Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
In 1997, the National Education Association created an annual reading holiday, and what better day to celebrate reading than Dr. Seuss’ birthday – March 2nd! Every year, on this day, teachers, librarians, parents, and everyone who wants to encourage kids to read hold programs and events, or just sit down with a child and pick up a book. This perfectly reflects the spirit of Dr. Seuss who spent most of his life making reading fun for kids.
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904 in Massachusetts. He began his creative career by contributing cartoons to popular magazines including LIFE, Vanity Fair and The Saturday Evening Post. His first children’s book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street was rejected 27 times before finally being published in 1937. It was The Cat in the Hat that really brought him fame as a children’s author, however. In 1954, LIFE magazine published an article criticizing children’s reading levels. Seuss’ response was to write a children’s primer, that kids would not find boring, using 220 popular vocabulary words. The result was The Cat in the Hat, which was a quick success. Seuss went on to publish over 60 books, many of which are still beloved today. His rhymes and clever creatures are unique and timeless.
Here are a few more interesting Seuss facts:
So, on March 2nd, or any day of the year, take some advice from Dr. Seuss: “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.” Visit the library to check out some of Dr. Seuss’ many classic titles or read a biography about him.
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904 in Massachusetts. He began his creative career by contributing cartoons to popular magazines including LIFE, Vanity Fair and The Saturday Evening Post. His first children’s book, And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street was rejected 27 times before finally being published in 1937. It was The Cat in the Hat that really brought him fame as a children’s author, however. In 1954, LIFE magazine published an article criticizing children’s reading levels. Seuss’ response was to write a children’s primer, that kids would not find boring, using 220 popular vocabulary words. The result was The Cat in the Hat, which was a quick success. Seuss went on to publish over 60 books, many of which are still beloved today. His rhymes and clever creatures are unique and timeless.
Here are a few more interesting Seuss facts:
- Dr. Seuss is not actually a doctor. He did do some post-graduate work, but never finished a doctoral degree. Dr. Seuss was just a tongue-in-cheek name he gave himself.
- Dr. Seuss wrote many political cartoons, especially during World War II. He also served in the army during this time, where he made documentaries.
- Some of his early writings for children were not published until after he died, including What Pet Should I Get? and The Bippolo Seed and Other Stories.
- Seuss was actually Dr. Seuss’ middle name, as well as his mother’s maiden name.
- While Seuss’ writing always has a whimsical feel, some of his books touch on serious subjects. The Lorax is a reminder of the importance of caring for the environment and The Butter Battle Book was about the arms buildup during Reagan’s presidency.
So, on March 2nd, or any day of the year, take some advice from Dr. Seuss: “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.” Visit the library to check out some of Dr. Seuss’ many classic titles or read a biography about him.
- Christine, Hollowbrook Branch
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