His pictures were quirky. His words herky-jerky.
But no one could ever call this man obtuse.
Few could compare to the brilliant Dr. Seuss!
March 2 is the birthday of the late children’s book author Dr. Seuss. Not that any parent needs an excuse to crack open any of his classics, but Seuss’s birthday is a fun time to enjoy them with your kids and, perhaps, delve into the life of the author himself.
Theodore Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904. He began his career as a magazine and advertising illustrator. During World War II, he even worked in the animation department of the U.S. Army, work that later earned him an Academy Award.
His first children’s book was published in 1937: “And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.” After the war, he focused solely on children’s books, bringing generations to the familiar titles we know so well. By the time of his death in 1991, his works had sold over 600 million copies and had been translated into more than 20 languages.
In the United States, Seuss’s birthday has also come to be known as Read Across America Day: an initiative by the National Education Association aiming to shed light on the importance on literacy in education. Students throughout the United States will be enjoying Seuss read-alouds, crafts, and celebrations, heavily centered on Seuss’s most famous character: the cat in the hat.
For Seuss-centric fun at home, there are a number of resources available, beginning with the official website: seussville.com, where you'll find videos, printables, and craft ideas. Check out both the parents and educators’ sections. Search “Dr. Seuss” on Pinterest for an avalanche of ideas.
Offline, check your local library, not only to borrow your favorite Seuss titles, but for activities they'll likely have planned for this well celebrated day.
The simplest and best way to celebrate, of course, is to read a Dr. Seuss book or two with your children. Here are my top 10 favorite Dr. Seuss books. What are yours?
‘Hop on Pop’
Best for the youngest readers, “Hop on Pop” holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of my favorite books as a little girl, and one of the first books I witnessed my own children read aloud to themselves.
‘Horton Hears a Who’
Way more than a rhyming story about an elephant, “Horton Hears a Who” is a story of compassion, at its core, illustrating the idea that “A person’s a person no matter how small.”
‘Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!’
In celebration of imagination, “Oh The Thinks You Can Think!” centers on the great possibilities within all of us.
‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’
A favorite graduation gift, “Oh The Places You'll Go!” is an inspiring confidence booster that chronicles the journey of life and is relatable to readers of any age!
‘Yertle the Turtle’
In “Yertle the Turtle” Seuss tackles greed and power.
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
A must-read every holiday season, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” tackles materialism and the true spirit of Christmas.
‘Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo!’
Written under one of Seuss’s other pseudonyms, Rosetta Stone, and illustrated by Michael Frith, “Because A Little Bug Went Kachoo!” is a hilarious delight as readers follow a chain reaction that causes mayhem across a town.
‘Fox In Socks’
A tongue-twisting romp through pages, “Fox In Socks” is super fun for kids to hear and try out for themselves.
‘Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book’
The perfect bedtime read, it’s impossible not to yawn while reading “Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book.”
‘The Lorax’
The book that “speaks for the trees,” “The Lorax” is a cautionary tale focusing on the importance of taking care of nature.
