I grew up a reader. My mom read to me from an early age and once I could read on my own, I kept going. Reading helps you explore your imagination, trying to envision what the characters look like, sound like, what their surroundings look like. It encourages empathy, imagining what the characters are feeling and how they are reacting to their situation. It also provides an “escape”, if you will. Depending on the type of book you are reading, you can be transported to different worlds, magical places and get lost from reality for a little while, it’s like a mind-cation (did I just make up a word? huh, must be channeling my inner-Seuss!) There are so many ways to read now, with access to different forms of literature at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless. From a fantasy novel to news from around the world, you can feed your brain daily and never get bored. Today is Dr. Seuss Day. He was, and still is, one of my favorite authors. Whether I knew it back then or not, the wordsmith was always teaching something. From The Lorax teaching us how our actions DIRECTLY impact the environment to Wacky Wednesday teaching us how to count and problem solve (one of my personal faves, always had a blast trying to find all the wacky things on every page) to There’s a Wocket in My Pocket teaching us how to rhyme with the wacky words done in only a way Dr. Seuss can, he has provided me, my children and millions of others with a seemingly endless collection that taught us how to read and so much more.
To the newest: What Pet Should I Get (2015) (a book about decision making, this title is the newest release, however, it is unclear as to when it was written, possibly between 1958 and 1962) I haven’t read this particular one but based on several reviews it’s “Classic Seuss”. There is a myriad of titles all with different and endearing characters whose sole purpose is to entertain and teach. If you’ve never visited Seussville.com it’s definitely worth a click. There is tons to do and click. Another one of my favourite Dr. Seuss books was The Sneetches. This was a book that explored prejudice and the act of being judgemental. It’s a pretty deep and sometimes dark subject unless, of course, you are Dr. Seuss. He entertainingly introduces us to the Star Bellied Sneetches who snootily shun the Plain Bellied Sneetches (*cough* bullies!) McBean who now, for a fee, removes the stars from the original Star Bellied Sneetches. This continues in such a manner until neither is really sure who is who anymore and enter your happy ending thus teaching us that it really doesn’t matter what’s on our outside. I really can’t say that one or another of his books were my hands-down favourites. There are far too many and all equally entertaining in their own special way but for arguments sake, here is the short (and I do stress, SHORT list)
Ok, I better stop, I swear that’s the short list!! I encourage you to explore Dr. Seuss’ world and share it with your kids. The characters are fun, the worlds are full of imagination, the wording is easy and the lessons are priceless. Don’t let the fact that many of them were written from 1930 and on deceive you. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) was an author well ahead of his time and the lack of insertion of technology and bubble wrapped children is more than refreshing. You can find a list of Dr. Seuss’ books here Before I go here is my homage to the wonderful, funderful, Dr. Seuss So cheers to Seuss on this magical day When we celebrate the book And the words that they say So turn to the pages And with confident looks Say “I love to read”, it contagious! And finally one of my favourite Dr. Seuss quotes: "From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere." ~ Dr. Seuss ~ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish What is your favorite Seuss book? Let me know in the comments! Yours Happily,
M. Messina Always Be Designs
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AuthorI am a working mother and "wife" trying to make it by with a smile on my face! What you'll find here are my thoughts, dreams, and general musings as I explore this journey. "Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better." Archives
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