Expecting birthday party invitations this month? Friday, March 2nd is Read Across America Day, not just coincidentally timed around Dr. Suess’ birthday (March 1st). But the Seuss celebration may cast its own shadow on the intended reading emphasis with a movie–this weekend’s release of The Lorax.
In keeping with the spirit of Read Across America (not, Head to Your Local Theaters America), here’s a look at some of the 100 Greatest Books for Kids, as recommended in the current issue of Scholastic’s Parent & Child magazine. Ironically, Dr. Seuss appears only one time in the the top 20, and it’s at number seven with Green Eggs and Ham.
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
The Top 3
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White for ages 8-10 (but a great read aloud choice for children as young as 5)
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown for ages 0-3
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle for ages 11 and up
Some Surprises
Somewhat surprising are appearances of the coming of age Judy Blume classic, Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret, and the raucous, potty-humor hero from The Adventures of Captain Underpants. These two couldn’t appear to a more polar opposite reading audience!
Non-Fiction Picks
Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
While most of the list consists of stories of fiction, a few selections highlight the universal appeal of biography, even for children. Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln, and African-American singer Marian Anderson appear in the list and make excellent choices for a unique birthday gift.
If you’re looking for gift ideas for birthday party invitations, stock up on some of the books on this list. If you want to narrow down your search, visit the Scholastic list to search by age and genre. If you’re shopping for birthday party invitations, visit www.LookLoveSend.com for an exciting selection of high quality invitations you can customize online. Orders ship the next business day.
