Dedham students took time this week to commemorate Read Across America in different ways.

Oakdale Elementary students invited local Dedham celebrities to read books to them, and children at the Early Childhood Education Center had a chance to meet Wally the Green Monster from the Boston Red Sox.

Local celebs like Dedham Police Chief Michael d'Entremont, state Rep. Paul McMurtry and Town Administrator William Keegan read books to Oakdale kids on Thursday - and answered a slew of questions from the inquisitive student body.

Oakdale principal Holli Armstrong invited roughly 20 townfolk for a fifth year. Other participants included Riverdale Elementary School principal Doris Claypool, Greenlodge Elementary School principal Katherine Kiewlicz, Dedham Middle School principal Debra Gately and Dedham High School principal Richard McCarthy.

Decked out in Boston Red Sox T-shirts, ECEC students received a visit from Wally the Green Monster, the teams mascot, who encouraged the preschool and kindergarten kids to read everyday.

Another Red Sox staff member read "Wally the Green Monster and His Journey Through Red Sox Nation" as Wally acted out scenes from the book.

Following the reading, kids had a chance to get their picture taken with the mascot.

Both events were part of the nationwide Read Across America day, in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday, March 2. The program is organized by the National Education Association.