Cats, hats and chats

It was a Seussian celebration for Top of the World Elementary school as members of the community visited the campus to share some of their favorite books in honor of the late children’s author Dr. Seuss.

The chief of police, a fire captain, a lifeguard, school-board members, the district superintendent and other members in the community were on hand to stress the importance of reading.

The event is part of a national campaign, called Read Across America, put on by the National Education Association to promote everyday reading.

Theodore Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss, is the writer and cartoonist of more than 60 children’s books ? including staples of bed-time reading, “Green Eggs and Ham” and “The Cat In The Hat.”

The festival began with a schoolwide assembly featuring a reading of Seuss’s “Oh, The Places You Will Go” performed by principal Ron La Motte, who was dressed as a cat in a hat.

“We like to do something a little different each year,” La Motte said.

Police Chief Mike Sellers shared with a class of fifth graders the book “Officer Buckles and Gloria.”

Sellers read the story of a police officer and his German Shepherd dog who taught safety tips to kids. In the story, Officer Buckle’s student presentations were dull until Gloria began pantomiming behind his back to provide entertainment.

Sellers stressed two points to his audience ? the importance of communicating effectively and the ability to read are musts for getting by in the world, Sellers said.

Representing the fire department, Cpt. Patrick Brennan read “Edward of the Jungle” to a class of second graders.

Brennan’s story emphasized the importance of learning and doing good deeds.

“The kids were great,” Brennan said. “Having people from outside the school come in has a great impact.”

Lifeguard Kai Bond, who is a graduate of Top of the World school, was eager to return as a volunteer reader.

“I hadn’t been back to the school since I was a fifth grader, it was a cool opportunity to go back,” Bond said.

Bond read the book “Yellow Train” to a group of second graders. The book is about a grandfather teaching his grandson how quickly the world changes and the importance of remembering the past.

“They were really captivated, they responded well to my animations,” Bond said.

Resident Pam Cocores, who owns the Thalia Street Surf Shop, volunteered to entertain a class of kindergarteners with Dr. Seuss’s “Ten Apples Up On Top.”

Cocores shared pictures to the students who are just leaning to read.

“The kids seemed to love it, it was a great opportunity to do this,” Cocores said.

Volunteer organizer and new librarian for the school, Brandy Mitchell, said the event was a huge success.

“There was no trouble getting anyone to come in, this is a good community.” cpt.10-itc-C.1PhotoInfoGN1OOKF920060310ivu62bknDAN BEIGHLEY / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Police Chief Mike Sellers reads to a class of fifth graders for ‘Read Across America’ day at Top of the World Elementary.