Back in the olden days when I was a kid (the fifties), a book was written by Rudolf Flesch called Why Johnny Can’t Read (there is nothing new in the universe). Flesch along with the journalist, John Hersey, blamed boring primers, like the Dick and Jane books, for that failure. Dr. Seuss rode to the rescue with The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham (and many more) that even with a limited vocabulary were engaging and funny.
Each year his birthday is celebrated as Read Across America Day sponsored by the National Education Association. Read more about why Read Across America is so important here.
