It’s a big day! It’s Mama Dish’s birthday! I love my mom’s birthday because she shares it with Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. In honor of the famed children’s author, March 2 is often observed in schools as “Read Across America Day.”
“So what’s the big deal?” you may ask yourself. Well, Mama Dish is a librarian! She was destined to have a literary birthday!
A Dish and her Mama
This year, I was asked to read to a class at Riverside West Elementary to help the kids celebrate Read Across America Day. I’ve done this at several schools over the years and I always love it. This year I had the pleasure of reading to Mrs. Chilleri’s third grade class.
Love those hats!
Usually the schools provide me with a book to read to the class that’s age level appropriate, which I always appreciate. But I always bring the same book with me from home.
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi Barrett is one of my favorite children’s books. This is my copy given to me by my second grade teacher, Mrs. Baker. See?
OH MY GOD this book is 22 years old!
I’ve managed to keep it in pretty good condition, but you can definitely tell it’s been “loved” over the years. I bring it with me when I read to schools just to show kids that reading is something that stays with you for a lifetime. The stories they read now will be treasured memories for years to come. Soon I’ll just bring the book to show kids that once upon a time, books used to be made out of paper.
So happy birthday, Mom. I know it’s a day of presents for you, but on this day I always remember how much I love reading… which is one of the best gifts you’ve ever given me.
