Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

One day when I was in elementary school, the entire student body was called into the auditorium for a surprise assembly. We were all seated on the floor of the cafeteria facing the stage, sixth graders in the back and kindergartners in the very front. It was hot. We were squished together. We were, as kids are known to be, restless.

Then the curtains opened. Seated on the stage on a high, almost cartoon-like chair, sat Dr. Seuss. And he read to us.

I don't remember what he read or how many stories we heard. I don't remember how long it lasted. But I do remember being under a complete spell as a childhood hero of mine read from some of the most magical children's books ever written.

Years later I became a mom and began to build my own library of children's books for my boys. I have passed along the magic of Dr. Seuss to my children by reading sharing some of my favorite stories – Green Eggs and Ham; Hop on Pop; Go, Dogs, Go!; The Cat in the Hat; One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish; Oh, the Places You'll Go!, and, of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Today the world celebrates Dr. Seuss' birthday, which has become an annual reminder of the importance of reading with and to our kids.

Which Dr. Seuss book is your favorite?