Theodore Geisel was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Geisel was the son of a German-American brewer whose prosperous life came to an end with Prohibition. Geisel’s father managed to send his son to Dartmouth where Geisel worked on the college’s humor magazine. Geisel then went to Oxford University to pursue a graduate degree, but never completed the program. Geisel did meet fellow American student, Helen Palmer, who would become his first wife and invaluable collaborator.
When Geisel and his wife returned to America, Geisel worked in advertising by drawing humorous ads for products like motor oil, insect repellent, and other consumer necessities. But, surprisingly, Geisel really wanted to write and illustrate children’s books. From his first book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (1937), Geisel’s work possessed a unique look and feel. Each book sold more than the one before it as the audience for Dr. Seuss books grew. If you’re a fan of Dr. Seuss books, you’ll find plenty of background on all the key titles. Do you have a favorite Dr. Seuss book? GRADE: B+
THE CAT IN THE HAT, like many of my generation, was the first book I remember checking out of the library and reading by myself. The Dr. Seuss books were a fixture of my kids’s formative years—HOP ON POP was their favorite.
Deb, THE CAT IN THE HAT is my favorite Dr. Seuss book, too. GREEN EGGS AND HAM scored big with Patrick and Katie.
The first one I really remember was HORTON HATCHES AN EGG. “I meant what I said and I said what I meant, an elephant’s faithful 100%.”
Jeff, I’m going to make a wild guess that THE GRINCH is Cap’n Bob’s favorite Dr. Seuss book.
Oops – HORTON HATCHES THE EGG.
Jeff, I like HORTON HEARS A WHO! too.
Someone should mention the movie THE 5,000 FINGERS OF DR T.
There! Someone just did!
Dan, I’m glad you stepped up!
Because I am “Pop” to my grandkids, you can guess what their favorite title is. And, yes, they hopped.
Jerry, just be careful when your grandkids “Hop on Pop.”
Don’t remember reading them as a kid, and don’t have a favorite, but they are creative and inventive.
Rick, I love the distinct style in the Dr. Seuss books.