March 2nd was a great day at the New York Public Library. More than 250
first and second graders wore red-and-white-striped stovepipe hats. They were
celebrating The Cat in the Hat's 50th birthday. Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
picture book has been published for 50 years now. The famous feline danced with
children racing around him. At the same time, pink, purple, and white confetti
rained down.
Serena Williams, the tennis champion, read The Cat in the Hat to second
graders. They sat on brightly-colored rugs around her. Two lucky second graders
from PS 152 in Manhattan sat next to Williams on a big red chair. Pink and
purple umbrellas hung from the ceiling. The students giggled while Williams made
her voice change from deep to high for the many characters in the story.
After reading the book, Williams shouted, "Tip your hat to the Cat!" The
students took off their hats and waved them excitedly.
