“Today is your birthday! Today you are you!…There is no one alive that is you-er than you!”- Dr. Seuss
I wanted to pay a quick tribute to one of the most influential children’s authors of all time, Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. He wrote over 60 children’s books before passing away in 1991. Growing up, I remember thinking how different his books were to other children’s books. As a young child, reading did not come easy to me since Spanish was my first language but I remember feeling confident reading his books because of the silly rhymes and made up words. Not to mention the wacky illustrations.
Some fun facts about Dr.Seuss books:
My favorite Dr.Seuss book, “The Cat in the Hat” was written on a dare. Geisel’s editor gave him 250 age appropriate words, which he was dared to write a book using every single one. He did just that. His very first book “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” was rejected 27 times before being published in 1937. His last and final book, “Oh The Places You’ll Go” remains a top seller today with over 300,000 copies sold every year because so many people give it as a gift to High School and College Graduates.
A few of Dr. Seuss books 
What some people may not realize is that Dr. Seuss’ books were more than just wacky illustrations and rhyming tales for children. In fact, each book had a sublime message. Geisel used his writing as a way to comment on the many social issues he was facing during his time. “Horton Hears a Who” was about anti-isolationist which was a policy that the US practiced during WWI. “The Sneetches” tackled racism; “Yertle the Turtle” was inspired by Hitler’s rise to power and gives the message to not be afraid to question power. “The Lorax” was about environmental conservation. The movie version of “The Lorax” hits theaters this weekend, just in time for Dr.Seuss birthday.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka: Dr. Seuss
Leaving a wife behind, Geisel passed away in 1991. He never wanted children. In 2000, his widowed wife told the New York Times, “He’s the man that said of children, “You’ll have ‘em’, I’ll entertain ‘em.” Thankfully for us, he did.
So I leave you all with some of my all time favorite quotes from his books. Quotes that are filled with tongue twisting words, but have also inspired many to question the world around them and most importantly just be who they are- because that is always enough.
My Favorite Dr. Seuss Quotes:
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
“I have heard there are some trouble of more than one kind. Some come from ahead some come from behind.”
“Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest, until your good, is better. And your better, is the best.”
“Remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 ¾ % guaranteed).”
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go!”
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.”
You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way!
“You are you. Now, isn’t that pleasant?”
“I’m afraid that sometimes you’ll play lonely games too. Games you can’t win ’cause you’ll play against you.”
“Today you are you!…There is no one alive that is you-er than you!”
“Don’t cry because its over, smile because it happened.”
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Thank you for giving us a lifetime of laughs, encouragement and lessons. I can’t wait to share your books with my children someday.
XO Jo
In honor of Dr. Seuss birthday, tweet us your favorite Dr. Seuss quotes Use hash tag #GirlUnlikeAnyOther tweet to @GrlUnlkeAnyOthr.
