It’s National Read Across America Week, a perfect time for families with young children to celebrate books and reading. Schools and communities often plan themed activities all week, and you can easily bring the fun home with a few simple ideas.

This week we also honor Dr. Seuss on his birthday — he would have turned 107 — and his imaginative stories are a wonderful way to inspire children to read and play with language. Below are creative, easy activities and resources to make reading a memorable experience for your family.

Put a Wocket in Everyone’s Pocket

A playful Seuss-themed craft is to make tiny “wockets” to tuck into pockets or use as cupcake toppers. Draw or print small creature images, color or decorate them, then laminate or back them with cardstock for durability. Glue each creature to a popsicle stick and use them as party picks or bookmarks that kids can keep. This hands-on project encourages creativity and gives children a small token that connects the story to a tactile memory.

Printable Wockets Sheet

If you’d like a ready-made sheet of wocket images, you can find printable versions from family and reading-focused sites that offer free craft templates. Print, cut, and assemble as described above to create an instant Seuss-themed activity for a classroom party or a cozy read-aloud at home.

Reading together matters: sharing books with your children builds vocabulary, deepens connections, and makes story time a habit that lasts. Below are some popular storytime titles and videos that are great for family reading sessions.

Giraffes Can’t Dance

Pete the Cat

Kiss Good Night

Green Eggs and Ham

Tip: Choose a short picture book for younger children and pause to ask simple questions about the pictures. Encourage older children to predict what happens next, or to reread favorite passages aloud to practice fluency.

Read Across America Poem

~ Courtesy of the NEA

You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild,
To pick up a book and read with a child.
You’re never too busy, too cool, or too hot,
To pick up a book and share what you’ve got.

In schools and communities,
Let’s gather around,
Let’s pick up a book,
Let’s pass it around.

There are kids all around you,
Kids who will need
Someone to hug,
Someone to read.

Come join us March 2nd
Your own special way
And make this America’s
Read to Kids Day.

Celebrate Reading at Home

You don’t need a big event to celebrate Read Across America Week. Create a comfy reading nook, host a family story night, or plan a themed snack and craft inspired by a favorite book. Simple rituals—reading before bed, visiting the library, or letting children pick the story—encourage lifelong reading habits and make books a regular, enjoyable part of family life.

Have a wonderful Read Across America Week—whether you’re crafting wockets, sharing Seuss classics, or exploring new picture books together, every minute spent reading makes a positive difference for a child.

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”

— Emilie Buchwald