It's hard to believe it, but Dr. Seuss has been gone for almost 25 years. Hard to believe, that when most Millennials were still learning to read by using his books, the man himself had passed on. My parents had well over 20 of Seuss' books on one shelf.
Thanks to the arrival of my little brother, we didn't have to donate them to the library once I went Gr. 2.
Many of us had our favorites. He wrote so many, for so long, there must be at least some you still remember.
Fox in Sox was a favorite, because I would try to read the book out loud without losing my breath. Green Eggs and Ham was another, because I felt that the book could've gone on for 30 more pages about all the ways Sam I Am tried to get someone to like green eggs and ham. Cat in the Hat, of course, because what kid doesn't want to have that much fun on a rainy afternoon? I've Got a Wocket in my Pocket was also a lot of fun to read, just because of the idea of an ordinary kid surrounded by all these weird creatures, when he's trying to go about his day was cool to think about.
The one book I remember the most fondly is O the Thinks You Can Think! Based off of a graduation speech he gave, is a book all about the potential of kids and their imaginations, what they can accomplish, not so much by following their dreams, as being able to come up with new ideas and concepts. The final line never fails to stir the soul: "Kid, you'll move mountains!"
That was the man's legacy. Not just the silly rhymes or the clever designs. He found a way to teach kids important lessons in a style that was all his own. That is the reason why, at 29, I still admire him today, and decided to write this tribute.
There's an on-going debate about children's literature should count as capital "L" literature. While you find many academics who will point to the hundreds of classic children's stories out there, for others, they can never think of kids stories as worthy of serious scrutiny. I bring this up because it is very easy to think of Dr. Seuss as just a man who wrote fun fables with creative drawings and a knack for rhyming. While you can think of him that way, I don't think that was all there was to the man.
Think of Horton Hears a Who. On one level, it's a story about a talking elephant saving a group of really small people. It's also about standing up and doing the right thing in the face of overwhelming scepticism and opposition. That's a lesson I'm sure we can all take to heart.
I haven't read of watched The Lorax, but considering how divisive and controversial environmental issues have become, especially human-made climate change, arguably this book has become more important than ever.
You might not think there is much to talk about Seuss. But like Green and Ham taught us, don't be too quick to try new things. Like O The Thinks You Can Think taught us, don't be afraid to consider things in new ways.
You may not like Dr. Seuss' style, but it is undeniable that the man had style, one that is beloved by generations of children. Which is why, I can think of no better way to end this post than in the good doctor's way.
Have no fear, Dr. Seuss, your legacy lives on!
May it continue forever, at least a thousand years on!
