MONMOUTH, Ill. – Monmouth College students relived their childhood Monday as the college participated in the National Education Association’s sixth annual “Read Across America” program.

The year-round program, which is observed in public and private schools across the nation to promote literacy and culminates each year on or near the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss, is the nation’s largest one-day reading event.

Monmouth College education lecturer Melinda Grimm organized the college’s observance which featured various professors reading Dr. Seuss books to Grimm’s junior and senior students.

Among the more unique readings were Capron Professor of Classics Tom Sienkewicz with a Latin reading of “The Cat in the Hat,” and education department lecturer Marie Baker reading “Green Eggs and Ham” in Spanish.

“The students love it because they can relive their childhood through the Dr. Seuss books,” said Grimm. “They now realize the genius of Dr. Seuss’ writings. And its fun for everyone to revisit the books.”

Over 30 students were treated to the readings at the college. According to the NEA, over 45 million children and adults participated in the promotion in 2002.