Dr Seuss - A Classic Treasury

Author and Illustrator : Dr Seuss

Format : Hardcover with dust jacket

Condition : New

Dimensions : 21cm x 28cm 4cm

Stories in this book :

The Cat in the Hat

When the Cat in the Hat steps in on the mat, Sally and her brother are in for a roller-coaster ride of havoc and mayhem.

The Cat in the Hat Comes Back

When the Cat in the Hat steps back on the mat, with a team of miniature mischief-makers in his hat, Sally and her brother are in for another uproarious ride.

Green Eggs and Ham

When Sam-I-am pesters a grumpy grouch to eat a plate of green eggs and ham, we soon find we an't know what we really like until we have tried it!

Fox in Socks

Join the irrepressible Fox in Socks as he teaches a baffled Mr. Knowx some of the quickest, slickest, tongue twisters in town.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

When the grumpy Grinch tries to steal Christmas from the citizens of Who-ville, he soon realises there's more to it than mistletoe and tinsel!

Dr. Seuss: Issues/Opinions/Inspirations

Like most works of merit, the works of Dr. Seuss have been overanalyzed; many scholars have found devices where there are truly none to be found. For the most part, Ted enjoyed writing entertaining books that encouraged children to read. There are several—his later books, in particular—that were, in fact, inspired by current events or his own personal concerns.

For example, Ted was upset about the billboards and construction that threatened his tranquil community of La Jolla. On a broader spectrum, however, Ted was concerned about the environment as a whole; he wanted manufacturers, businesses, and individuals to take responsibility for their actions. The Lorax, published in 1971, weaves a familiar tale of a good thing gone wrong: the irresponsible, ambitious Once-ler builds a huge, thriving business at the expense of Truffula trees and the creatures who depend on them. Ted remained true to the Seussian style, but still managed to shame the current generation and challenge the next generation by demonstrating the pitfalls of progress . . . “unless.” (The Lorax, p.58)

The Butter Battle Book, perhaps the most controversial of all his books, was written in response to the arms buildup and nuclear war threat during the Reagan administration. Published in 1984, Butter Battle sheds light on the growing threat of war between the Yooks and the Zooks. The threat stems solely from the way Yooks and Zooks choose to eat their bread: butter-side up and butter-side down, respectively. The story ends with a blank page, leaving a cliffhanger ending that is open to interpretation. When Ted presented this particular project, Random House saw red flags!

For the first time in decades, editors and art directors questioned Dr. Seuss—the cover, the ending, the verb tenses, even the title itself went through several changes. Never one to initiate confrontation, Ted suddenly found himself defending every element in question. Ted remained as true to the original as possible because the book represented the truth about the arms buildup. Ultimately, few changes were made.

For six months, Butter Battle remained on The New York Times’ Bestseller List—for adults.

In 1990, when the televised version of The Butter Battle Book was shown in the U.S.S.R., Ted bragged that the country began “falling apart.” Indeed, the Soviet Union was crumbling at that time, but Ted’s message reached a much broader audience—and challenged readers to answer the question, how does it all end? (Morgan, p. 255)

Incidentally, the question Ted dreaded most was the question he was asked most often: “Where do you get your ideas?” He usually responded with a quip, most often “Uber Gletch.”

Other Dr Seuss Books

The Wonderful World of Dr Seuss Box Set

A Classic Case of Dr Seuss Box Set

Reading is Fun with Dr Seuss

The Best of Dr Seuss

Ten Tall Tales

The Lorax

Animal Antics

Dr Seuss Lacing Cards

The Cat in the Hat Story and Activity Book

Dr Seuss Sticker Story Collection - The Cat in the Hat

Dr Seuss Sticker Story Collection - Horton Hears a Who

Fox in Socks - Floor Puzzle

The Cat in the Hat - Floor Puzzle

Dr Seuss - A Classic Treasury