Today is Dr. Seuss's birthday__–which also means it's the perfect time to honor the man who authored so many beloved children's tales.
Since I, like many, grew up reading his books (and am still a huge fan), I thought there was no better way of celebrating than by compiling a list of our top favorite Seuss books that you should read with your kids. These classics are entertaining and contain valuable life lessons that are relevant whether you're 6 years old or 60. Plus, some of his catchy quotes are sure to bring back memories of your childhood and make you feel like a kid again!
Check them out below and happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!
The Cat in The Hat
The classic favorite! Who could not love the story of the mischievous Cat that brings all sorts of chaos to the household of two young children after their mother leaves them in the care of their fish?
Favorite quote: "Look at me! Look at me NOW! It is fun to have fun but you have to know how."
Horton Hears a Who!
This beloved tale revolves around Horton the Elephant, who thinks he hears a small speck of dust talking to him. It turns out though that it's not just an ordinary speck of dust, it's really a tiny planet where the Whos live in the town of Whoville.
Favorite Quote: "A person's a person, no matter how small."
The Sneetches
This story is all about accepting each other's differences, as exemplified by the Sneetches, yellow creatures who live on the beach and are broken into two classes: Sneetches with stars on their bellies and Sneetches without. At the end, the starred Sneetches realize their marks don't make them superior to anyone and everyone becomes friends. Sounds like a good lesson to me!
__Favorite Quote: "__That day, they decided that Sneetches are Sneetches, and no kind of Sneetch is the BEST on the beaches."
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A holiday tale that is good for all seasons, this story follows the Grinch who hates Christmas and decides to stop the celebration by stealing all the Whos' presents. But come Christmas morning, the Grinch is shocked to see that the Whos are still celebrating. Moral of the story: Spending time with family and friends is more important than gifts!
Favorite Quote: “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas perhaps means a little bit more!”
Green Eggs and Ham
This book s about a dog-like creature who is constantly pestered by "Sam I Am," who keeps trying to get him to eat "green eggs and ham." When the creature finally tastes the food, he discovers he actually likes it! It's a fun and entertaining example of being open to new possibilities.
Favorite Quote: "I do so like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am!"
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
The lesson of the book is revealed in the title–no matter how unlucky you think you are, you should appreciate what you have because someone out there is always worse off. That's exactly what the young boy in the story realizes after an old man tells him all about other people's misfortunes.
Favorite Quote: "When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue,
when you start to get mad … you should do what I do! Just tell yourself, Duckie,
you're really quite lucky! Some people are much more…unlucky than you!"
The Lorax
In this story, a young boy residing in a polluted, grim world visits a creature called the "Once-Ler," asking why the world is in such a poor state. The Once-Ler explains that the world once contained tons of "Truffula trees," that he chopped down even though the Lorax begged him to stop. It's a perfect way to teach you kids about greed and how important it is to protect the environment.
Favorite Quote: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Dr. Seuss's last book and one of his most popular is a colorful tale filled with rhymed wisdom mean to inspire readers to explore the world without worry or fear. Despite having to overcome some obstacles, the character in the story travels from place to place, spurred on by the thrill of what he might discover.
Favorite Quote: "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
