Annual Seuss-a-Thon set for March 5

Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was born March 2, 1904, and in honor of his birthday, UNC Charlotte will hold its annual Seuss-a-thon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 5, at Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road.

During this event, area educators and literacy advocates will read Dr. Seuss books aloud to children in a marathon fashion for four continuous hours. Children will have opportunities to participate in Dr. Seuss-related craft projects.

“As a long-time children’s literature professor, I am deeply committed to promoting literacy in our community, especially among our young people,” said Mark West, event organizer and chair of the Department of English at UNC Charlotte. “For this reason, I am a big supporter of the National Education Association’s Read Across America campaign, which celebrates and encourages reading and literacy. One of my goals in organizing the Seuss-a-Thon is to sponsor an event that contributes to this larger literacy campaign.”

This is the fifth year West has organized the Seuss-a-Thon, which is co-sponsored by the English Department and Park Road Books.

“We invite people of all ages to come by and enjoy the books written by one of America’s most influential authors,” West said.

Geisel, who died in 1991, wrote and illustrated more than 40 books for children. He received many honors during his lifetime, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 “for his special contribution over nearly half a century to the education and enjoyment of America’s children and their parents.” This past year saw the publication of a new Dr. Seuss book “What Pet Should I Get.”

Park Road Books will supply the books to be read during the Seuss-a-Thon, and the store will offer a 20 percent discount on Dr. Seuss books purchased that day.