The Cat in the Hat (Dr.Seuss Classic Collection)

I could not not review this book
I could not let it be forsook
for on this day was Geisel born
that we should not be so forlorn

What would I do without the cat?
Where would I be without the hat?
I do not know, I can not say
I wouldn't want to see that day

For in this book, so short and sweet
is such, for all, a great big treat
The cat of mischief, cat of wise
Cat with gleaming knowing eyes

And of the hat!
What's up with that?
Where did those stripes come from?
Yes I know

Poor grammar, oh,
I'm really not that dum!

I would the world would know the cat
I hope the world will wear the hat
Can such a book be left alone?
Can such a tale be overblown?

I thinkest not, I thought antiquely
For this is writing most uniquely
And such will never come again
To grace the page with such a pen

To give us such unbridled joy
To please and, yes, and to annoy
But in the end to satisfy
With merriment and laughing sigh

For on this day we give our thanks
For treasure that is not in banks
But on the printed page before us
Thank you, oh dear Dr. Seuss!

------------------------

I wrote this in honour of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, on the anniversary of his birthday. Using a vocabulary of a mere 223 words, 'The Cat in the Hat' has become a standard children's classic throughout the English-speaking world. I remember as a child delighting at the discovery of rhyming words and what fun they could be, and when coupled with the imaginative drawings and simple yet engaging plot lines, Dr. Seuss became my favourite almost instantly.

The plot of 'The Cat in the Hat' is simple yet meaningful. A cat, a perfect creature for exhibiting independence and mischief, is befriended by children who express delight, astonishment, and occasional disapproval of their be-hatted feline. Children learn behaviour in a humourous and touching way by relating to the children.

However, all of Seussian literature was almost not to be. Geisel had literally dozens of rejections for his early works, from publishers who doubted the appeal or the marketability. Fortunately for us, Geisel continued to pursue both writing and publication, which he continued up to the time of his death in 1991. He still had a book on the bestseller list at that time.

Long Live Dr. Seuss!

top fun with dr seuss (18/18 people found this helpful)

I am buying this book for the second time. We bought it en route to holiday in Italy for my dughter (then aged 3.75). We had it and one other Dr Seuss book (The Places You'll Go) and the two kept her happy for a week. We read the two to her a thousand times and, half-way through the week, she had learned The Cat In The Hat almost by-heart and recited it while turning the pages on cue. A tremendous book. I love Dr Seuss books because they are actually entertaining to read time after time. With other books I end up tearing my hair out. But I get huge enjoyment from reciting Dr Seuss ad infinitum. Back to The Cat In The Hat - we inadvertently left it in Italy but - stuck in Milan airport for half a day because of computer chaos in Heathrow, and thereafter trapped on the tarmac for hours - my daughter and I spent most of that time trying to piece together the book entirely from heart. We still fall back on it on tiresome journeys and I am so pleased that, before she is four, she has already developed such a love of books that my promise of replacing The Cat In The Hat is regarded by her with true excitement. I have loved books for as long as I can remember, and my fondest hope is that I can inspire my kids with a love of reading so that they can be propelled through school by the desire to learn, rather than by externally applied pressure. I have to say that, a practitioner of adult rather than child education, I think that Dr Seuss books are the finest encouragement available.

The best book ever written (5/5 people found this helpful)

Forget about all the other books you've ever read, this will almost certainly be better than any other. I first read it when I was about 5, and now as a 14 year old I still love it. Its a brilliant book which I have problems putting down. It even has a moral to the story- dont let strangers, especially cats with funny hats and bow ties, into your home while the parents are away.There's funny pictures and an angry fish. Just what you need in a book. A must have for children of all ages.

An excellent first book for a reluctant reader (5/5 people found this helpful)

One of the first books my daughter read for herself - great fun, full of easy rhymes and hilarious situations, even a thought provoking ending! I was disappointed when she no longer needed me to read it to her!

This is pure fun to read to your kids. (1/4 people found this helpful)

Everybody will find this a fun bedtime read. If your kids fall asleep before you're finished - I bet you'll still carry on to the end!

The Cat in the Hat (Dr.Seuss Classic Collection)

Dr. Seuss

Editorial Review:

Reader Reviews:

A word just absurd (4/4 people found this helpful)

top fun with dr seuss (18/18 people found this helpful)

The best book ever written (5/5 people found this helpful)

An excellent first book for a reluctant reader (5/5 people found this helpful)

This is pure fun to read to your kids. (1/4 people found this helpful)

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