ENTERTAINMENT

5 ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day in Phoenix

In late February and early March, local bookstores, libraries and more are celebrating Seuss with plays, pictures and parties galore.

Kara G. Morrison
The Republic | azcentral.com
  • On Sunday, Feb. 28, see Storybook Entertainment's performance of one of Seuss's most-loved books.
  • Southern Rail restaurant next to Changing Hands Phoenix will have green eggs and ham on its menu — a basic version for kids and a gourmet one for grownups.
  • Burton Barr Library in Phoenix hosts a Dr. Seuss Literacy Fair from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.
'Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss

He taught us: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

And encouraged us: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."

Wednesday, March 2, would have been the 112th birthday for Theodore Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. The children's literature pioneer's birthday has become the annual date for National Read Across America Day. This year's focus is the Seuss classic, "Oh, the Places You'll Go."

Geisel, who worked in advertising (yes, the "Mad Men" era) before his success as a children's book author, poet and illustrator, published more than 40 children's books — one as recently as last year. Throughout late February and early March, local bookstores, libraries and more are celebrating Seuss with plays, pictures and parties galore.

Here are five ways to join the fun:

1. Watch a live performance

Scottsdale's Toys & Playtime Oasis is celebrating Dr. Seuss's Birthday with a live production. On Sunday, Feb. 28, see Storybook Entertainment's performance of Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" at this toy store and play center. Children will create a bow-tie, have their face painted and take photos with the Cat and the other Seuss characters.

Details: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28.13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 116, Scottsdale. $15 per child; free admission for adults. 480-948-4630, azdollhouse.com.

2. Eat green eggs and ham 

Changing Hands bookstore welcomes the Cat in the Hat for a free costume storytime event with kids activities and photos with Cat. Next door, Wildflower Bread Company will be selling green eggs and ham for kids in Tempe, and Southern Rail restaurant next to Changing Hands Phoenix will have green eggs and ham on its menu — a basic version for kids and a gourmet one for grownups.

Details: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480-730-0205. 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-274-0067. Free. changinghands.com.

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3. Join the party 

Several area libraries are celebrating Seuss:

Burton Barr Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, hosts a Dr. Seuss Literacy Fair from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. Children ages 4-10 can enjoy Dr. Seuss themed literacy activities, and each child will take home a free book.

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, children ages 3-7 (accompanied by an adult) are invited to a Dr. Seuss Day celebration at Saguaro Library, 2808 N. 46th St., Phoenix for stories, games, music and crafts.

From 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2,  children ages 3-7 (accompanied by an adult) are invited to share books, stories, and literacy and math games to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day at Acacia Library, 750 E. Townley Ave., Phoenix.

At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, Ocotillo Library, 102 W. Southern Ave., Phoenix will feature stories, crafts and games inspired by the amazing world of Dr. Seuss.

From 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 5, celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun activities that focus on science, technology, engineering and math skills at Century Library,1750 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix.

Details: readonarizona.org

4. Buy a book

Dr. Seuss books are on sale right now at Target stores. For $5, get copies of hardcover classics including "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham" and many more.

Details:  target.com

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5. Go online

Read more about Geisel and his legacy at www.seussville.com. You might be surprised to know the Dartmouth graduate who studied at the University of Oxford had only an honorary doctorate, or that World War II and its aftermath inspired several of his books. Or search "Dr. Seuss" on Pinterest.com to find a plethora of Dr. Seuss-themed games, treats, crafts and party decorations.

Then get creative and make a mess. The Cat would like that.

Kara Morrison covers the Kids and Families beat. Reach her at kara.morrison@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her at twitter.com/karagmorrison.