Top 5 Dr. Seuss stories with life lessons

Theodor Geisel used the pen name Dr. Seuss on more than 60 children's books he wrote and illustrated. The lesser known pen name of Theo LeSieg (his last name spelled backward) was used for books he wrote but others illustrated.

Theodor Geisel used the pen name Dr. Seuss on more than 60 children's books he wrote and illustrated. The lesser known pen name of Theo LeSieg (his last name spelled backward) was used for books he wrote but others illustrated.

This week marks what would have been Dr. Seuss' 108th birthday, as well as the opening for the highly anticipated animated movie debut of one the author's most favored books, The Lorax.

I have always loved the writings of Dr. Seuss. Some of my fondest memories with my five children are of reading Dr. Seuss books together. As we read at bedtime I challenged them to interpret the voices and personalities of the Seussical characters and together we would bring them to life.

Even as an adult, I still love the books and teachings of Dr. Seuss.

Theodor Geisel wrote more than 60 children's books during his lifetime. He used the pen name Dr. Seuss for all of the books he both wrote and illustrated. The lesser known pen name of Theo LeSieg (his last name spelled backward) was used for books he wrote but others illustrated.

The works of this master children's book writer have been entertaining readers for generations. His whimsical illustrations tantalize the mind and the easy-to-read rhymes are often life lessons disguised as fun, and sometimes mischievous, adventures.

Last week the Brooke Jackman Foundation released a list of the Top 5 Seuss books that contain more than meets the eye -- stories that also teach children how to handle challenging situations.

The Brooke Jackman Foundation was created in 2001 to honor Brooke Jackman, a bright and compassionate 23-year-old avid reader who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Brooke's passion and commitment to literacy and helping children inspired the Jackman family to create the Foundation as her living legacy. The foundation has donated over 100,000 books and 15,000 "Brooke Packs," backpacks filled with books and school supplies, to children and families in need.

The Brooke Jackman Foundation Top 5 list includes:

The Lorax - Teaches the need to be environmentally conscious

Oh, The Places You'll Go - Teaches how to remain positive when faced with adversity

The Cat in the Hat - Teaches about responsibility and honesty

I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! - Teaches that reading is a useful tool to acquire knowledge

And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street - Teaches to be imaginative

"Dr. Seuss stories are the perfect way to introduce children to themes that they will be encountering throughout their lives. From these books, children are given examples of how to be independent and self-confident, how to care for the world around them and other lessons that they will be able to draw wisdom from throughout their lives," said Erin Jackman, Director of the Brooke Jackman Foundation.

I salute the Brooke Jackman Foundation for their work, and I thank them for keeping the dreams of both Jackman and Seuss alive.

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books, Green Eggs and Ham, is not on the Brooke Jackman Foundation list. It is often categorized simply as a beginning reader book -- but I believe it's still a classic Dr. Seuss teaching story. It teaches us to keep an open mind about things we do not understand, or things we have not yet experienced.

There is so much in life that we judge harshly without real knowledge or true understanding - especially people and what they believe. Some of the final words in Dr. Seuss' book, if applied more often, would certainly build a kinder society.

You do not like them.

So you say.

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

Try them and you may I say.

What Dr. Seuss book would you have placed on the top 5 list?


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