Friday, March 02, 2007

Cat in the Hat Tribute


We have a snow day again, but we celebrated Dr. Suess's birthday by reading The Cat in the Hat and a couple other books.


Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991) was a famous American writer and cartoonist best known for his classic children's books under the pen name Dr. Seuss, including The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His books have become staples for many children and their parents. Seuss' trademark was his rhyming text and outlandish creatures. He also wrote under the pseudonym Theo. LeSieg. He wrote and illustrated 48 children's books.

And now here is my tribute to Dr. Seuss:

Hot to plot today it seems
Today I want the plot of my dreams.
I want it big
I need it now.
A plot so readers will say wow.

I’ll start with a hook
Of course a big hook, take a look.
Every good book needs a great big hook
I’ll then make a man over whom to swoon
A man with kisses that are over the moon.
I man, I say
A man to adore
A hero who will make readers want more.

Next comes the girl
Not just any old girl
No, a girl with spunk and class
And curl
A girl every reader wants to be
A heroine as pretty as Kathryn McPhee.

Now I’ll put them together
And I’ll give them some trouble
Trouble to confuse and confound on the double.
I’ll tell them no
And I’ll make them sweat.
I’ll create him and her too good to forget!

And then when it looks
As though all will fail
I’ll bring love and marriage to prevail
They’ll need a sacrifice of sorts
They kiss and confess true love of course
Confess that without the other
There is no happiness.
Oh yes it will be
A declaration divine
A promise that life will be sublime.

So what’s the problem?
You ask what’s the sweat?
Just think up a couple too exciting to forget.
I’ll do it now.
In fact I think
I sincerely know how.
Oh I will, do not fret
A perfect story I soon will beget.

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for reminding me of what I am missing due to the same snowstorm/2nd snow day. Teachers & librarians (AND writers- LOL) do such a GREAT job of remembering his contribution to kids' lit; reading his books & making & wearing hats, etc.

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  2. Great tribute/wonderful poem, by the way. I didn't realize his other "nom de plume"- Theo-- thought it was a relative, just not him; saw the resemblance in style. Live & learn!

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  3. That was great, Cheryl! My younger grandchildren just love to hear his stories. I read to them a lot and the older ones do a lot of reading. We are a family that loves books!

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