Today Dr. Seuss, or Theodor Geisel Seuss, would have turned 108 years old. I have always loved him. There is something about so magical, imaginative, and whimsical about his stories and his animations that captured my interest as a child and has kept me captivated ever since. In fact, as I left the doctor’s office the day that I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter, I went straight to the bookstore and bought her Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
On and on you will hike, And I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems whatever they are.
You’ll get mixed up of course, as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
And remember that Life’s a great balancing act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
As an adult I discovered the “secret” art of Dr. Seuss, which is just as whimsical and playful, but with a definite satirical edge, and certainly not meant for children. Here is one of my favorite pieces from this collection.
"Green Cat with Lights"
He also once wrote a book filled with nude women, The Seven Lady Godivas: The True Facts Concerning History’s Barest Family (1939), a bizarre take on the Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom legends. The book was met with a less-than-warm reception, and its failure was one of the reasons that Seuss devoted himself to writing children’s books. He later admitted, “I’d rather write for kids. they’re more appreciative; adults are obsolete children, and the hell with them.”
So happy birthday, Dr. Seuss! And thank you for inspiring both children and adults, and for showing us a world full of wonder and fantasy.
myintelligentlife.wordpress.com 
Since I share the same birthday as the good Dr., I started the day with the traditional green eggs and ham!
”I’d rather write for kids. they’re more appreciative; adults are obsolete children, and the hell with them.”
This phrase reminds me of Le petit prince, one of my favorite books. In each rereading of meeting a new hue.
I often see strange plants on the prairie and think “Oh, a Dr. Seuss plant!” His artwork is inimitable. And I love that quote about adults!!
Fox in Socks and The Lorax are among my favourites. Was just sorting through my daughters bookshelves to help find volumes for the premiers reading challenge and got side tracked by Dr Seuss, so its a pleasant co-incidence to read this post. I was pleased to discover we already own more than 25 books on the recommended list – am feeling rather proud I have so many well thought of children’s books.
Were you aware that the Economist magazine has launched a magazine entitled “Intelligent Life”? See http://moreintelligentlife.com/