NEA's Read Across America

Logo and Usage Guidelines

To assist you with planning your NEA's Read Across America events, we have prepared NEA's Read Across America Logo and Usage Guidelines . We are also providing the following guidelines as they relate to questions frequently asked about Dr. Seuss licensing issues. Also, please read the rules for using our official Cat in the Hat logo.

Cakes
Ordering a cake for a celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday can add some fun to your NEA's Read Across America activities. We suggest having the cake decorated with wording such as "Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss." Unfortunately, cake decorations cannot include any Dr. Seuss characters such as the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, Sam I Am, etc. NEA's license agreement with Dr. Seuss Enterprises does not permit the use of any trademarked Dr. Seuss characters in this manner. This includes the NEA's Read Across America logo.

Event sponsorship by local businesses or local stores of national chains (such as Barnes and Noble, Pizza Hut, etc.)
Often times, local businesses are anxious to be involved in your NEA's Read Across America events. This is a good way to build relationships between your local association (or school) and the business community. It is permissible to hold an event at a local bookstore. As well, it is permissible for a Pizza Hut or McDonald's, etc., to donate refreshments for your NEA's Read Across America event.

What you must keep in mind is that the NEA's Read Across America logo cannot be used in any way that could imply endorsement of that business by Dr. Seuss Enterprises. So, for example, you cannot post a large banner or sign with the NEA's Read Across America logo and the logo of the local business. You can, however, thank the business for their donation of refreshments, etc., with a sign, in newsletters, etc. If an event/activity is held in a local bookstore or other business, there can be no requirement for those participating to make a purchase of any kind.

Identifying a local association or school with NEA's Read Across America logo
You are encouraged to include the name of your local association and/or school along with NEA's Read Across America logo. Including your local's name with the logo is a great way to build visibility and an image for your local. Also, it is important to remember that Read Across America IS an NEA program, so we encourage you to make sure that your activities/events are always branded as NEA's Read Across America.

T-shirts
Having an entire class dressed in the same t-shirt adds a very nice visual effect for your event, in addition to everyone wearing a Cat in the Hat hat. Unfortunately, it is not permissible to have any t-shirts made using the NEA's Read Across America logo or any Dr. Seuss character. Be creative and design your own t-shirt. So long as it adheres to this guideline, there are no restrictions on using t-shirts for your events.