Theodor Seuss Geisel

Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to all as Dr. Seuss, was born on March 2, 1904, in the bustling town of Springfield, Massachusetts. As a child, Geisel’s most cherished activity was visiting the local zoo, where he became fascinated in all different species of animals. At home, Geisel’s imagination ran wild as he would sketch whacky renditions of his favorite animals.

After becoming the editor of the school newspaper at Springfield Central High School, Geisel ventured to Dartmouth college where he contributed to the humor magazine, the "Jack-O-Lantern," sharing laughs and giggles.

The Dartmovth Jack-O-Latern

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Oh, The Places You'll Go!

After college, Geisel faced the big, wide world of work, taking on various odd jobs that included illustrating advertisements and even creating cartoons for the Saturday Evening Post. It was in the realm of children’s literature, however, that he would find his true calling and become a star.

Geisel’s transformation into "Dr. Seuss" began in the late 1930s. In 1937, Dr. Seuss came to life with the release of his first book, introducing readers to whimsical characters and fantastical adventures, paving the way for a remarkable journey.

Dr. Seuss shot to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with beloved classics like The Cat in the Hat (1957) and Green Eggs and Ham (1960), with his final published book being Oh the Places You’ll Go! (1990). These books were not just fun, they were clever tools that taught children how to read! Not one to shy away from important themes, Dr. Seuss cleverly wove social messages into his tales. His books spoke of tolerance, environmental care, and the beauty of being oneself. With playful rhymes and zany rhythms, learning became a joyous romp. As such Dr. Seuss has become a staple in classrooms around the world.

The Cat in the Hat

Green Eggs and Ham

Pulitzer Prize

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Seuss received many accolades, including the illustrious Pulitzer prize in 1984. In 2010, Dr. Seuss was selected by Life to be featured in their book 100 People Who Changed the World.  To honor his ongoing influence, March 2nd, Dr Seuss’s birthday is celebrated as "Read Across America Day," a day to cherish reading and the magic of stories.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Seuss became a legendary children’s author- likely the most prolific and loved on earth. Today, Seuss’s legacy is felt across the globe, having published over 60 books in variety of languages and selling more than 600 million copies around the globe. The imaginative spirit of his stories ensures that the legacy of Dr. Seuss will continue to inspire joy, laughter, and love for reading for years to come!