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As schools and libraries nationwide kick off events for the beginning of National Reading Month, Second Lady Usha Vance joined in the celebration by reading to young patients at Children\u2019s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.<\/span><\/p>\n Vance held the event for patients ages 3 to 12 on Monday, March 2, per a press release from her office. The second lady selected \u201cThe Sneetches and Other Stories\u201d by Dr. Seuss, which she mentioned was one of her favorite books to read with her own children. It was also the perfect choice for Monday, which happened to be Dr. Seuss\u2019 birthday.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cChildhood literacy is something that\u2019s very important to me, both as a parent and as someone who grew up reading avidly,\u201d Vance said. \u201cIn particular, when children are spending a lot of time in the hospital it\u2019s important that they have access to books, both as entertainment and to ensure they develop the essential literacy skills they will need for the rest of their lives. It\u2019s an honor to spend time with these children and to encourage them to keep reading after they complete their stay here at the hospital.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The second lady further delighted the young patients by handing out puzzles, stuffed animals, and books after the event. She told the audience that she hosted the event because she loved reading as a child and hoped to encourage children to keep reading voraciously.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe visit from Second Lady Usha Vance during National Reading Month beautifully reinforces the importance of reading and storytelling in a child\u2019s development and healing journey,\u201d said Elizabeth Wells, MD, MHS, executive vice president, chief clinical officer, and physician-in-chief at Children\u2019s National, noting that the patients could enormously benefit from getting lost in the pages of books.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBooks can provide comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy for children in the hospital. We are sincerely thankful for her time, her compassion and her commitment to supporting kids and families.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier this year, the Vance family <\/span>announced<\/span><\/a> the happy news that they were expecting their fourth child together. The vice president, 41, and his wife, 40, have been married since 2014.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n