The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
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THE birthday of a cherished children’s author who has enjoyed a recent boost in popularity was celebrated with a fun day at Bretton Library.
The life of Dr Seuss – the pen name of American author Theodor Seuss Geisel – was honoured at the event on Friday afternoon.
He published 46 children’s books, which were often characterised by imaginative characters, infectious rhyming and often non-sensical humour.
In a fitting coincidence, the party fell on Friday, March 2 – the same date as World Book Day.
Staff read excerpts from his books and made props of wacky items referenced in his work at the library in The Cresset, Rightwell.
Libby Simpson, customer officer at Bretton Library, said: “We read from Dr Seuss stories and we had some special activities planned.
“They are making a lot of Dr Seuss films at the moment and I think that has helped make his books more popular with young people.
“The Lorax is coming out soon and they have released The Grinch and The Cat In The Hat.
“Dr Seuss is definitely a good way to get young people into reading. There are a lot of nonsense rhymes that the children really like that.”
Dr Seuss’ books include Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton Hatches the Egg and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
His birthday is celebrated all across the world and especially in his homeland, where March 2 is National Read Across America Day.
Bretton Library is always keen to put on events to encourage youngsters to get into reading, and jumped at the chance to put on a tie-in to the popular author’s work.
Libby added: “We always like putting on special events like this and the children definitely enjoy them. In the most recent half-term week we had a pirate themed day that was a big success.
“Hopefully things like this will help bring books to life and encourage more children to get into reading.”
To find out about upcoming events in the library you should visit www. vivacity-peterborough.co.uk.