carefully the last 30 seconds to avoid burning. Cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. I think that you will like them in a boat and you will like them with a goat!

And for when you run out of green M&Ms...

Make regular eggs! 

For more ideas for observing Dr. Seuss' birthday and all of his wonderful books (including a newly published What Pet Should I Get?) click here.

As I grow older I also become more appreciative of the wisdom of Dr. Suess.  As an educator and a parent, this is a favorite: 

                                  

                           You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, 
                          You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
                           You're on your own and you know what you know
                            And you are the guy who'll decide where you go. 

                           Dr. Suess- Oh the Places You'll Go!

And remember, as we celebrate Read Across America, another quotation attributed to Dr. Suess: 
                          You are never too old, too wacky or wild
                           To pick up a book and read to a child.

After the day has ended and you have enjoyed your special reading time and your "Green Eggs and Ham" keep this in mind:

                           Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Thanks for stopping by today!

~Cynthia