NEA Announces 2004 Dr Seuss

Read Across America Theme

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Whatever hats you wear — or even if you have never wore one — the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America has plans for you on March 2.

The day will mark what would have been the 100th birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known to millions as the beloved Dr Seuss.

The plan is bring the entire nation under one hat — the familiar red-and-white stovepipe chapeau made famous by the good doctor himself.

Park rangers at Mt Rushmore, coal miners in West Virginia, and sailors in Virginia will all be swapping their usual head gear for the Hat that shows their love of reading. They will be joined by teachers, librarians, education support professionals, students, and their families all honoring the author whose books have taught millions how fun it is to read.

Among events planned for NEA’s Read Across America 2004: a reading rodeo in Kansas, rangers’ read-all at Mt Rushmore, and a salute to the Cat and the Hat by West Virginia coalminers. For a sampling of other happenings, visit www.nea.org/readacross/.

Since the first celebration of Read Across America in 1998, the event has become a national tradition that attracts young and old alike in communities across the United States. Last year more than 45 million adults and children participated in events ranging from green eggs ‘n ham breakfasts and pajama parties to reading extravaganzas featuring politicians, television, and film stars, and sports celebrities.