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By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Book characters abounded at Elvin Hill Elementary School on Friday, March 6, as students and staff finished Read Across America Week 2020.

Dressed as their favorite characters, students paraded through the hallways, high-fiving visitors and showing off the books that inspired their attire.

EHES Library Media Specialist Jennifer Milstead said the special week, which coincides with beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2 each year, is designed to foster a love of reading in children, regardless of author or book.

“It gets the kids excited,” said Milstead, who dressed as the pigeon from “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems, the first book she reads to kindergarteners every year. “It’s a fun tradition.”

Prior to the book character parade on March 6, students participated in various classroom activities, such as a bookmark-making contest.

Guest readers from the community read books aloud to classes in every grade, and peer helpers from Shelby County High School assisted with the festivities.

“I love this,” Shelby County Board of Education member and guest reader Peg Hill said as she greeted students walking by in the parade.

“We try to involve as many important areas as we can to help us celebrate,” Milstead said.