March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, as any good librarian knows, so here are Dr. Seuss birthday party ideas to celebrate reading and keep you on your toes!
I was a children’s librarian for almost 20 years, so I know a thing (1) or thing (2) about Dr. Seuss! I am so very glad to see how many libraries and schools celebrate the importance of reading by celebrating one of the world’s most beloved children’s authors. Many of us have learned to read through his books. They are so timeless that kids today are still enjoying them.
As a librarian, I cannot stress how important it is for children to have access to books. And what’s even more important? For the special people in their lives to take the TIME to read with and to them.
I am the youngest of 6 kids – by many years. Let’s just say I was a BIG surprise in my family. My brothers and sisters tease me to this day. Because they all took turns reading to me when they were in their teens and 20’s, and I was little. I had the books memorized and would kick up a BIG fuss if they skipped any of the words. (Thanks, guys, for being patient big brothers and sisters! ;))
So, it was absolutely no surprise to anyone in my family when I began my career. I started working in my school libraries, beginning in 3rd grade. Then I worked in my local library shelving books when I was in high school. I met my husband of 30 years because he also worked in the same library. I then went on to get my Masters degree in Library Science. And so even though I’ve been a librarian for “only” 17 years, I have worked in libraries for 33! Yikes!
So in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I want to recognize the joy he has brought children. His contribution began in 1937 when his first book, And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street, was published.
Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate him. These ways highlight the importance of reading and instilling the love of books to children everywhere!
First, here are some fun facts about Dr. Seuss and a few of his books.
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Next are ideas tied to specific books. (Here are Dr. Seuss titles on Amazon)
Bartholomew and the Oobleck.
Of course I have to include how to make Oobleck! It’s such fun to play with!
Click here or the image below for a printable PDF version.
The Butter Battle Book
Have the kids make their own butter after reading The Butter Battle Book. Use a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure it is big enough to leave some room at the top for the shaking. Add 1/4 c. of heavy cream, put the lid on and shake it! *Note: a 1/4 c. of heavy cream makes about a tablespoon of butter. Then, like the Yooks and Zooks, ask them, “Which side should you spread when you butter your bread?”
The Cat In The Hat
Easy Jello hats snack.
Made with cherry jello and sweet evaporated milk layers. *This one is easy but time-consuming because you have to let the layers set up before adding the next one.
The cat in the hat’s nose.
An easy-to-make craft using black paper strips, red pom-poms, and a craft stick!
Fox in Socks
I love this book, but it was always impossible to read for storytime because it was soooo long. And I was always afraid I would get tongue-tied and mess it up. 😉 But I love this easy craft! We went through oodles of paper bags in crafts at the library!
By the way, are your craft supplies a jumbled mess? Get a FREE copy of my top ways to organize them below. 👇
Green Eggs And Ham
This is my favorite Dr. Seuss book! It’s such fun to read! And of course, the edible treats are endless with this one! I really like this nice, simple platter. Only the deviled egg mixture needs to be dyed!
Horton Hears A Who
Sweet Horton. Such a good lesson about being kind to others. Here are several cute ideas.
Simple paper plate craft.
Horton puppet.
This one is a bit more intricate, but so clever! Made from a paper plate and a gray man’s sock!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
I just love these Grinch Rice Krispies treat hearts! So darned cute!!! And here are some candy hearts to go with them. They are simply a standard Rice Krispies treat recipe with green food coloring added. Shape them by using heart-shaped cookie cutters. Easy and so cute!
8. The Lorax
Okay, now, I just have to be honest. I do not like this book or the original movie from 1972. I could not bring myself to watch the 2012 one at all. The story is SO SAD. It breaks my heart to see the Lorax’s little pile of stones and UNLESS. Wah! 🙁
But, this story made me much more aware of our responsibility. We have a role in keeping the world clean. That is why I love repurposing items and recycling, too. And celebrating Earth Day with ideas like this. So, as sad as it was, it is an important book. Besides, the Lorax is so cute with that big ol’ mustache!
First up : Lorax Nutter Butter cookies.
Yellow frosting mustache and candy eyes. Easy and cute!
Next are Truffula trees.
Made from inexpensive Dollar Tree items! (Plunger and feather boas) Sweet!
But this idea is one of my favorites!!!
And finally, a Lorax flower pot the kids make and then sunflower seeds for them to plant in it! A perfect craft for The Lorax!
The Lorax original movie.
Ok, if you want to have an ugly-cry-fest, here is the link to the 1972 movie on YouTube. Now, keep in mind this was 1972, and the music sounds like it. By the way, I was 6. This scarred (yes, not a typo, scarred, not scared) me almost as much as The Wizard of Oz’s flying monkeys. And also the terrifying Bumble from Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, but I digress… 😉
Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can you?
I love this printable sign for Yoo-hoo!
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
First, have the kids scoop up rainbow Goldfish with a NEW clean fish net!
Or you could use Swedish fish and gummy sharks…
Yertle The Turtle
Easy yet yummy twist on turtle candies. Made with pretzels, Rolo candies and pecans.
Free Dr. Seuss fonts.
So many of these pictures use awesome Dr. Seuss-esque fonts. If you want to download some to make your own signs, you can find them at the link below.
And of course, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I have to leave you with my favorite Dr. Seuss quote!
And finally, remember to read to a child, and never lose your own love of books!
What was your favorite story you or your kids had to read over and over again? Leave a comment and let me know!
Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!
P.S. Did you notice the books are in alphabetical order by title? See? Once a librarian, always a librarian! 🙂
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