Using the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote and illustrated almost 50 children’s books. Books available under “Seuss” in the Children’s/Picture Books Section at the Chapel Hill Public Library and SILS are listed by category (Beginner Books, Read Alouds, Non-Rhyming/Prose, “Character Education,” Instructional and Reference Books, and Adult Reading) with short descriptions of each title. Summaries from the Chapel Hill Library on-line catalog are provided for books which were checked out, lost, or unavailable. Quotations denote these descriptions. Also, Dr. Seuss was very prolific, and due to the limitations of the collections in the Chapel Hill Public Library and SILS, this list is not comprehensive. However, locations are noted following each title. In addition, Dr. Seuss penned a number of books under the names Theo. LeSieg (Theo. is short for Theodor and LeSieg is Geisel spelled backwards) and Rosetta Stone, but for the purposes of this pathfinder, these titles are not included.
Dr. Seuss took special interest in literacy among children. Therefore, these books were written specifically for beginning readers. They are characterized by limited vocabulary, usually short sentences, and rhyming and repeated text. Young readers enjoy these books because they are simple and predictable enough to be read independently, yet the stories are fun and engaging, as well as complimented by Dr. Seuss’s characteristic illustrations.
The Cat in the Hat, published in 1957 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Probably Dr. Seuss’s best-known and most-loved children’s book, The Cat in the Hat is about two bored children at home alone for the day, who are visited by a fun-seeking, mischievous cat.
The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, published in 1958 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
The Cat in the Hat makes a reprisal, and causes even more trouble in this sequel to the original.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC, published in 1963 (available in the CH Public Library)
As the title suggests, this book introduces young children to the alphabet.
The Foot Book, published in 1968 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
“Beginner’s text describes all sorts of feet doing all sorts of things.”
Fox in Socks, published in 1965 (available in the CH Public Library)
This book is often identified as a beginner book, although the outrageous tongue twisters it contains may be better suited for adults reading to children.
Great Day for Up!, published in 1974 (available in the CH Public Library)
“Rhymed text and illustrations introduce the many meanings of up.”
Green Eggs and Ham, published in 1960 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
The memorable Sam-I-Am attempts to convince a reluctant creature to try green eggs and ham in this delightful book of nonsense verse.
Hop on Pop, published in 1963 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
“Pairs of rhyming words are introduced and used in simple sentences.”
I Am Not Going to Get Up Today, published in 1987 (available in the CH Public Library)
“A boy is so sleepy that he vows nothing will get him out of his morning bed, neither peas and beans, not the United States Marines.”
I Can Read with My Eyes Shut, published in 1978 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
“The Cat in the Hat takes Young Cat in tow to show him the fun he can get out of reading.”
Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!, published in 1972 (available in the CH Public Library)
“Suggests in rhyme a number of ways for Marvin K. Mooney to travel, as long as he gets going--now!”
Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, published in 1970 (available in the CH Public Library)
“Mr. Brown is an expert at imitating all sorts of noises.”
Oh Say Can You Say?, published in 1979 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
“A collection of nonsensical tongue twisters.”
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!, published in 1975 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
“Relates in verse some of the unusual thinks you can think if only you try.”
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, published in 1960 (available in the CH Public Library)
“A story-poem about the activities of such unusual animals as the Nook, Wump, Yink, Yop, Gack, and the Zeds.”
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff, published in 1973 (available in the CH Public Library)
“Rhyme and silhouette drawings introduce the shape of bugs, balloons, peanuts, camels, spider webs, and many other familiar objects.”
There’s a Wocket In My Pocket, published in 1974 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
“A household of unusual creatures help beginning readers recognize common household words.”
Because these books are quite lengthy and generally include tricky nonsense vocabulary, they are better read aloud to children. Children of all ages enjoy the playful and imaginative language of these books, as well as their eye-catching illustrations. An asterisks denotes dated or perhaps controversial subject matter.
*And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street, published in 1937 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
In Dr. Seuss’s first-ever children’s book, a young boy named Marco imagines a fantastic procession of people and creatures on Mulberry Street.
Daisy-Head Mayzie, published in 1994 (available in the CH Public Library)
This book was published posthumously, based on writings found by Dr. Seuss’s widow after his death. The story is about a young girl, Mayzie McGrew, whose head sprouts a daisy.
Dr. Seuss’s Sleep Book, published in 1962 (available in the CH Public Library)
Dr. Seuss describes the inhabitants of the county of Keck and others getting ready for bed. This is a perfect bed-time story for young children.
Gerald McBoing Boing, published in 2000 (available in the CH Public Library)
Gerald McBoing Boing rises to the occasion when all he can utter are sounds. The pictures of this book were adapted by Mel Crawford for film.
Happy Birthday to You!, published in 1959 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Dr. Seuss celebrates birthdays and the individual in typically epic proportions.
Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!, published in 1998 (available in the CH Public Library)
This book was completed posthumously by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Lane Smith, and published with the help of Dr. Seuss’s second wife, Audrey. It is a humorous look at life at Diffendoofer School in the town of Dinkville.
If I Ran the Circus, published in 1956 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Morris McGurk imagines running a circus full of unusual fantasy creatures.
*If I Ran the Zoo, published in 1950 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Gerald McGrew envisions the fantasy animals that would live in his zoo.
McElligot’s Pool, published in 1947 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Marco imagines catching a variety of outrageous fish at McElligot’s Pool.
My Many Colored Days, published in 1996 (available in the CH Public Library)
Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, this book associates colors and feelings with the days of the week.
