Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas employee Lingy Savor dressed as the Cat in the Hat and read to children.

KAANAPALI – Families vacationing in Maui were treated to an exciting event organized at The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas in celebration of National Read Across America Day, which was held on Dr Seuss’s birthday on March 3.

Hailing from Seattle, Meghan Newell and her spouse, Brion, first learned of the event through the resort’s Facebook page when they were planning their holiday. “It is a wonderful event, as it emphasizes the importance of reading,” said Meghan, who brought along daughter Maddie and son Colson to the celebration.

Maddie’s favorite book is “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”, while Colson liked “Green Eggs and Ham.”

He was delighted when resort activities employee Lingy Savor, dressed as the Cat in the Hat, read his favorite story. Having two keiki of her own, Lingy kept the children enthralled.

Her colleagues, Caitlin Mishler and Deborah Lawson, who were dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2, took turns to read stories from Dr. Seuss books.

Arleen and Bob McCaffrey from Newport Beach, California, brought along their granddaughter, Chloe Llewellyn, to the fifth annual story-reading event.

Arleen, who worked as a first grade teacher, enjoyed seeing children with books in their hands. (The resort donated Dr. Seuss books to all who attended the birthday celebration.)

She added that early reading, story-telling and even singing help youngsters become more confident as they begin schooling.

Resort Activities and Spa Director Sarah Hisey said, “In addition to arranging cultural-themed activities, we enjoy organizing special events – such as the Dr. Seuss birthday celebration – as it provides our keiki and parents as well as grandparents special moments to bond and engage as a family during their vacation.”

During the celebration, keiki of all ages were invited to select a Dr. Seuss book to take home. Families were also offered free snack treats, a Dr. Seuss activity booklet and trivia challenges.