The Children’s Book Review answers the question: What is so special about Dr. Seuss’s books?
“If you never did you should.
These things are fun and fun is good”
One sunny day, while swimming in a pool, my husband and I overheard a lady proclaiming to the world that Dr. Seuss’ books were absurd and should not be read to children. Her reason: incorrect use of the English language. Oh, lady, you’ve really missed the whole point, haven’t you?! Here are five reasons you should love Dr. Seuss, including his absurdity:
1. Great for Beginning Readers and Mastering Phonics
A child who is learning to read is learning to connect the sounds that go with letters so that he can then put them together to make words, which then become sentences. Repeating sounds frequently, help a child master this skill. Dr. Seuss is the master of repetitive sounds and engaging stories while using limited vocabulary—an ideal combination for a beginning reader. A good example: Hop on Pop.
2. Great Read-Aloud Books
Thanks to his clever rhyming, Dr. Seuss’s books sound great when they are read aloud. Did you know that reading to an infant helps with brain development, speech skills, and bonding between parent and child? There are a lot of Dr. Seuss books available in board book format (Bright and Early, Board Books), which are the perfect size and durability for little hands and curious mouths. Example: Put me in the Zoo
3. Great for Reluctant Readers
Sometimes the hardest part of reading is getting your child to read. I think you would be hard-pressed to find a child that would not be entertained by the sheer absurdity of Dr. Seuss’s wacky plots and zany characters. Example: I Wish that I Had Duck Feet. Sometimes a little fun and excitement is all that is needed to get kids reading.
4. Great for Teaching Life’s Lessons
With enchanting worlds and wonderful creatures, both familiar and unfamiliar, Dr. Seuss teaches readers many admirable life lessons. Example: The Lorax is an excellent book for teaching children the importance of taking responsibility for the earth.
5. Great for Gift Giving and Children of All Ages
Need a gift? Dr. Seuss is your guy! He has written books that children of all ages can appreciate, even college students. From Go, Dogs, Go! for the littlest kids, to Oh, the Places You’ll Go for the graduating college student.
I am sure that you could add your own reasons for loving Dr. Seuss, so we invite you to do so in the comments section below. Be sure to share your favorite Dr. Seuss book while you are at it! More Seuss fun can be found at www.seussville.com.
While I still have you here, take a look at the books below. Some have recently been reissued in new formats, including The Big Green Book of Beginner Books — a great compilation for any beginning reader.
Oh, the Thinks You can Think!
by Dr. Seuss
Reading level: Ages 0-4
Board book: 24 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; Brdbk edition (August 11, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: Illustrations in full color. A mad outpouring of made-up words, and intriguing ideas.
Add this book to your collection: Oh, the Thinks You can Think!
What was I Scared of? A Glow-in-the-Dark Encounter
by Dr. Seuss
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 11, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: What were we waiting for? We’ve taken the classic Dr. Seuss short story What Was I Scared Of? (from The Sneetches and Other Stories), added glow-in-the-dark ink, and created the ultimate just-slightly-spooky read for slumber parties and perusal by flashlight! Perfect for Halloween, this splendidly silly story about a narrator terrorized by an empty pair of pants (which happens to be equally terrified of the narrator) works perfectly well the rest of the year, too, delivering a timeless message about fear and tolerance to boot. Scaredy-pants of all ages will quiver with delight!
Add this book to your collection: What was I Scared of? A Glow-in-the-Dark Encounter
The Big Green Book of Beginner Books
by Dr. Seuss
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 11, 2009)
Publisher’s synopsis: What could make a better present than a Beginner Book written by Dr. Seuss? Six of them—for less than the price of two! We’ve taken the complete text and art of Great Day for Up! (illustrated by Quentin Blake); I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! (illustrated by James Stevenson); I Wish That I Had Duck Feet (illustrated by T. Tobey); Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet! (illustrated by Michael Smollin); Wacky Wednesday (illustrated by George Booth); and Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog? (illustrated by Roy McKie) and bound them together in one sturdy hardcover omnibus.A perfect introduction to reading that will whet young readers appetites for additional books in the Beginner Book series.
Add this book to your collection: The Big Green Book of Beginner Books
The following book is from The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library, which is an offshoot of Dr. Seuss’ Beginner Book series.
There’s No Place Like Space! All About Our Solar System
by Tish Rabe (Author), Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (October 26, 1999)
Publisher’s synopsis: Blast off for educational fun! Beginning readers and budding astronomers are launched via Seussian sorcery on a wild trip to visit the nine planets in our solar system along with the Cat in the Hat, Thing One, Thing Two, and Dick and Sally.
Add this book to your collection: There’s No Place Like Space! All About Our Solar System
Still want more? Here are two educational Dr. Seuss novelties:
One Fish, Two Fish Puzzle Story
Manufacturers Description: Children will have fun with their favorite Dr. Seuss characters as they enjoy the ridiculous rhymes and piece together the four crazy jigsaw puzzles. Features four 24-piece jigsaw puzzles and more than 20 activities.
Add this puzzle to your collection: One Fish, Two Fish Puzzle Story
Lacing Cards: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Manufactures Description: Build your child’s pre-reading skills and inspire creative thinking with the zany Dr. Seuss characters. Lacing cards help children to develop fine motor skills and increase hand-eye coordination. Learning left to right has never been more fun.
Add these lacing cards to your collection: Lacing Cards: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Do you agree with our “5 Reasons to Love Dr. Seuss?”
Visit our Dr. Seuss Books for Kids page for more timeless classics from Dr. Seuss!