Today, March 2nd, marks the birthday of Dr. Seuss, formally known as Theodor Seuss “Ted” Geisel — the infamous pioneer of children’s literature.
Having published over 60 books and accommodating several other adaptations, Seuss’s literature is a staple for childhood memories. Those who have not read his work have, instead, most likely seen an adaptation of one of his works: whether it may be an animated movie, a live-action movie, or a musical.
His earliest work was released in 1937 — “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.” The latest adaptation of works from Dr. Seuss has been the animated Grinch movie, released in 2018. Even now, in 2021, his birthday and contributions towards children’s literature are celebrated and recollected with fondness.
These stories are timeless — proven by not only the constant re-adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s work — but also by the “Seuss Landing” theme park at Universal Orlando’s Island of Adventure. These allow for the revisiting of such fond memories for many and allows for parents to share these stories with their own children.
“They remind me of elementary,” says Melanie Jalbert, a junior in Engineering, “[…] it’s nice to remember [that time.]”
Titles such as “Green Eggs and Ham,” “The Cat in the Hat,” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” continue to fill library shelves in public and at home.
“I remember reading [those books],” says Jasmine Rodriguez, a sophomore in Entrepreneurship. “ I bought the Oh Say Can You Say Di-No-Saur book,” she continued.
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” launched in 1990. This was the very last book Seuss had published before he passed away one year later in 1991. The author’s contributions toward expanding children’s literacy rate compromise his legacy and, 30 years later, people still commemorate his birthday for what he brought into this society as a cartoonist and a writer.
As generations continue to share Dr. Seuss’s works, the author’s legacy will live on as a man who advocated for children’s literacy while sharing stories that would impact the world.
