Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

(Butler Library, Creative Commons)

Celebrate! Celebrate! Read a Book!!

 

As a fellow author, I am in awe of the amazing array of characters

Dr. Seuss invented and the heart-warming tales they shared. His beloved characters inspired my generation of school children to put down the dull Dick and Jane readers and rush home to read the newest Dr. Seuss book or an old favorite, THE CAT IN THE HAT.  

 

Theodor Geisel aka Dr. Seuss at work

(Al Ravena, Wikimedia Public Domain) 

 

Theodor Geisel is BORN!

On March 2, 1904, Dr. Seuss came into the world. His family named him Theodor Geisel, never realizing this baby would inspire every generation of children to laugh while reading.  His books became the cornerstone of the Read Across America Read-a-thon held every March in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

FUN FACTS

1. Ever wonder how he selected the name Seuss?

     I always believed it was part of the fun. Similar to how he always invented new silly words and character names.

HOWEVER, it is actually his mother’s maiden name: Seuss. Which, by the way, is pronounced “Zoice” ( rhymes with voice) because it is a Bavarian name. 

2. What was the name of his first book?

In 1931, Dr. Seuss created his first book ever; it contained fanciful creatures. BUT it was NEVER published.  He didn’t become published until 1937. AND I THINK I SAW IT ON MULBERRY STREET, went on to begin his robust career as a children’s author and illustrator.

3. What inspired Dr. Seuss to write THE 500 HATS OF BARTHOLOMEW CUBBINS? 

     Hats were extremely popular for both men and woman in 1938.  The Seuss household was no exception. There were hats here! Hats there! Hats everywhere!

 

4.  Dr. Seuss had a second career?  

 

Beginning in 1941, Dr. Seuss, as Theodor Geisel, worked as a political cartoonist. During World War II, Theodor Seuss Geisel enlisted in the military. He was stationed in California to work with the war department creating short documentaries. 

5. How many times did Dr. Seuss receive the Caldecott Honor?

Dr. Seuss received this fantastic distinction for the illustrations and colorful artwork in his books on three separate occasions.

 

• McELLIGOT’S POOL, 1947.  

•   BARTHOLOMEW AND THE OOBLEEK, 1949.

•  If I RAN THE ZOO, 1950. 
  
  
  
  6.   What year was THE CAT IN THE HAT first Published?
  
  
  When CAT IN THE HAT arrived in bookstores in 1957, Dr. Seuss had already been publishing children’s books for twenty years. His career continued for a few more decades.  
  
  
   
  7. Who is this character and where does he live?
  
  
  
  
  
   
  (Rusty Clark, Creative Commons)
   
  This is the Lorax of course. He lives inside the stump of a tree. To learn more about this amazing writer and illustrator, go to his zany, playful, and interactive website.
  http://www.seussville.com/?home                    

  

  The LORAX by Dr. Seuss Random House, 1971 (Source: Penny Taub)

  
  

  
  

  
  

   

Hidden Messages

   No, Dr. Seuss was never a spy, but he did like to write stories that made people think about others and the environment. In 1971, Dr. Seuss published THE LORAX, with a tiny tree sprite as the main character. The book is laced with tongue twisters and animals, which seem familiar - the Brown Bar-ba- loots and the Swomee-Swans and the soft fluffy Truffula trees. This book warns against the dangers of air and water pollution, by a society desiring more and more stuff.  This book cleverly demonstrates the genius of Dr. Seuss. He taught children in a fun way about the serious task of taking care of animals, plants, and trees. Dr. Seuss bravely tackled this tough subject to announce we are all stewards of this planet, entrusted to care for the safety and well-being of its inhabitants. 

                                              

 

Horton and The Cat and the Hat READ Together (Source: Penny Taub)

 

 

Who won a Pulitzer Prize?

        

  This was not the first time Dr. Seuss had mixed his spiritual beliefs and values in his work.  After a trip to Japan, he wrote the book HORTON HEARS A WHO! (1954). This is a staple in Classroom Character Education programs to teach the concept of tolerance for all creatures’ great and small. 

 

     The SNEETCHES followed in 1961, with a farcical tale about respecting everyone with or without a star on their belly.  The root of this book attacks discrimination and prejudice. The Sneetches learn to share and treat everyone equal.  Dr. Seuss’ genius was recognized by the literary world. In 1984 he earned a Pulitzer Prize.  This prestigious award is for his tireless devotion to children and families. 

    

The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss

                                                                Random House, 1961
                                                                (Source: P. Taub)


Seussville in Orlando, Florida

Can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss? Then go to Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. That is where his magical worlds come to life!  

   

 

This section of the park is a great place to cool off and let the kids run around. IF I RAN THE ZOO is an interactive outdoor playground filled with bright funny creatures. The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride is calm and smooth, just right for little ones and adults, too.  The line moves quickly and is indoors, away from the sunshine and rain. The ride does go outside briefly for a tremendous view of the park.  Don’t forget your camera!  A great place to eat is the Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous. It has plenty of tables, the prices are reasonable ($$), and the food tasty. Just watch out for the families of birds nesting in the rafters.

https://www.universalorlando.com/