Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Today celebrates the 105th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Seuss, who created more than 100 characters and stories encouraging children of all ages to read.

From his first book And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street, published in 1937, Dr. Seuss proved to be a great artist and author focusing many of his stories around his pre- and post-war life. He filled pages with colorful artwork and lively humor, while also subtly sharing political and moral messages resonating with adults in his books.

Before he took to writing his best known stories, Dr. Seuss promoted reading and learning for children that First Book and so many others carry on today. In 1954, Dr. Seuss learned about a recent report concluding a high rate of illiteracy in schools due, in part, to the fact only “dull” books were available for children to read. In response, Dr. Seuss, with the help of publishers, used just 220 words to create The Cat in the Hat (1957) inspiring beginning readers to enjoy the wonderful worlds that books can create.

Some of my favorites include:

Green Eggs and Ham (1960). As a young reader I remember Green Eggs and Ham and the interactions that followed of using green food coloring to prepare my own green eggs at home with my mother.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (1960). To this day I can still quote parts of One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish and remember the hopes of getting my own fish to hum along with me.

Dr. Seuss took a stand for illiteracy and knew where to start – with children. First Book is proud to honor Dr. Seuss and his books. Now, test your skills and create a 10 word story in honor of Dr. Seuss.

A couple I came up with myself are:

Here are my toes they are far from my nose.

I am reading and encouraging you. Take this on too!