Today, we celebrate the man beloved by kids both small and tall! Theodor Seuss Geisel is most commonly known by his pseudonym, Dr. Seuss, and for generations has provided readers everywhere with the most unforgettable stories.
And to think that we may have never been introduced to his work, that’s right, though it sounds absurd! Seuss’ original book And to Think that I Saw it on Mulberry Street! was originally turned down twenty-seven times before finally being published. Written in 1937, the process of having this book published displays one of his commonly used character traits, perseverance!Luckily for us, this is something that Dr. Seuss had in abundance. Our beloved author went on to publish over sixty more books, once using only fifty words! He shared so many important ideas using his creativity, and we would like to share our takeaways from a few of his most beloved stories!
The Cat in the Hat
When challenged to write a book using only simple words, Seuss delivered a book that makes you feel anything but bored! In fact, it takes the reader on a dreary day turned fun-filled play. Readers are encouraged by the end of the story to not let a rainy day get in the way of their play! As long as their mess is cleaned up before mom gets home..
Green Eggs and Ham
After having such success completing his first challenge, Seuss was once again challenged! This time, with a fifty-word limit, oh man did he win-it! With a relentless effort, Sam-I-Am finds success in getting a new friend to try even the most peculiar dish! A story that challenges those wary of new things, to reach out and try them and see, see if they’ll like them, maybe? This is a cute, and subtle book to read with those picky eaters.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Getting started is sometimes the most difficult part. But with perserverance, and a little heart, you’re easily on your way! Taking simply the brains in your head, the feet in your shoes, and the readiness to learn, there isn’t much that cannot be done. If we learn anything from this story, it is that the more that you read the more places you will go, and the more that you will learn!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sometimes they’re mean, sometimes they’re green, but when a little girl befriends an unlikely character our hearts all beam. An outcast is not someone that most would approach. It is easy to reject someone based on their looks, or grumpy persona, and Cindy-Lou-Who teaches us just what can happen when we believe in what lies beneath the surface of a person’s outer appearance! It is an important lesson to learn, and it is important to see that forgiveness is the way to go even when someone has gone as far as the Grinch to ruin Christmas!
The Lorax
If we learn anything from that grumpy little orange guy, it’s that we must take care of what is ours! Our environment is only as good as its keepers, and no matter our size, it is our responsibility to keep it in the best of shape. The Lorax wasn’t a grouch at all, he was really just a passionate being about maintaining a healthy world. Thanks to his persistence, the Once-ler came to realize just how important a healthy environment was!
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Seuss had a talent for making reading fun, and this story depicts that so well. Readers are invited into a world of silly rhymes, strengthening their skills on not only word differentiation, but also in the illustrations as well! Between the many details, readers have so much to talk about and decipher on each page. It’s great for those reading on their own, and for those just following along!
ABC
One of Seuss’ later books, is one that readers can really grow from! By the end of the book, you have gone through the entire alphabet. You have also sounded out numerous nonsense words, and can easily move on to more!
Horton Hears a Who!
Even when everyone else is against you, it is important to stand up for what you believe in! One elephant makes a big impact when he stands for those that otherwise would not be heard, because after all “ a person is a person, no matter how small”! It is easy to just go with what is mainstream, and this book shows readers that this is not always the right choice and that it is okay to stand for what they believe in, even if they are standing alone!
Wocket in My Pocket
With lots of repetition, like most Seuss stories, this is a great read-aloud for those beginning readers. Not only are they learning how to pronounce many nonsense words and made up names, they are getting to see how their own names are made to be pronounced by listening to each letters sound!
And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street
It is incredible to see just what our everyday scenes can become when we just let our imagination take over! Readers are encouraged to see their surroundings in a whole new light. When you allow yourself the creativity, even the most ordinary of objects can become the most fascinating features of silly tales!
Today, on his birthday, and every day we are glad for the man best known as Dr. Seuss. We love all of the many values, and teachings that we learned through his creative way!
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