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Do You Like Green Eggs & Ham? Dr. Seuss, A Man of Many Clever Words!

 

Through LinkedIn, a social networking site, I belong to a wonderful group, Parenting 2.0.  A recent discussion that I found absolutely delightful was about Dr. Seuss.  The opening of The Lorax on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2, has brought to light, once again, the marvels of this literary genius. 

I can remember when I was in my 30’s, sitting on the floor at the New England Mobile Book Fair with a friend (also in his 30’s) reading aloud, or trying to aloud the tongue twisters in “Fox in Sox.” 

Dr. Seuss also provides wonderful messages in “Green Eggs and Ham,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “The Lorax,” and many more of his tales.  Perhaps, as you read this post, you are smiling, thinking about your favorite Dr. Seuss stories or quotes.

My nephew recently turned 18 and soon he'll be graduating high school and then off to college. Because I have been thinking a lot about Dr. Seuss, I got him the Dr. Seuss’ classic, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" And while I was in the bookstore, I bought one for my son.

Last night, for the first time in a long time (he's 12 years old), I read aloud to him. “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” which was just a perfect way to wind down the day and quite a treat for me.  Here’s one of my favorite passages:

"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 great 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.

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS! 

So…be your name, Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places! Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!” 

I would love for you to share some of your favorite Dr. Seuss quotes or memories as we continue to celebrate Dr. Seuss!

Joan

1:02 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mitzi,
Thank you for the delightful reminder to revisit Dr. Seuss. Your article made me smile with memories of reading to my daughters and back when I taught kindergarten.
Reading is so important at any age.

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Fran Goldstein

11:35 am on Thursday, March 8, 2012

Mitzi,
Your son is a lucky guy! What a nice way to pass on the message from Dr Seuss.
I remember my Dr Seuss collection on my bookshelf growing up, it was my favorite.
Wish i still had those!

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Ingrid Bloch

1:55 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012

Mitzi,
Thank you for pointing out that there are life lessons hidden in the simplest of books and how important it is to revisit those that speak to your heart. My favorite story are the Star Bellied Sneeches. We all want to be special and stand out and at what cost.

Keep up your interesting posts.

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