The results of the challenge was The Cat in the Hat, using 238 of the words from the list. They gave him a list of 250 they thought were most important for first graders to learn and told him to use only words from that list. Seuss was challenged by a publisher of children’s text books to write something kids wouldn’t want to put down. Some believed kids weren’t reading because there wasn’t anything out there they wanted to read.

In 1954, Life Magazine reported that children were not learning to read. Seuss was the creator of the idea of “Beginner Readers” books, inspiring generations of readers for decades. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was initially rejected by over 20 publishers! Seuss suffered the typical rejection that most authors face. Though it was eventually picked up by Vanguard Press, with help from a connection with an old Dartmouth Classmate, Dr. The book’s Seuss-ian rhythm was inspired by the rocking of a cruise ship during a trip to Europe with his first wife, Helen. That first title, published in 1937, was And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. Originally, he worked as an illustrator, and political cartoonist, before publishing his first children’s book. His professional career, under the pen-name of Dr. His stories are known for their quirkiness and whimsy, and the distinct cartoonish style in which he brought his characters to life. Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in on March 2 nd, 1904 and went on to become one of the most beloved children’s authors of our time. Every March 2 nd we celebrate Read Across America day, otherwise known as Dr.

My many colors dr seuss