Recently while wandering the streets of Melbourne I came across a Dr. Seuss Gallery. Although I clearly won’t be affording any art while on exchange in Australia nor am I prepared to haul any masterpieces home in December, I decided to have a quick peek inside. Growing up, I was an avid fan of Dr. Seuss and although it has been quite some time since I have read any of his books, as soon as I entered the gallery memories of my childhood came flooding back. I began to recall the many nights before bed when my brothers and I would gather around and listen to my mom read “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” and perhaps the most iconic, “Green Eggs and Ham.” But most importantly, the gallery made me realize the many lessons to be learned from Dr. Seuss. His books are not only for children but for people of all ages, and as a young adult, I have a newfound appreciation for his work. Whether on the hunt for wisdom or in the need for a good laugh, Dr. Seuss is up to the task! Below are my top 10 Dr. Seuss books and quotes from each. All of which is well worth a read.
Green Eggs and Ham
“I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.”
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
“A book is just like life and anything can change.”
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
“And when you’re in a Slump you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”
Happy Birthday to You!
“Today you are You, that is truer than true, There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
The Cat and the Hat
“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.”
There’s a Wocket in my Pocket!
“There’s the yottle in the bottle, whom I do not wish to keep, but the zillow on my pillow always helps me fall asleep.”
The Lorax
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”
Horton Hears a Who!
“Don’t give up! I believe in you all. A person’s a person, no matter how small!”
Well, what are you waiting for? Whether Dr. Seuss was a childhood favourite or this is your first time exploring the wondrous world of Seuss, I hope his work finds you well, teaches you some heartfelt lessons, and at the very least brings a smile to your face! In the wise words of Dr. Suess, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”