Lawrence County students will be donning their silly socks, floppy hats, tangling with tongue twisters and expanding their love for reading and imagination this week and next in celebration of the American icon lovingly known as Dr. Seuss.

Theodor Seuss Geisell would have celebrated his birthday Saturday, so Lawrence County schools will honor the children’s book author and cartoonist with a variety of events in the upcoming days.

Seuss is an important part of childhood for most youth, and even today the author’s work offers valuable lessons on allowing the imagination to run wild. Studies have clearly shown that developing a passion for reading as a child not only improves educational success but often translates into habits later in life that help make well-rounded adults.

Seuss’ books have always been a tremendous avenue to help children learn to read because his lyrical writing style and colorful cartoons make it feel like reading is more about fun than education.

But the schools can’t do it alone. Parents need to take responsibility as well and now is a perfect time to start.

Pick up a Dr. Seuss book and read with your children this week or next. They can be found online, in all three states’ public libraries and in virtually any bookstore.