This review is part of the Read Across America write off hosted by me; Debbie26. A list of other participants can be found at the end of this review.

This day (March 2, 2004) has been declared National Read Across America Day by The National Education Association. It is a day to celebrate what would have been Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday. In his honor, schools and libraries all over the United States will host special events to encourage youth reading. I wanted to find a way to contribute to this project and decided to host a write off, the Read Across America Day write off. Those who participated in this write off were asked to review any children's book. I found it hard to choose between two of my favorite children's books, a Dr. Seuss book or a beloved classic, and had to write two reviews for this write off.

It is hard for me to pick a favorite Dr. Seuss book because I love all of them but the one that my children seem to like the most is Green Eggs & Ham. My children love this book. It is fun and easy to read. The best part about this story is the lesson that it teaches children, that you should give new things a chance before you decide you don't like them. It is a great way to get your children to try new foods or to open up to new ideas.

You Probably Already Know

You probably already know about this book and the story behind it. If you are a Dr. Seuss fan then I am sure that you know it is full of exciting rhymes that will keep your child entertained. You also probably know that the story is unique and fun, as are all of the stories created by the very vivid imagination of Dr. Seuss. You may even know that this book was first published in 1960.

Some Things You Might Not Have Known

Did you know that there are only 50 words used in this book? I didn't, not until I started doing a little research in order to write this review. It seems that Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) actually created this story because of a bet. His editor had bet him that he could not write a book using just 50 words and he took him up on that bet and this entertaining book is the result.
Also, until I had began to research for this book I was never really sure what Dr. Seuss' real name was. Apparently it is Theodor Geisel.

The Story
Just in case you have never read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Sam-I-Am is an interesting character who wants to offer the other (unnamed) character in this book a chance to try a delicious new treat; green eggs and ham. But no matter how appealing Sam-I-Am tries to make this meal the other character is just not interested. Even when Sam-I-Am suggests interesting locations in which to eat the other character refuses.

Amusing rhymes like "In a house? With a mouse? In a box? With a fox?" and "I would not, could not, in a tree. Not in a car! You let me be." keep children fascinated.

In the end, the unnamed character does decide to try the green eggs and ham. And he Loves them. The underlying story is that you will never really know if you like something until you give it a try.

Green Eggs & Ham is a story for people of any age. It is something that everyone can relate to.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
An I Can Read It All By Myself Beginner Book
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
August 12, 1960
Hardcover; 72 pages
List price $8.99
ISBN: 0394800168


Read Across America Day is just one of the many celebrations in honor of what would have been Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday. There are events planned for the entire year of 2004, for more information go to the Seussentennial web site http://www.seussentennial.com

Thanks to everyone who participated in this write off!
wifeofvolsfan - My Book About Me
kamel622 - Hop On Pop
vbanuelos
ed_grover - King & King
Jadzia66 - How The Grinch Stole Christmas
marybatson - The Foot Book
artemis8 - Yertle The Turtle
sleeper54 - Daisy-Head Mayzie
dramastef - Nina's Waltz
Debbie26 - The Little Engine That Could
brendan2 - Butter Milk
Kelly60 - Paul Bunyan
damieng - Best Nest




Recommended: Yes