5 Things To Know Today: March 2 (Read Across America Day)

What Is It? Read Across America Day is an annual celebration of a furry critter in Pennsylvania who hops out of his hole, and if he sees his shadow... What? Oh, that was February 2! March 2, seriously, is dedicated to promoting reading across all ages. It's also Dr. Seuss's birthday, so most people take the occasion to read Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat (my favorite), or The Lorax.

What's The Point? According to the NEA, Reading Across America Day is a call for "every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult."

What Can You Do? Go to , grab a Dr. Seuss book, and read it with your child, for starters. (You can also borrow one from Mohr, or use the day to sign your kids up for their own library card.) The NEA's website also has a page for educators with activities and other fun stuff to make reading even better. You can also check out the excellent, interactive Seussville website and celebrate his life and work online — but don't let it cut into the reading time.

What Books Can You Read? Most RAA activities center on Dr. Seuss, but really, you can read any book that you think your kids will like — and if you're looking for ideas, the helpful NEA folks have also linked up the Parenting magazine's online list of "Best Books To Pass Down To Kids."

Today In History: Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on this date in 1904. He penned arguably the most famous collection of children's books (and a few aimed at older audiences) in American history.

I'd argue that, anyway: Can you get through Christmas without calling a nasty person a Grinch? Can you hear the words "I do not like green eggs and ham" without instinctively replying "I do not like them, Sam I Am"?

See? Most famous collection in American history. No one recites Mark Twain like that — well, maybe except English majors.

Oh, and if you want to show off and sound like a know-it-all (like English majors), pronounce his name "zoice," like "voice."

Editor Joe Hutnak is an incurable fan of Dr. Seuss — and an English major.