"A book is a dream that you hold in your hand." - Neil Gaiman
Happy Read Across America Day! As a person in education I know the importance of reading and how it can widen every possibility for a child. My favorite children's book growing up had to be "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. I have always felt myself quite the dreamer when it comes to life and that book really resonated with me. There is something so freeing in knowing there is a big bright future ahead of you! That book gave me my first ideas that being a professional actress was not only possible but just within my reach. Dr. Seuss always had a way of knowing exactly what to say.
In summer of 2019, I directed a children's musical called Seussical Jr. at the Lake Worth Playhouse in Downtown Lake Worth Beach. I had choreographed it a couple of years prior at another children's theatre and was thrilled at the opportunity to be able to direct it this time. The story takes place in the Jungle of Nool where we meet Horton the Elephant. Horton one day hears a strange sound coming off a clover and realizes it is someone screaming for help. Thats where we meet Jojo from Whoville. They come from totally different worlds and yet form the most amazing friendship. The premise of this story has always stuck with me: it really doesn't matter where you come from, or what clothes you where or even what you look like! What matters is kindness and friendship. I do my best to instill that lesson in my students everyday. That is what I love about Dr. Seuss; there is a lesson in every story!
Horton's famous line from the show is "A person's a person no matter how small" and boy, that couldn't be more true! I am dedicated to making sure each child that walks into my children's theatre is treated with kindness and respect.
I can't wait to talk to my students tonight about their favorite books. What is you favorite childhood book? Tell me in the comments below!
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