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Once a little girl in need,
She wished for lots of books to read.
Then she spied words like "cat" and "hat"
It all made sense - Imagine That!

Dr. Seuss possessed a rare and special gift utilizing his unique ability to string words together and create memorable stories for all to enjoy. His passion for words and illustrations continue to touch the hearts and minds of millions of adults and children worldwide. His books are part of the great legacy he leaves behind since his passing in 1991, and book sales continue to climb.

Enjoying a long career producing forty-seven children's books, Dr. Seuss collaborated with Random House books to begin a innovative series never before seen in the literary world. The independent publishing company Beginner Books was formed in 1957 after the introduction of, "The Cat in the Hat," and the world of reading for children was forever transformed. Reading became fun.

Who will forget the crazy antics of a silly cat, two strange "things" named Thing 1 and Thing 2, and two kids panicked by the growing mess inside their house. Who else would warn them of potential problems on the horizon? The goldfish in the bowl, of course. Kids were pulled into the chaos and wondered how the house would be cleaned by the time "mother" came home. And like all stories with a happy ending, the house was cleaned and mother didn't have a clue. Dr. Seuss used 236 words to write this book, and it was the first book millions of children have learned to read without assistance. (www.hermanstreet.com/store/bo oks-the-cat-in-the-hat-500031. html)

Dr. Seuss' first book originally published in 1937 is titled, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street." Entertaining and full of whimsy, a young boy, questioned by his father about his walk down Mulberry Street following a day of school, imagines the unimaginable as he weaves an incredible story in his mind only to respond to his father's question truthfully - nothing significant happened. A true example of the master of imagination's work is demonstrated for children to see. (www.amazon.com/Think-Mulberry -Street-Classic-Seuss/dp/03948 44947/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=b ooks&qid=1212011033&sr=8-1)

Col orful images of "Green Eggs and Ham" published in 1960 produced wide eyed children. "How," they wondered, "could that be?" Many mothers have prepared green eggs for young children with a drop of green dye to celebrate the victory Sam-I-Am experienced after finally persuading his friend to eat "Green Eggs and Ham." (www.hermanstreet.com/store/bo oks-green-eggs-and-ham-500030. html)

A master of making up words that always made sense, Dr. Seuss gave us "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" in 1960 and introduced us to unusual animals with names like Nook, Wump, Yink, and Yop. Why stop there? We still have Gack and the Zeds. Children eat it up. So do adults. (www.hermanstreet.com/store/bo oks-one-fish-two-fish-red-fish -blue-fish-500029.html)

So many Dr. Seuss books exist for the enjoyment of emerging and established readers. Every book is as equally entertaining and valuable as the next. His books are sure to elicit giggles and provoke imagination. I should know. I remember the first book I ever read, "The Cat in the Hat." I was filled with awe upon the realization that I was reading. Dr. Seuss accomplished this kind of success with millions of children just like me, and he will forever be remembered for his great contributions of books for years and years to come.

Learn more about this author, Jackie Curtis.
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