Last month we took our kids to see Seussical the Musical at a local college. They loved every minute of it and sang the songs for weeks afterwards.
I grew up on Dr. Seuss (who didn’t?!). Before I was reading I could “read” One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and recite Green Eggs and Ham. (Our kindergartener read Green Eggs and Ham by herself last week. I had a moment.) And of course, I was familiar with the Grinch thanks to television. But it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized these favorites were just the tip of the Dr. Seuss iceberg! And they might not even be his best works.
Tomorrow, we’re headed to a library celebration for Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
In the meantime, here are five Dr. Seuss books I’ve discovered as an adult that I’m so glad I’ve read to my kids.
1. The Lorax. I’ll admit it: we saw the movie before we read the book. But oh. my. word. The message in this book is far ahead of its time: taking care of the natural resources and created world around us before it’s all gone. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot …”
2. McElligott’s Pool. This was my husband’s favorite as a child, and he brought a copy into our marriage. I’d never heard of it, but again, it’s one of those books that is rich with deeper meaning. I love that Dr. Seuss’ themes include free thinking and openmindedness and encouraging creativity, even if others tell you that’s wrong.
3. Oh! The Places You’ll Go. It’s possible I first heard this at a high school graduation. It fits that setting but it’s appropriate beyond that.
4. And To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street. Imagination can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
5. Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet! My kids love this one, too. We first found it at the library. It’s good for introducing kids to a wide variety of professions and encourages them to think big and not let other people limit their dreams.
What are your favorite Dr. Seuss books?