In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, schools from all over the county celebrated "Read Across America" week. The week is designed to motivated children to read.

Some schools, like the Primrose School of Five Forks, collected books to donate to various nonprofits. Dressed in hats topped with their favorite words, the children handed 355 books to Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Academic Success Coordinator, Rhonda Hudson, who accepted the books on behalf of Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit committed to promoting early literacy through pediatric primary care.  

“Our philosophy and literacy goals at Primrose directly align with Read Across America Day," said Gil Benjamin, Primrose School of Five Forks owner, "and it was truly a great day for the community and the entire country to establish a regular reading routine, promote early childhood education and celebrate the power of literacy together." 

A number of guest readers stopped by Primrose to read, including Gwin Oaks Elementary School Principal, Tonya Burnley, Barnes & Noble guests Edythe Dama and Kim Waterman as well as City of Snellville Mayor, Kelly Kautz and Gwinnett Librarians, Susan Newton and DeAnna Espinoza.  

Brandon Morris, a crime prevention officer with Gwinnett County Police Department, stopped by Minor Elementary in Lilburn. He's read at dozens of schools in the county, including on Read Across America Day. He read "Cat in the Hat" in Rita Kelly's first-grade class. 

"It's a lot of fun. I think it gives them a different perspective of police work," he said. "Sometimes, unfortunately, they see us in a different light, a different aspect of our job. So, for them to be able to see us in a positive light, backing reading and the importance of reading, I think it's super important for them."

--Did your child celebrate Read Across America week? Share your photos of their crafts!