Celebrate reading beyond National Read Across America Day with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Calling all readers! Did you miss National Read Across America Day on March 2? Don't fret, we still have a list of recommended reads to get you through the months ahead. Before we share the titles, let's explore a bit about the history of National Read Across America Day.

The holiday, launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, commemorates the birthday of beloved children’s book author, Dr. Seuss, and celebrates the joys of reading. It’s a special day set aside to “stop, drop, and READ.” Dr. Seuss was well known for his love of rhymes and rhyming is one of the building blocks to learning how to read. Although the day has passed, we always encourage reading as literacy is a building block to a life well-lived. Be sure to grab your favorite Dr. Seuss book and snuggle up for an adventure.

With younger readers doing a read aloud, or taking turns reading aloud, or having  dedicated Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) time is beneficial. While you can employ these techniques at any time, we hope you'll get the chance to participate in the next National Read Across America Day! It’s a day for modeling, discussing and connecting with others over a shared love of reading. You could even be playful (like Dr. Seuss)! Serve green eggs and ham or dim the lights and read with a flashlight! If you have a reluctant reader, think outside of the box (like Dr. Seuss)! Instead of reading a book, try some of these interactive alternatives:

• Recipes
• How-to-manuals
• Cartoons or comic books
• Page-a-day calendars
• Children’s magazines or newspapers
• Reader’s Theater

Looking to expand your reading horizons? You could also branch out and try some Dr. Seuss-like children’s books. Here are some popular classics and contemporary options:

1. A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Originally published in 1998, “A Bad Case of Stripes” follows Camilla Cream, a young girl who loves lima beans but refuses to eat them in order to fit in with her fellow classmates, who don’t like them at all. But all that worrying about fitting in causes her to develop a case of the stripes, with her body covered in different colored stripes. It’s recommended for children between the ages of four to eight.

2. Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons

“Tiara’s Hat Parade” is centered around young Tiara and her mother, who gives up her dream of owning a hat shop when another hat shop opens up nearby with much less expensive hats. Tiara ends up helping her mother in this illustrated children’s book that’s recommended for ages five and six.

3. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Another classic, “The Rainbow Fish” follows one fish who has glittering scales and learns how to be less selfish and share with others. Throughout the story, the fish ends up giving away his famous scales and gaining friends. The book was first published in 1992 and is recommended for 4- to 8-year olds.

4. Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller

 In this picture book, Aria deals with strangers and strange creatures like mermaids and aliens always touching her curls until, one day, she decides that she’s had enough of it. The book is recommended for children who are 2- to 5-year-olds.

5. A Light In The Attic by Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein is well-known for his poetry, including collections like “Where The Sidewalk Ends.” Characters like Sourface Ann and Exactlywatt could keep kids entertained for years to come. Another classic that kids might love from Silverstein’s is “The Giving Tree.”

Happy reading!

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This blog was written by Elizabeth Willen, library assistant at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.