Dr. Seuss Enterprises is celebrating Dr. Seuss Day by giving a complimentary, personalized copy of “The Cat in the Hat” to babies born in the U.S. on March 2, the author’s birthday. This annual celebration, observed on March 2, coincides with Read Across America Day, encouraging families and children to embrace the joy of reading.
Dr. Seuss Day and Read Across America Day
Dr. Seuss Day pays tribute to Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel, born on March 2, 1904, reaching his 120th birthday this year. Geisel, a beloved children’s book author, penned timeless classics such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
How to Get Your Free Book
Parents with babies born on March 2, 2024, can claim their free book by visiting SeussPledge.com. The process involves registering within 90 days of the child’s birthdate, with a cap of 10,000 books on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registrants must provide photographic proof of the birthdate to receive one free book per child.
Personalized Message and Literacy Focus
Inside the book, parents will discover a personalized message commemorating the child’s Seussian birthday. The message encourages parents to make reading a daily activity.
This initiative aligns with Dr. Seuss’s commitment to ensuring all children have easy access to books and literacy programs.
Additional Resources for Teachers and Parents
In addition to the free book, Dr. Seuss Enterprises offers free resources for teachers and parents celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday. These resources can be accessed at Seussville.com.
Dr. Seuss Books Controversy
Cultural Impact and Controversy
While Dr. Seuss’s books have been cherished for years, some titles faced controversy due to racial insensitivity. In 2021, six titles were pulled by Seuss gatekeepers.
Notably, “The Cat in the Hat” is seen as somewhere between offensive and inoffensive, with ties to racist blackface performers from a century ago.
Embracing Diversity
Despite the controversy, Dr. Seuss actively celebrated diversity in his stories. The latest Dr. Seuss books feature never-before-seen sketches and are authored and illustrated by an inclusive group of creative minds.
This new line, expected to hit shelves this spring, includes original stories paired with unpublished illustrations from the University of California San Diego archives.