Theodore Geisel was born on March 2nd. He would be turning 109 on Monday. We all know him better as Dr. Suess. (His father desperately wanted him to become a doctor… Geisel took the pseudonym as a nod to his dad.) Books like Horton Hears a Who, Green Eggs and Ham, and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish are familiar to people world-wide.
His writing impacted me much more as an adult. Two pieces, in particular, will always hold a special place in my heart. Oh, the Places You’ll Go and The Sneetches mean a lot to me.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go, which has become a permanent fixture on the graduation gift circuit was published in 1990, just a year before Dr. Suess went to that Who-ville in the sky. It is probably one of his few books that was created specifically for an older audience.
College was tough for me. I was determined to finish, but it took longer than it should have. Like many others, I was strapped with the responsibility of paying my way through. In fact, I don’t think that I’ve felt such a sense of accomplishment as I did the day that I received my degree. Talk about self-esteem --- wow, an accomplishment sure works better than pats on the head, in my opinion!
In honor of my graduation I received two gifts that I cherish. My mother bought me a copy of the Suess book. She had not only written a lovely message inside the cover, she had also taken the time to put together an array of photos. My family has never been much of picture taking (and we’re all pretty far from photogenic!) so having a few important pictures arranged on the inside cover of such a special book made it all the more valuable to me. I’ll tell you, when you’re feeling a little blue or a little ‘less than’ – take a quick read at Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The book does more than offer a pick-me-up, I believe it offers inspiration.
His writing impacted me much more as an adult. Two pieces, in particular, will always hold a special place in my heart. Oh, the Places You’ll Go and The Sneetches mean a lot to me.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go, which has become a permanent fixture on the graduation gift circuit was published in 1990, just a year before Dr. Suess went to that Who-ville in the sky. It is probably one of his few books that was created specifically for an older audience.
College was tough for me. I was determined to finish, but it took longer than it should have. Like many others, I was strapped with the responsibility of paying my way through. In fact, I don’t think that I’ve felt such a sense of accomplishment as I did the day that I received my degree. Talk about self-esteem --- wow, an accomplishment sure works better than pats on the head, in my opinion!
In honor of my graduation I received two gifts that I cherish. My mother bought me a copy of the Suess book. She had not only written a lovely message inside the cover, she had also taken the time to put together an array of photos. My family has never been much of picture taking (and we’re all pretty far from photogenic!) so having a few important pictures arranged on the inside cover of such a special book made it all the more valuable to me. I’ll tell you, when you’re feeling a little blue or a little ‘less than’ – take a quick read at Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The book does more than offer a pick-me-up, I believe it offers inspiration.
The other gift, by the way, is a Spiderman tie.
The Sneetches, which often appears as part of a collection of stories, probably isn’t as long as most Dr. Suess books. The story features themes that are universal and, in my opinion, very important. Published in 1961, it tells the funny tale two sets of critters called Sneetches. One set is born with stars on their bellies and one set is born with plain bellies. Age old ‘the grass is always greener’ and ‘wanting what you can’t have’ themes are explored using the brand of rhyme and whimsy that Dr. Suess is known for. This story works on separate levels and is enjoyable to people of all ages. Using it with older kids is really great, as it works as a great jumping off point for discussions of race, equality, etc.
So, while I have enjoyed most all Dr. Suess’ books (and especially enjoy reading them aloud!) The Sneetches and Oh, the Places You’ll Go, remain my favorites.
Happy birthday, Theo! You’ve probably touched the lives of many more people than you would have if you’d listened to your dad and been a part of the medical community!
The Sneetches, which often appears as part of a collection of stories, probably isn’t as long as most Dr. Suess books. The story features themes that are universal and, in my opinion, very important. Published in 1961, it tells the funny tale two sets of critters called Sneetches. One set is born with stars on their bellies and one set is born with plain bellies. Age old ‘the grass is always greener’ and ‘wanting what you can’t have’ themes are explored using the brand of rhyme and whimsy that Dr. Suess is known for. This story works on separate levels and is enjoyable to people of all ages. Using it with older kids is really great, as it works as a great jumping off point for discussions of race, equality, etc.
So, while I have enjoyed most all Dr. Suess’ books (and especially enjoy reading them aloud!) The Sneetches and Oh, the Places You’ll Go, remain my favorites.
Happy birthday, Theo! You’ve probably touched the lives of many more people than you would have if you’d listened to your dad and been a part of the medical community!
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