Oneida County Officer Reads to Vernon Kindergarteners

What was your favorite book as a child? Maybe you remember "Goodnight Moon" or the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series, or maybe you love the numerous classics by Dr. Seuss.

Kids at a Central New York elementary school recently got to celebrate some of their favorite books for National Read Across America Day, and even got a special virtual visit from a local officer.

Officer Morgan from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Community Affairs Unit virtually visited Mrs. Sniezek's kindergarten class at W.A. Wettel Elementary School in Vernon on Tuesday. He took some time to talk with the kids and read a few books, including "Green Eggs and Ham," for the special day.

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The students were all masked up for class given the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and were attentive to Officer Morgan.

Thank you to our local Oneida County sheriffs, including Officer Morgan, for going above and beyond for Central New York kids, even when we can't all be together in person.

The late Dr. Seuss, who died in 1991, has been the source of controversy recently, especially leading up to this year's annual celebration of National Read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss Day.

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company in charge of preserving the author's legacy, released a statement confirming that six classic Dr. Seuss books will no longer be published because of racist and insensitive imagery.

"These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press. "Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises' catalog represents and supports all communities and families."

"And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," "If I Ran the Zoo," "McElligot's Pool," "On Beyond Zebra!," Scrambled Eggs Super!" and "The Cat's Quizzer" are the six books that have been pulled from publication.

Amidst the controversy, prices for Dr. Seuss books have gone through the roof as many readers jump online to grab the books before they're gone.