By Beth Christian
Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
THOMAS – A well-known icon visited Davis Thomas Elementary School on Wednesday to help spread the love of reading and celebrate Read across America Day. Ivonne Martinez, director of the Mt. Top Library, donned her Cat in the Hat costume and read to students at the school as well as the Mountain Laurel Learning Coop.
Martinez said she read the newest book from Dr. Seuss to the students.
“’What Pet Should I Get?’ is the newest Dr. Seuss book that came out last year,” Martinez said. “They just found the manuscript that was hidden somewhere.”
Martinez said the book was a fun story to share with the students.
“When you go to a pet shop, you don’t know what to pick – a dog, a cat, a bird or a monkey,” Martinez said. “Instead of giving them a book, as I have done in years past, I gave them a rhyme thing I made up. It says ‘Reading is fun, so come to the library and read me a book and I will give one to you.”
Martinez said the students then come to the library and read a book to her, and in turn, I will give her a book.
“I think I got to about 135 kids that day and read to students in pre-k through fourth grade,” Martinez said. “Then I read to about 27 kids at the Mountain Laurel Learning Coop.”
Martinez said Wednesday was Read across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss. She said reading to children is essential.
“The more you read, the more you know, the more you know the smarter you grow,” Martinez said. “This is a quote by Dr. Seuss. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice. When speaking your mind, or making your choice.”
Martinez said children need to know how to speak their mind and said when they read they learn to write and have the vocabulary to speak their minds.
“I do believe reading moves people forward to do great things,” Martinez said. “If you don’t read, you don’t know. In order to find a job, you need to be able to read and you need to be able to do some math.”
