New generation of kids still love Seuss
“That Sam-i-am, that Sam-iam, I do not like green eggs and ham.”
For young and old alike, lines from Dr. Seuss's classic books are known by heart around the world. On March 2 — on what would have been his 117th birthday — there were worldwide celebrations marking Suess Day.
What is it about Dr. Seuss that has made him one of the most enduring and influential writers of children's books in history?
Dr. Seuss was born Theodore Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Mass. His first children's book, "And To Think I Saw It All On Mulberry Street," was finally published in 1937, after being rejected by publishers 27 times.
Both a writer and illustrator, he created more than 60 books in his lifetime as Dr. Suess and under other pen names. Dr. Seuss died in 1991 at age 87.
Danielle Cossar is the owner of Gingersnap General Store, a children's store in downtown St. John's, N.L.
Coming off the Christmas season, Cossar said the Grinch continues to be a hugely popular character in both books and toys. A 2018 animated Grinch movie, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Grinch, recently reintroduced the character to a whole new generation of children.
Dr. Suess, she said, has enduring appeal.
“The style and the art of it is really absorbing — there's so much to take in and it's so unusual, especially when you're little," Cossar said.
“But I think on top of that, there's an undercurrent of a really kind philosophy. It's got a certain gentleness to it.”
At the same time, the unusual art and characters also bring children to reflect and imagine.
“It's sort of creepy in a way. And as a kid, that really grips you,” said Cossar. “It really brings you back to it again and again as you think, Do I like this or do I not?”
As for favourite Suess titles, Cossar has a special relationship with a particular title.
“I love all of them, but actually, my personal favourite is not a popular one — it's the 'Happy Birthday to You' book,” she said. "I have a copy that my mom gave me when I was 17, and she actually passed away later that year.”
The book was inscribed by
Cossar's mother, and once her son was born, she found herself revisiting it again and again.
As far as her other personal favourites in Suess books, Cossar is a lover of "Green Eggs and Ham" and "One Fish, Two Fish."
INSPIRING IMAGINATION
Nicole Balderston of Owl Hollow, a book and toy store in Charlottetown, P.E.I. that has been operating for close to 20 years, is a Dr. Seuss fan and can rhyme off a number Suess titles she enjoys.
“He's one of my favourite authors,” said Balderston. “My favourite is probably 'Horton Hears a Who.' Another one I used to read to my daughter is 'Oh, The Things You Can Think.' It really inspires imagination and potential.”
Balderston said "Dr. Suess's Sleep Book" from 1962 is one title that consistently sells well.
For Balderston, part of Dr. Seuss's lasting appeal is the themes he explores — ideas that even grownups question.
“There's really interesting questions behind the rhythm and the rhyme and the silliness,” she said. “He's talking about deep meaning — the things adults think about and question. Even as an adult, you can not only be entertained but there's always something to think about.”
PROTECTING LEGACY
Six Dr. Seuss books will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author's legacy said Tuesday.
"These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator's birthday.
The six books are "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," "If I Ran the Zoo," "Mcelligot's Pool," "On Beyond Zebra!," "Scrambled Eggs Super!," and "The Cat's Quizzer."
The decision to cease publication and sales of the books was made last year after months of discussion, the company told AP.