St. Finbar Parish School is proud to continue its cherished annual Dr. Seuss Day tradition, a joyful celebration of reading, imagination, and community that has been a cornerstone of campus life for more than 10 years.
Held each year near Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the event goes beyond honoring one iconic author. Dr. Seuss Day at St. Finbar is a vibrant celebration of books and the lifelong love of reading. The celebration is held during the school’s annual Read-A-Thon, further reinforcing a campus-wide focus on literacy and encouraging students to develop strong reading habits both in and out of the classroom.
From Early Fours through Fifth Grade, each class invites a special guest from the community and beyond to read a pre-selected Dr. Seuss classic.
Over the years, notable guest readers have included local police officers and firefighters, mayors, actors and actresses, and professional athletes — including former NFL star Terrell Owens, who delighted students as a guest reader last year.
2026 Featured Books & Guest Readers
- Early Fours (E4): Who Loves You
Reader: Martin Villa, Burbank Firefighter - Early Fives (E5): Wacky Wednesday
Reader: Danny Alvarez, Burbank Fire Chief - Kindergarten: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Reader: Sgt. Stephen Turner, Burbank Police Department - First Grade: If I Ran the Circus
Reader: Fr. Francis Mendoza, Pastor, St. Finbar Parish - Second Grade: Bartholomew and the Oobleck
Reader: Misty Lee, acclaimed voice actress, comedian, and magician who has shared her talents with St. Finbar students for more than 10 years - Third Grade: The Lorax
Reader: Ana Ortiz, Actress - Fourth Grade: Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Reader: Greg Minor, former Boston Celtics player and head of the Minor Academy - Fifth Grade: Horton Hears a Who!
Reader: Joseph Orlanes, LAPD Senior Lead Officer, Olympic Division
Following the classroom readings, students gather in Albert Hall for a festive brunch. Each grade level decorates its tables to reflect its featured book and themed treats creatively tie into the stories. The result is an immersive literary experience filled with color, imagination, and delight.
“Dr. Seuss Day is one of the most joyful traditions we have at St. Finbar,” said Principal Rosselle Azar. “It brings together faith, family, and community in a way that reminds our students that reading is not only fundamental to learning, but also essential to imagination and growth. Seeing our classrooms filled with community leaders and special guests reinforces for our children that books truly connect us all.”
PTO President Joseph Mancuso added, “This event perfectly captures the spirit of St. Finbar. Our families, faculty, and community partners work together to create something magical for the students. From the themed decorations to the creative brunch, every detail is designed to inspire a love of reading and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
St. Finbar Parish School continues to foster academic excellence grounded in faith, community, and service — and Dr. Seuss Day remains a shining example of how literature can bring a community together.
