Dr. Seuss Enterprises Expands Birthday Pledge, Offering Free Books and Championing Literacy
Dr. Seuss Enterprises is significantly expanding its annual Dr. Seuss Day celebration this year, making the joy of reading more accessible to children and adults across the United States. Building upon last year’s initiative to gift a free book to every child born on March 2, 2024, the organization is now offering a complimentary, personalized copy of "The Cat in the Hat" to anyone in the U.S. with a March 2 birthday, regardless of the year they were born.
This generous pledge aims to foster a lifelong love of reading and celebrate the legacy of Theodor Seuss Geisel, the beloved author known to generations as Dr. Seuss. His whimsical stories, filled with imaginative characters and playful rhymes, have captivated readers of all ages and instilled in them a passion for language and learning.
In addition to providing a personal copy, Dr. Seuss Enterprises is also offering a philanthropic option. Eligible individuals with a March 2 birthday can choose to donate their complimentary book through First Book, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational resources to children in underserved communities. This allows participants to not only celebrate their own birthday but also contribute to the literacy of children who may lack access to books and other essential learning materials.
“Fostering learning and development through the joy of reading is central to our mission at Dr. Seuss Enterprises,” stated Susan Brandt, president and CEO of the company. She emphasized the importance of reading in expanding knowledge and opening doors to new experiences, quoting a famous line from a Dr. Seuss book: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This commitment to literacy underscores the profound impact that Dr. Seuss’s works continue to have on children’s intellectual and personal growth.
Any U.S. resident who shares a birthday with Dr. Seuss (March 2) is eligible to receive this special gift. The process is simple and straightforward: individuals can register at SeussPledge.com and indicate whether they would like the book sent directly to them or donated to First Book for distribution to children in need.
Dr. Seuss Day is celebrated annually on March 2nd to commemorate the birth of Theodor Seuss Geisel in 1904. This year marks what would have been his 121st birthday. His iconic creations, including "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham," and "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!", have become cornerstones of children’s literature, cherished for their wit, creativity, and timeless messages.
For over two decades, the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day coincided with Dr. Seuss Day, creating a powerful synergy between the celebration of reading and the recognition of a literary icon. However, in 2019, the partnership between NEA and Dr. Seuss Enterprises concluded. While both events are still celebrated around the same time, the NEA has shifted its focus to highlighting diverse children’s books during Read Across America Day, which this year falls on March 3rd.
This shift reflects growing awareness and discussions surrounding the representation of people of color in some of Dr. Seuss’s earlier works. In 2021, Dr. Seuss Enterprises made a significant decision to cease publication and sales of six books that contained portrayals of people "in ways that are hurtful and wrong.” This decision demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and sensitivity, acknowledging the need for responsible representation in children’s literature.
Despite the evolving landscape of children’s literature and the ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion, the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss’s books and the importance of promoting literacy remain central to Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ mission.
In addition to the Birthday Pledge, Dr. Seuss Enterprises will also celebrate March 2nd with the ninth annual "Tackle Reading" event. This collaborative effort between Creative Minds Publications and NFL players brings athletes into schools to read beloved Dr. Seuss books at school-wide assemblies. Participating schools will also receive a collection of Random House Children’s Books, and each child will receive their own Dr. Seuss book, further expanding access to literacy resources and inspiring a love of reading among young students.
This multifaceted approach to celebrating Dr. Seuss Day demonstrates Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ dedication to promoting literacy, fostering a love of reading, and acknowledging the importance of inclusivity and responsible representation in children’s literature. By expanding the Birthday Pledge, supporting charitable organizations like First Book, and engaging with communities through events like "Tackle Reading," Dr. Seuss Enterprises continues to honor the legacy of Theodor Seuss Geisel and ensure that his whimsical stories and valuable lessons continue to inspire generations of readers. The celebration acts as a reminder of the power of reading to expand minds, foster creativity, and open doors to a world of possibilities. The company’s initiatives contribute significantly to the ongoing effort to make quality educational resources accessible to all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.
