Honoring Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day is observed on March 2 to promote reading, particularly for children and adolescents. Schools, libraries, and community centers participate in the event through book fairs, book sales, book signing events, and read-a-thons. The holiday was initiated by the National Education Association and coincides with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the beloved American children’s book author. 

It’s important to instill a love of reading in children. The skill is critical for building creativity, developing imagination, and supporting critical thinking skills. Reading exposes us to different cultures, beliefs, places, and viewpoints.

To make Read Across America Day memorable, try making a special evening of it. Clear the calendar, brew up a pot of soup, and enjoy a homey dinner followed by a night of reading soup-themed books to include:

Stone Soup

This is a classic story children of all ages will love. It is about a hungry stranger who approaches a village. Putting a stone in a pot, he explains to the villagers that he is making stone soup but needs only a carrot or a potato. One by one, each village resident brings one item to add to the pot.

Surprise Soup

The star of this book is Daddy Bear and his cubs. They make a pot of soup at home because Mama Bear has just had a baby. One ingredient is missing from the soup, though, and everyone is on the hunt to find it.

Dragon Soup

This story is about conflict resolution and features two dragons fighting over who has the best soup recipe. The book contains beautiful illustrations that will captivate young readers.

Growing Vegetable Soup

Pick up this book if you want to teach kids where fresh produce comes from. The engaging book discusses how vegetables are grown, harvested, and made into soup.

Who knows? Your “soup ‘n books” event might even become a tradition that will last for years to come.