Dr. Seuss Poems: 10 Book Rhymes To Celebrate Read Across America Day

Wednesday is Read Across America Day, a celebration of books held every year in schools and homes on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The famous author, real name Theodor Geisel, inspired children everywhere with his rhymes and poems. The Grinch, the Cat in the Hat and the Lorax are among Dr. Seuss’ many creations that live on today.

No need to panic if you can’t find your favorite Dr. Seuss work on your bookshelf. Here are 10 classic excerpts to share — and feel inspired by — Wednesday, collected from Funnp, Early Moments and Bright Drops:

“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

“Waiting for the fish to bite
Or waiting for wind to fly a kite.
Or waiting around for Friday night
Or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake
Or a pot to boil or a better break
Or a string of pearls or a pair of pants
Or a wig with curls or another chance.
Everyone is just waiting.”

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!”

“How did it get so late so soon?
It’s night before it’s afternoon.
December is here before it’s June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?”

“Look at me!
Look at me!
Look at me now!
It is fun to have fun
But you have
to know how.”

“I am Sam.
Sam I am.
That Sam-I-am!
That Sam-I-am!
I do not like
That Sam-I-am!
Do you like
Green eggs and ham?
I do not like them,
Sam-I-am.
I do not like
Green eggs and ham.”

“Oh me! Oh my!
Oh me! Oh my!
What a lot of funny things go by.”

“I meant no harm.
I most truly did not.
But I had to grow bigger.
So bigger I got.”

“You’ll get mixed up,
of course, as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up with
many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great
tact and remember that
Life’s A Great Balancing Act.”

“From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.”