We Remember Dr. Seuss

dr seuss+birthday pics on Sodahead

There really is a Dr. Seuss.  We remember him fondly on his birthday today.

Theodor Seuss Giesel was born March 2^nd, 1904 and died in 1991.  Theodor had a varied career before settling on and illustrating 44 children’s books under the name Dr. Seuss.  Many of us grew up knowing all the words to many of his books – can you remember Hop on Pop, Green Eggs and Ham or the Cat in the Hat?

He wanted to teach children how to read, but in addition to reading, Dr. Seuss wanted to teach children how to think, without resorting to propaganda or preaching to them.  Recently, the Robert Kaufman company released a fabric line featuring The Lorax.  One source is the Fat Quarter Shop.

In this book, the Thneed company pollutes the environment, destroys the Truffula trees and drives away the Lorax and the animals. The fabulously popular whiskery character, the Lorax, speaks up for the trees that have no voices of their own.  Consequently, the Lorax became famous in the environmental conservation movement.

Of course, there was backlash from logging and oak flooring groups in addition to others.  Dr. Seuss responded to criticism about the book by saying, “The Lorax does not say that lumbering is immoral.  I live in a house made of wood and write books printed on paper.  It’s [the Lorax book] anti-pollution and anti-greed.”  Good words to live by.  Let’s all be a little more conscious of waste and how we can conserve our natural resources.

I would love to make a child’s quilt using Dr. Seuss fabric, but alas!  I am in a self-imposed, fabric-buying moratorium temporarily.  Maybe someday!

Have you visited these Dr. Seuss sites?

http://www.catinthehat.org/memorial.htm

Check out the remarkable Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Massachusetts.  The many amazing bronze sculptures were designed and created by Dr. Seuss’ step-daughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Crates.  Dr. Seuss was born in Springfield.

http://www.drseussart.com/

This site presents the art of Dr. Seuss.  Many of these works are as fantastical as his works for children, but with richer color palates and entering into an adult’s world, while maintaining outlandish creatures in other-worldly settings.  Very cool!