FORT BENNING, Ga. - If children's book author and illustrator Theodor Seuss Geisel were alive today, he would have observed his 106th birthday Tuesday. That was reason enough to celebrate for more than 50 Fort Benning children who gathered for a party in his honor Tuesday and Wednesday at Sayers Memorial Library.
Eight-year-old Madalyn Nelson said she enjoyed the celebration, which included songs, dancing, stories, refreshments and a craft.
"I love Dr. Seuss books. I just love them," Madalyn said. "I'm in third grade, and most third-graders like to read. Sometimes I read Dr. Seuss to my sister. I like the rhymes and pictures."
As a fan of Dr. Seuss and his works, Madalyn said it was cool to meet the Cat in the Hat, who made a guest appearance during the party.
Sayers hosts the Preschool Story Hour at 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday. Each event includes a story and craft while some, like this week's celebration, are larger.
Aaron Nesmith, who brings his 3-year-old daughter Ariel to many of the story times, said he appreciates the library's efforts to make the events entertaining and engaging for children.
"I've always considered it helps a child grow ... to learn how to read and to be read to, because it encourages them," he said. "It increases their intelligence and social skills."
Dr. Seuss's birthday coincides every year with Read Across America - a day created by the National Education Association to encourage children to read.
A love of reading is important because reading skills directly influence a child's study skills and, ultimately, success in school, said library director Trent Reynolds.
"We want kids to read for pleasure," he said. "We want to ... establish a positive sort of environment centered around reading and enjoying books."
Although many of the kids who attend the story time are too young to read, studies show children who are read to have an easier time later when they start learning how to read, Reynolds said.
The next themed story hour will be March 23. Guests from Martin Army Community Hospital will share tips with children about taking care of their eyesight in honor of Save Your Vision Month.
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