Dr. Seuss ​

Theodor Seuss "Ted" Geisel, more commonly known by his pen name Dr. Seuss, was an American author, political cartoonist, and animator. He is known for his work writing and illustrating more than 60 books under the pen name Dr. Seuss. His work includes many of the most popular children's books of all time, selling over 600 million copies and being translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death.

Quick Facts ​

• Books are adored by children and adults alike.
• Has sold over 600 million copies of his books worldwide.
• Renowned for his use of playful language, rhyme, and imaginative characters.
• The Cat in the Hat is one of his most popular creations.
• On Read Across America Day, many schools celebrate with activities related to his books.
• His thematic material often revolves around the idea of imagination triumphing over adversity.

Background ​

Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He attended Dartmouth College where he became the editor-in-chief of its humor magazine, Jack-O-Lantern. After graduating from Dartmouth, he attended Oxford University in England with plans to become a professor. However, he met his future wife, Helen Palmer, who encouraged him to pursue drawing as a career.

He returned to America and began submitting his work to magazines, newspapers and book publishers. His first children's book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," was rejected 27 times before it was finally published in 1937. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army where he was assigned to the Signal Corps where he wrote documentaries for the troops.

After the war, Dr. Seuss continued to write children's books. He wrote and illustrated more than 60 books under the pen name Dr. Seuss. His popular works include "The Cat in the Hat," "Green Eggs and Ham," and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." He died in 1991 at the age of 87. His books have sold over 600 million copies and have been translated into more than 20 languages.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Dr. Seuss had a whimsical writing style characterised by fantasy-like creatures and imaginative rhymes. His work often contained underlying messages about important life lessons and social issues, making them remain relevant and impactful for both children and adults. His use of anapestic tetrameter, a poetic meter, was unusual in English verse despite its ease of recognition and memorability, which helped him gain unique and distinct recognition among other writers of his time. His work has inspired many and left a substantial impact on children's literature to this day.

Notable Works ​

• The Cat in the Hat (1957)
• Green Eggs and Ham (1960)
• One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (1960)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957)
• Oh, The Places You'll Go! (1990)