Area students can again enjoy the likes of Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat.

That’s when Read Across America is held each year in honor of Theodor Geisel who was best known as the beloved children’s author, Dr. Seuss.

This year’s theme is “Grab your Hat and Read with the Cat.”

For the past 16 years, the National Education Association honors his birthday, March 2 – this date falls on a Saturday – with Read Across America, which is an annual reading motivation and awareness program.

Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries and community center are planning reading events come this weekend in the spirit of Dr. Seuss.

At Ripon Unified, district officials said plans for Friday call for cookies to be served to students at Park View and Weston schools in recognition of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

At Manteca Unified, Nutrition Services will again serve up the green eggs and ham breakfast concoction at a handful of the elementary school sites.

On Thursday, Stella Brockman School is scheduled to kick off Read Across America with kindergarten teachers Whitney Ryan and Andy Andersen doing an animated rendition of Green Eggs and Ham for K-2 youngsters, beginning at 9:10 a.m.

From there, students can enjoy their green eggs and ham breakfast.

Later that day, the school will conduct a Family Literacy Night/Book Exchange function in the multi-purpose facility, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Brock Elliott School will also celebrate Read Across America on Thursday.

On Friday, the McParland Annex and Widmer School are scheduled to honor Dr. Seuss.