An audience decked out in handmade striped red hats listened carefully before answering Sandra Deal with a resounding "No!"

Even when asked by Georgia's first lady, the 2 1/2-year-olds at Primrose School of Gainesville were sure they would not eat green eggs and ham with a mouse.

Deal lent her voice to the classic Dr. Seuss book on Wednesday as part of Read Across America Day, sponsored by the National Education Association. The day promotes literacy and honors the birthday of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

Deal said she hoped to share her passion for reading with the children.

"I want to draw awareness to literacy and the need to learn reading at an early age," she said.

The former North Hall Middle School English and social studies teacher said she was also excited to be back in a classroom.

"I had a good time. I like the older kids, but I enjoy the young ones too," she said. "It takes me back to when my children were little. It's also a thrill to see their love of learning."

To prepare for the event, students in Susan Kooistra's class practiced reading Dr. Seuss books throughout the week. Many of the kids echoed the sentences as Deal read.

"We read with the children every day," said Kooistra, a lead teacher at Primrose.

Students across the school also made hats with their favorite words scrawled on the front for a "Parade of Words" for the first lady.

"We also talked with them about Gov. Deal and what his duties are," Kooistra added.

Sandra Deal also made stops Wednesday at Big Creek Elementary School in Cumming and Primrose School of Kennesaw North.