It’s no surprise I’m a day behind with this post (actually being only a day behind on something is a bit of a record for me lately). But I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate a man who’s taught me—and my family—quite a bit. Yes, the one and only Dr. Seuss, who would have turned 107 yesterday.
I’ll admit, I was familiar with his stories as a child, but I don’t remember loving them. Lenny, on the other hand, did. So much so that he bought a collection of stories and read them to my belly when I was pregnant with Big. I know some people think the idea of communicating with a fetus is crazy, but Big can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss now (or Kelly Clarkson or Curious George—the other two things he OD’ed on in utero).
I feel like I’ve rediscovered Dr. Seuss as a mom, and I’m so happy I have. Here are just a few of the lessons my kids and I have learned—together—through his magical words.
Lesson #1: It’s fun to experiment and make a mess, but Mom expects you to clean up after yourself. (Cat in the Hat)
Lesson #2: You’d be surprised the things you like, if only you give them a try. (Green Eggs and Ham)
Lesson #3: The alphabet is much more fun when it ends with a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, as you can plainly see. (Dr. Seuss’s ABCs)
Lesson #4: Then again, if you use your imagination, the alphabet doesn’t have to end with the Z—not for me. (On Beyond Zebra)
Lesson #5: Made up words are sure to make little brothers giggle.
Lesson #6: “Christmas can be every day if we just love everybody.” -Quote by Big (Said as I tried to force the last Christmas decoration out of his room. Yes, it’s still in there…and, yes, he still asks to watch The Grinch.)
Lesson #7: Sometimes just falling asleep can take the help of millions. (The Sleep Book)
Lesson #8: Little ol’ me can make a difference to a friend in need—and even the planet. (Horton Hears a Who and The Lorax)
Lesson #9: Watch out world, here I come…and I’m going to do amazing things. (Oh the Places You’ll Go)
Lesson #10: Birthdays deserve the royal treatment…or at least a blog post. (Happy Birthday to You!) So in that spirit, happy birthday to my other friends and family who share Dr. Seuss’s big day: Jodie, Katie, Addison and Yahoo!. I hope your day was as special as if you were in Katroo!
What are some of your Dr. Seuss favorites and why?
Yea Dr. Seuss!!!
I’m 100% positive the kids were more excited about Dr. Seuss’s birthday than mine – ha! I swear I heard them about to utter “Dr. Seu….” when they were singing “Happy Birthday” to me 🙂
xxoo
Well since you share a birthday, no doubt your creativity and lively spirit make you very worthy of celebration in your kids’ eyes…and mine!
amy – this is awesome. i especially love “Christmas can be every day if we just love everybody”. so wise, that little Big of yours 🙂
Yes, so wise at just the right moments. 🙂
Love this!!!
I bet your imaginative little guys love Dr. Seuss too!
Love this list! I too re-discovred Dr. Seuss as an adult via the husband. Long before a little one was in the picture his proposal poem ended with “Would you, could you, be the love of my life? Would you, could you, be my wife?” Now my little man’s book shelves are filled with his books and his bathroom is decorated with One Fish, Two Fish.
What a sweet, sweet story. I love it!
I’m right there with Lenny. Although when I was little I learned to read with Dr. Seuss. My Mom bought the set and when I mastered a book I got another one. My kids grew up reading my set. It’s so nice when things do not change!
What a great tradition you shared with your kids!
Our family loves Dr. Seuss too! Here are some of our favorite lessons:
> Don’t build yourself up at the expense of others and nobody likes a tyrant from “Yertle the Turtle.” This one is apparently very popular in North Africa right now.
> Arms races are pointless and silly from “The Butter Battle Book.” Great artwork in this one.
> Judging others is for courtrooms and appearances are only important in interviews from “The Sneetches.”
> Be happy in your own skin from “Gertrude McFuzz.”
Great post!
Ooh, a couple ones we haven’t read that sound like they’re well worth it. Thanks so much for sharing your great lessons too!
Hands down, Horton Hatches The Egg….a great lesson in commitment and loyalty..
Ooh, I have to admit, I’m not familiar with this one. I’ll have to see if it’s in our collection and read it. Thanks, Linda!