BY TED SHOCKLEY, Eastern Shore Post —
Children know to visit the unique Cat in the Hat book box in Mark Usry’s yard on Strawberry Street in Cape Charles. It is where they can take a book of their choosing — at no charge.
But somebody took the whole box.
Usry has reported it to police. A family member asked why he did not lock the box in place.
“Why would I have thought about locking it down? I live in Cape Charles,” he said.
Apparently, even living in a good neighborhood is not enough to deter sticky-fingered thieves with a jones for Dr. Seuss.
Once upon a time, Usry saw a similar book distribution box and had a high-end furniture manufacturer build a replica, complete with a rendition of the Cat in the Hat.
“It’s pretty special. He spent a lot of hours on that and didn’t charge me what he should have,” he said of the distribution box.
Several times a year, he spends $200 on children’s books of all grade levels to fill the box.
The waterproof structure stands a little more than 3 feet tall. It is waterproof and “both shelves are stuffed full of books.”
Usry said he enjoys hearing the excitement of children when they learn they can have a book of their own from the box.
“They get excited about whatever book it is,” Usry said, adding, “It is exciting to encourage reading.”
Now Usry is encouraging people to be on the lookout for a tiny, custom-made building with a roof and a door featuring the Cat in the Hat.
Taking the books is fine, he said.
Taking the box “is going a little bit too far,” he added.
