Truer Than True: 9 Amazing Facts About Dr. Seuss
March second is a very important day
For little readers and grown ups, they say.
It's Read Across America, so open up a book!
And remember Dr. Seuss, since he's the greatest... just look!
Dr. Seuss, or more formally known as Theodor Seuss Geisel, developed his trademark knack for meter from his mom! As child, she would always read stories to him with a sense of rhythm and urgency. She also used this tactic for selling pies at the family bakery.
Before he became the world renowned children's book author, he was already an Oscar winner! During WWII he was stationed in the animation department, where he wrote a film that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1947.
Bennett Cerf, a friend and publisher, challenged Geisel to write a children's book with 50 or fewer different words. The result was the much beloved, and incredibly succinct, Green Eggs and Ham.
Children's book authors like Giesel may not hold the same prowess as a Dostoyevsky or a Hemmingway, but don't ever underestimated their language skills.
There's a lot to be said about uncomplicated brief writing and in 1984, Giesel was finally recognized for his contribution to literature with a Pulitzer Prize
Dr. Seuss was quite the philosopher. Here are few gems that are very profound for children's books:
On existence: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." (from Happy Birthday to You!)
On letting go: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
On making a difference: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." (from The Lorax)
On being open to new experiences: You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut. (from I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!)
On human rights: "A person's a person not matter how small" (from Horton Hears A Who!)
The character Sam-I-Am from Green Eggs and Ham inadvertently exemplifies key traits for the sales industry:
Since 2006, The Theodore Seuss Geisel Award has been given out annually to authors and illustrators who make impactful contributions to "beginner readers' literature." In 2015, the award went to Anna Kang for You Are (Not) Small, Cynthia Rylant for Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page, and Mo Wilems for Waiting is Not Easy.
The National Education Association chose Dr. Seuss' birthday for Read Across America Day. The campaign is designed to encourage more reading outside of the school's curriculum, especially at early ages. What better way to celebrate young reader's than with some of the best children's books ever written?
Movie studios bank on parent's nostalgia by making animated features and blockbuster films like The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, The Grinch and more.
Dr. Seuss books are often the first ones that kids are exposed to and learn to read independently with, and that attachment carries with them. Is it any surprise that Dr. Seuss styled wedding vows exists? (Check out this ceremony here.)
For little readers and grown ups, they say.
It's Read Across America, so open up a book!
And remember Dr. Seuss, since he's the greatest... just look!
1. He got it from his mom
Dr. Seuss, or more formally known as Theodor Seuss Geisel, developed his trademark knack for meter from his mom! As child, she would always read stories to him with a sense of rhythm and urgency. She also used this tactic for selling pies at the family bakery.
2. His film was spot on
Before he became the world renowned children's book author, he was already an Oscar winner! During WWII he was stationed in the animation department, where he wrote a film that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1947.
3. 'Green Eggs and Ham' was written on a bet
Bennett Cerf, a friend and publisher, challenged Geisel to write a children's book with 50 or fewer different words. The result was the much beloved, and incredibly succinct, Green Eggs and Ham.
4. He REALLY knew how to write, and yet
Children's book authors like Giesel may not hold the same prowess as a Dostoyevsky or a Hemmingway, but don't ever underestimated their language skills.
There's a lot to be said about uncomplicated brief writing and in 1984, Giesel was finally recognized for his contribution to literature with a Pulitzer Prize
5. He simplified profound philosophies
Dr. Seuss was quite the philosopher. Here are few gems that are very profound for children's books:
On existence: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." (from Happy Birthday to You!)
On letting go: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
On making a difference: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." (from The Lorax)
On being open to new experiences: You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut. (from I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!)
On human rights: "A person's a person not matter how small" (from Horton Hears A Who!)
6. And gave salesmen important keys
The character Sam-I-Am from Green Eggs and Ham inadvertently exemplifies key traits for the sales industry:
- A salesman should confidently asked even seemingly uninterested buyers.
- A salesman should give the potential buyer options. (Sam gives exactly 14 alternatives in Green Eggs and Ham).
- A salesman should not give up easily.
7. A prestigious award is named in his honor
Since 2006, The Theodore Seuss Geisel Award has been given out annually to authors and illustrators who make impactful contributions to "beginner readers' literature." In 2015, the award went to Anna Kang for You Are (Not) Small, Cynthia Rylant for Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page, and Mo Wilems for Waiting is Not Easy.
8. He inspired kids to read and wonder
The National Education Association chose Dr. Seuss' birthday for Read Across America Day. The campaign is designed to encourage more reading outside of the school's curriculum, especially at early ages. What better way to celebrate young reader's than with some of the best children's books ever written?
9. Dr. Seuss sticks with children as they grow older
Movie studios bank on parent's nostalgia by making animated features and blockbuster films like The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who, The Grinch and more.
Dr. Seuss books are often the first ones that kids are exposed to and learn to read independently with, and that attachment carries with them. Is it any surprise that Dr. Seuss styled wedding vows exists? (Check out this ceremony here.)
