The wisdom of Dr Seuss  

I am a rabid Dr Seuss fan, and it's not just because I have kids that I read his books. I read them because I love them, because the rhythm of his verse is so compelling, and because they make me smile. But what convinces me of his brilliance is that, along with the nonsensical ones like "Cat in the Hat", and "Fox in Socks" (one of my favourites!), you'll find those which, despite the insanely made-up words, and funny rhymes, have deep moral messages.

One of them is "The Lorax", which is about the effect of unsustainable industrialization, without regard for the environment. Heavy stuff made plain for children..... "Business is business, and business must grow, regardless of crummies in tummies, you know."

Another deep one is the short story "The Sneetches", which is basically about discrimination. I especially like that he showed how one man took advantage of the Sneetches' prejudice, and blind dislike of each other - and played them against each other - for his own profit. Good lessons there.

Then there's "Horton Hears a Who". "A person's a person, no matter how small." You could extend that to so many things.... Personally, I can extend it to people who are "small" in power, or wealth (basically the same thing though, isn't it?). I can extend it to children - after all they may be small, but they have the same rights we do. Even an unborn child.... after all, no one could even see the Whos - yet they are still people. And on another theme, the story also teaches us that we shouldn't attack people who have "new" ideas that seem ridiculous to us.

There are also stories with morals that are a little less weighty - like "Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose" which is about the need for hosts and guests to be gracious, polite and considerate. And "What was I Scared Of?" - which is generally about facing your fears, and not fearing the unfamiliar. Besides being quite funny, of course.

Then there are books about imagination - "Oh the Thinks You Can Think", and about believing in yourself, and your potential - "Oh the Places You'll Go". That book in particular is absolutely amazing. I think every child should have it read to them by an adult who loves them.

Any other Dr Seuss fans out there? What books (Dr Seuss and other) have you read that have deeper messages hidden among the "miff-muffered-moof"