Congressman Charles Bass

'The Lorax': The N.H. congressman shared the Dr. Seuss tale as part of the Read Across America program at Nashua's Fairgrounds Elementary School.

By KIMBERLY HOUGHTON
The New Hampshire Union Leader, March 13, 2012

NASHUA — Fairgrounds Elementary School students have been captivated by dozens of guest readers this month as part of the Read Across America program.

On Monday, U.S. Rep. Charles F. Bass, R-N.H., was the 39th guest to participate, in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. "Every year we get some new guest speakers to come to the school, and each year we have more readers than the last," said Betty DeViney, the school's librarian and media specialist. "I don't think that any school in the state takes the program to this extent."

Bass, trying to engage students with current events, read Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax," which recently was made into a children's movie released about two weeks ago.

"I have not seen the movie, but it is an interesting story," Bass told the students.

The book and the movie are about a character, the Once-ler, who chops down beautiful Truffule trees for his own selfish reasons, destroying the colorful forest.

The story tells the tale of how one small seed and the ambition to do the right thing can make a world of difference.

The Read Across America program allows local community members to share their passion about books with city children, according to DeViney, who said the kids are thrilled to meet various people, talk to them about their jobs and listen to a new story.

"This is spreading the love of reading," she said. "It is important to remind children how important it is to read and how reading is incorporated into daily tasks and employment."

Bass is one of 40 guest speakers visiting the city school this month to read to students. Last week, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, Gov. John Lynch and state Rep. Pete Silva shared some of their favorite Dr. Seuss books.

Aside from politicians, Author Steve Blunt, Postmaster John Erna and Suzanne Roantree from WZID Radio also visited the school to read, and Rita the Therapy Dog stopped by.

"Some of these people, like Congressman Bass, are really busy. We are ecstatic that they take the time out of their day to share a book with us," said DeViney.

Next week, a state police trooper will have his turn to read to students.

The guest speakers are just one of several Read Across America themes at the school. Children also participated in a Whoville hair day, dress as your favorite Dr. Seuss character day, Fox in Socks day and door decorating competition.


Bass reads to fifth graders at Fairgrounds Elementary School in Nashua as part of the Read Across America program.