The Wisdom of Dr. Seuss

Wednesday, March 2, was the late Dr. Seuss' birthday.  The kids have enjoyed reading his books this week and celebrating at school with green eggs and ham. 

We have many of Dr. Seuss's books: 

Hop on Pop, given to us by my parents (we call my dad "Pop")

Green Eggs and Ham (where do you think Sam's name came from?)

Just kidding on the previous comment.  Sam's name didn't come from the book!  Actually, it was a toss-up between Sam and George (and Isabella, if he turned out to be a girl) and we thought he looked like a Sam.  Here's the Green Eggs and Ham onesie I found when he was a few months old. 

Oh, The Places You'll Go (purchased by me when expecting our first child, Jack). 

And who could forget The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?  Call me crazy, but I love the new movie version starring Jim Carrey.

Actually, we have a huge library of Dr. Seuss books -- this is just a sampling.

Notice the binding on Green Eggs and Ham and The Eye Book.  Jack chewed the binding on books when he was teething.  I had to lock all of our books up for a while!  That was NINE years ago!  Wow!

The rhyming format is a great tool for teaching reading -- all of my children have learned to read with The Eye Book, The Foot Book, The Ear Book and Hop on Pop.

One thing I've noticed about Dr. Seuss books is that they all seem to have a lesson, but it is hidden in his zany style of writing -- like a subliminal message. 

Green Eggs and Ham:  Try something new -- you might like it.  And for parents, continue to offer that broccoli meal after meal.  Eventually they will try it, and eventually they will like it!

Horton Hears a Who:  Treat your fellow man and the Earth on which you live, with respect.

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas:  Making fun of someone based on their outward appearance (and other bullying and taunting) scars a person and creates bitterness.  Treat others as you would want to be treated.

The Cat in the Hat:  Think about the consequences of your actions -- would you tell your mother what you did? The last page of the book leaves the reader with that very question. 

Oh, The Places You Will Go!:  Life isn't always easy, but you will get through those bumps and turns in the road and be stronger.  You have great potential!

If you need a little encouragement and have had a rough day, pick up a Dr. Seuss book.  My recommendation?  Oh, The Places You Will Go!  It makes a great graduation gift!

A parting thought from One fish two fish red fish blue fish:

"Today is gone.  Today was fun.  Tomorrow is another one.  Every day, from here to there, funny things are everywhere."

Have a great weekend!  Next week, I will be revealing a new direction for this blog.  I can't wait!