Have you ever had green eggs and ham? You know the tasty green version of Denny’s Grand Slam. Could you? Would you have green eggs and ham? Maybe when you were in a jam? Or perhaps, you tried some with a chum? Back in your school days, your teacher, did she give you some? Oh, green eggs and ham, a generation and more you did span. You helped teach our youth to read and planted in many young minds a new culinary seed.
OK, OK, all rhyming aside, how many of you remember and could probably recite portions of the children’s book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss? It is a classic, especially among new readers, and it is a part of Dr. Seuss’ wonderful collection of books geared towards children.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as "Dr. Seuss" was an American children's author, poet, political cartoonist, illustrator, and filmmaker. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904, Dr. Seuss (using his middle name as his pen name) wrote a multitude of books (including some for adults) that have been translated into multiple languages all over the world. Known for their whimsical rhymes and quirky characters, his books have taught generations of children the joy of reading.
Today, in many schools on or around Dr. Seuss’ March 2 birthday, we celebrate “Read Across America Day.” In my son’s class, the children come dressed as Dr. Seuss characters, and for snack time get to have some green eggs and ham. The whole day is themed around Dr. Seuss’ various books like The Cat in the Hat, The Sneeches, Horton Hears a Who, Hop on Pop, and many more. It is a day that my son looks forward to, and I am always excited to hear about what happened when I pick him up.
Despite being only one day, the aftereffects of the day are seen throughout the whole month of March. The kids always seem so energized and excited to read or be read to. Whether it’s a Dr. Seuss book, Winnie the Pooh or even Paw Patrol, there is a huge draw to sit down and read.
As we all know, the benefits of reading to your young (and even not-so-young children) are exponential. Science has proven early reading is critical to our young children’s brain development. It is also a wonderful bonding experience for parents and caregivers, too.
Reading opens up a world of imagination where anything and everything is possible. It also can help mold and teach our kids important life lessons.
This is true even in the tongue twisting world of Dr. Seuss!
Two of my favorite Dr. Seuss books which can apply to all ages are The Lorax and The Zax. In The Lorax, through the main character, a fantastical creature called the Lorax, Dr. Seuss uses simple rhyming prose to convey the consequences of ecological destruction caused by one character on another’s environment.
Similarly, in The Zax, Dr. Seuss, again simply explains what can happen if two individuals refuse to compromise or move out of each other's way; they are doomed to go nowhere. While simplistic in their language, these books are so spot- on in their messaging that even adults can benefit from reading them.
Do you see where I am going for March? This March let’s celebrate the Read Across America movement with our schools and pick up a favorite Dr. Seuss book. Read it to your child, to just yourself, or maybe even use it as an icebreaker during your book club.
However, do not just read it. Do a little deep diving and explore the many layers of the story. When you finish reading it, ask yourself or those around you these questions: 1) What was your favorite part of the story? Why? 2) What lesson did you learn from this book? 3) How would you change the story if you were the author? and 4) What was your favorite line or rhyme? Why?
Depending on what book you choose to read, you could even make a meal out of it. Green Eggs and Ham, perhaps? Just keep reading and God Bless!
By Cheryl Thode
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