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Friday, February 25, 2011

Celebrities and Target Celebrate "Read Across America"

I've always been passionate about reading and education. In fact, when I graduated from Columbia with my B.A., I joined the NYC Teaching Fellows and taught 3rd and 5th grade in a high-need area in Brooklyn, NY. During this time, I learned first-hand the importance of teaching children the value of reading from an early age. Being able to instill in them my love of reading, and passion for getting lost in a book and caught up in a character's life was nothing short of amazing. I loved that aspect of my job!

Now as a mom, I'm even more passionate about reading as I constantly model for Aiden my excitement in reading just for pleasure. I love books! He loves books! We all love books!

That's why I was super excited that Aiden and I were able to attend an event yesterday at the New York Public Library. In honor of the National Education Association (NEA), Target unveiled a 26-foot-tall installation on the steps of the library, which spelled the word "read." Amaze!


After the unveiling, I obtained my Press Pass and then Aiden and I, along with other event attendees gathered with notable celebrities for story time. As they each read a Dr. Seuss classic, I watched in awe as the kiddies took it all in and enjoyed the sites. Face-painting and breakfast on one side, balloon-making on the other side, and pictures with The Cat In The Hat on the other side.

And let's not forget the celebrities:

Actor Mark Ruffalo reading, "The Lorax."


Rapper and Actor, Common reading, "Green Eggs and Ham."


Actress Uma Thurman reading, "Oh, The Places You'll Go."


And Actress Keri Russell aka Felicity, reading, "The Cat In The Hat."


And, of course, decked out in his new stylish hat, my fave celebrity of all. Love him!


And with our new BFF:


After the event, Target donated 25,000 Dr. Seuss classics to New York City Public Schools. Fantastic!

Tomorrow, Saturday February 26th, Target is inviting families to visit a store and take part in a special reading events as part of it's partnership with the Read Across America initiative. Every child who attends will receive a special treat -- Dr. Seuss reading activities, a pack of crayons, and snacks. Sweet! I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Visit your local Target for more information and happy reading!

Smooches,

11 comments:

  1. So fun to be able to spend this time with you and Aiden!

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  2. what a great event! love the pics, esp. of your favorite celebrity!

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  3. Glad you guys had fun. And I would have loved to have been there to see Common. He is really yummy and very lovely on the eyes. Moo loves books we have a bookshelf full and I still have stopped buying them.

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  4. What a great event! We love Dr. Seuss around here.

    "The Sneetches and Other Stories" is one of our particular favorites. :)

    stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

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  5. Busy lady! I'm sorry I missed your MBB post. I will have to go read it. Thanks for stopping by my blog and supporting me during my rough patch.

    p.s. i have a HUGE crush on Mark Ruffalo. I might have tried to sit in his lap if I was at that book reading.

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  6. @Teresha: It's SOOO good to hear you joke! That is so funny. Mark IS pretty hott!

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  7. That is fabulous! As a teacher of 10 years, I enjoyed teaching 3rd grade. That was my favorite grade. This event sounds like it was wonderful. Love the pictures. I hope you continue teaching. It's great when you know you have made a change in a young mind!

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  8. When I move back to NY... Im going to give you my email and phone number.. so we can go on all these adventures together!

    Love it and Im sure little man had a ball!

    xoxoxo

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  9. Looks like a great afternoon! Your little man is so adorable! :)

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  10. Great photos and great re-cap! I had such an awesome time hanging out with you and your little man. He is waaay too cute!

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  11. I'm love celebrating Read Across America Day with my middle schoolers. KT and I own a few Dr. Seuss' books. He was blesssed when he was a toddler with a full collectible set that we have since donated to another family. My favorite is "Oh the Places You Will Go".

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I love reading what you have to say!