The rain did not pour.

It was too nice not to play.

But they gathered near men’s wear.

All that sunshine, bright day.

They sat there with Susan, and other readers, too.

And said, “How I wish I had something to do!”

Too nice to go out, too windy to play around.

So they sat there in Wal-Mart, to hear books read aloud.

At Wal-Mart Saturday, volunteer readers and children gathered for a day focused on children’s literacy.

The Radio Grill cooked up a mean batch of green eggs and ham, and all proceeds from the sale of the Seuss inspired dish went to the Children’s Miracle Network, Wal-Mart’s ongoing charity project.

The Oak Harbor Wal-Mart played host to the local Read Across America celebration. Read Across America is a National Education Association project, and this year marks its sixth anniversary.

The literacy event’s official day is March 2, in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, however, reading events are held nationwide all month to help celebrate reading.

Of course, Dr. Seuss books are encouraged as a part of the national project, but local organizers also select and read their favorites from book lists suggested by teachers, kids and even celebrities.

Clover Valley Elementary third grade teacher Susan Eloph was among the adult readers. Eloph donned many a fancy hat during the reading, including one shaped like a birthday cake.

Wal-Mart employee Sherry Rice remembers fondly her favorite Seuss book: “My Many Colored Days.”

“It explains his moods through different colors, and when reading it I could relate how I was feeling to the different colors he related to,” Rice said.

While Rice’s favorite is a serious Seuss venture, books such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” and “The Lorax” have become staples of many a young learning experience.

Ver Starr, 11, brought a book of his own creation for reading. Starr wrote, “The Burglar Who Stole My Skateboard,” and like many of the kids, his love for reading is only challenged by their desire to become an author in his own right.

“I like to write better than read,” Sarah Young, 7, said.

And while reading and writing might be some childrens’ fancy, young Charles Johnson will be there to add a little color to those books.

“I like to write the pictures,” Johnson said.

According to Rice, Wal-Mart is not only into supporting the Children’s Miracle Network, but also literacy promotion.

“Seeing all the kids reading makes this day worth it,” Rice said.

Did you know?

Dr. Seuss’ real name was Theodor Geisel.

March 2, 2003, would have been Dr. Seuss’ 99th birthday.

Dr. Seuss wrote his first children’s book, “And to Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street,” in 1936. It was rejected by 43 publishers. Dr. Seuss finally convinced a friend to publish the book for him.

In 1954, Dr. Seuss wrote a book designed to increase child literacy by including the 220 words considered most important to learn. The result was, “The Cat in the Hat.”

In 1960, a friend bet Dr. Suess that he could not write a book with only 50 words. The result was the book, “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Source: Read Across America Web site, www.nea.org/readacross.