Happy Birthday to You is the obvious choice to read on the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This book represents all of the great things that we love about him. His classic rhyming, brilliant illustrations and zany characters all come together in this beautifully woven story. Although not many of us would like to be woken up at 6am on our birthday; that is exactly what happens if you are lucky enough to live in Katroo. The book begins with letting us know that no matter whom you are or what your name is, on the morning of your birthday, the birthday bird arrives. You are then taken on a day long journey of visiting new places, eating all the food you want and even experiencing a parade in your honor. The theme of celebrating you and your uniqueness runs throughout the story and it’s easy to believe that it’s true when it comes from Dr. Seuss. One of his remarkable attributes was the ability to celebrate uniqueness and his willingness to embrace his own one of a kind style is a wonderful example to all of us. Like so many of his books, this story is related to by all. It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in, it’s always a good thing to be reminded of the fact that you are one of a kind. I’m sure there are many grownups who every now and then wish they could yell, “I am I! Me! I am I!” A famous quote from the book is “There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss, there is no one Seuss-er than you!

Family Time Activity
Celebrate Uniqueness! Do you have a picky eater? Tonight, don’t fight it, give in and let that picky eater choose the dinner menu. Do your children play sports or collect things? Just knowing that information isn’t enough; get a little curious and ask them why they find rock collecting to be so amazing. Are there any talents or hobbies that you have that you’ve never shared with your kids? Tell them about it, they might be surprised to find out that you used to be a collector of all things in nature or that you played the trumpet when you were a kid.