On Beyond Zebra!, published in 1955 (available in the CH Public Library)
A precocious student introduces the teacher’s pet, Conrad Cornelius o’Donald o’Dell, to an alternate alphabet, composed of unusual letters, such as Yuzz and Vroo.
Scrambled Eggs Super!, published in 1953 (available in the CH Public Library)
Peter T. Hooper travels far and wide to create a less boring version of scrambled eggs, made from the exotic eggs of creatures like Ruffle-Necked Sala-ma-gooxes and the Bombastic Aghast.
Dr. Seuss wrote only three non-rhyming books early in his career. These are longer, more didactic stories involving fantasy kingdoms. An asterisks denotes dated or perhaps controversial material.
*The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, published in 1938 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
In the first of Dr. Seuss’s books about Bartholomew Cubbins, King Derwin, and the Kingdom of Didd, Bartholomew’s hat mysteriously reproduces itself on top of his head, much to the king’s displeasure.
Bartholomew and the Oobleck, published in 1949 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
In this King Midas-style story featuring Bartholomew, King Derwin, and the Kingdom of Didd, King Derwin inadvertently wreaks havoc on his kingdom with a sticky substance called oobleck.
The King’s Stilts, published in 1939 (available in the CH Public Library)
In this traditional story, a king’s beloved red stilts are stolen and his kingdom faces destruction, but a brave and resourceful page boy saves the day.
In these books, Dr. Seuss artfully addresses important individual and societal issues through his usual cast of memorable animals, both real and imagined. All North Carolina public schools are placing special emphasis on “character education,” especially among elementary school students. These books are excellent for introducing, generating discussion about, and increasing awareness regarding sensitive topics.
The Butter Battle Book, published in 1984 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
This story is a thinly veiled glimpse at the Cold War and the implications of the arms race. This book addresses issues of conflict, war, and authority.
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?, published in 1973 (available in the CH Public Library)
“Compared to the problems of some of the creatures the old man describes, the boy is really quite lucky.”
Horton Hatches the Egg, published in 1940 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Horton, the loyal elephant, is rewarded for sitting on Mayzie the bird’s egg in the face of bad weather and danger. This book highlights virtues like patience, loyalty, and reliability.
Horton Hears a Who, published in 1954 (available in the CH Public Library)
Dr. Seuss’s second book featuring, Horton, the loyal elephant, introduces the Whos, a tiny race of creatures, whom Horton protects steadfastly, insisting: “After all, a person’s a person no matter how small.” This book highlights virtues like loyalty, appreciation of cultural difference, and standing up for those who can’t defend themselves.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, published in 1957 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
This well-known holiday story by Dr. Seuss is about a miserly Grinch who sets out to “steal” Christmas from the Whos. This book addresses issues of materialism, commercialization, and the “meaning” of holidays, as well as virtues like generosity and good will.
Hunches in Bunches, published in 1982 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
In this book, a young boy is swarmed by “Hunches” who try to convince him to do what they say. This book encourages readers to be independent and follow their hearts.
I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! and Other Stories, published in 1969 (available in the CH Public Library)
This book includes “I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today,” “King Looie Katz,” and “The Glunk That Got Thunk.” These stories, like many others by Dr. Seuss, eschew senseless authoritarianism and encourage individuality.
I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew, published in 1965 (available in the CH Public Library)
The narrator of this story leaves his pleasant, but sometimes difficult life in the Valley of Vung, to find Solla Sollew, a place “where they never have troubles, at least very few.” This book encourages readers to make the best of their circumstances, even when challenging.
The Lorax, published in 1971 (available in the CH Public Library; sound recording available in SILS)
Another famous Dr. Seuss story, The Lorax addresses environmental devastation due to industrial pollution in the land of truffula trees, swomee-swans, brown bar-ba-loots, and humming fish. This book offers many possibilities for classroom discussion and activities regarding responsibility for care of the earth.
The Sneetches and Other Stories, published in 1961 (available in the CH Public Library)
This Dr. Seuss classic includes “The Sneetches,” “The Zax,” “Too Many Daves,” and “What Was I Scared Of?” These stories address issues of cultural difference (majority culture vs. minority culture), stubbornness, and fear of the unknown.
Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose, published in 1948 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
Unwelcome animals take up residence in Thidwick’s antlers, and the big-hearted moose learns a lesson about being a good host. This book highlights virtues like generosity, patience, and the ability to be assertive.
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories, published in 1958 (available in the CH Public Library)
This book includes “Yertle the Turtle,” “Gertrude McFuzz,” and “The Big Brag.” These stories address the consequences of hubris, vanity, and boastfulness.
These books are collections of fun and factual information, which are ideal for classroom and media center use.
The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary in French, published in 1964 (available in the CH Public Library under J433 Cat)
An alphabetical English to French dictionary with pictures by Dr. Seuss.
The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary in Spanish, published in 1964 (available in the CH Public Library under J463.21 Cat)
An alphabetical English to Spanish dictionary with pictures by Dr. Seuss.
The Cat in the Hat Songbook, published in 1967 (available in the CH Public Library under J784 Seuss)
A collection of 19 songs (lyrics and illustrations by Dr. Seuss, and piano score and guitar chords by Eugene Poddany) to march to, act out, and satisfy every young singer’s mood.
The Cat’s Quizzer, published in 1976 (available in the CH Public Library under J031 Seuss)
“The Cat in the Hat plays quiz master by challenging the reader with both entertaining and educational questions such as ‘Are freckles catching?’ and ‘How old do you have to be to drive a car?’”
Dr. Seuss wrote these books with adults in mind. Both stories speak to grown-up concerns, such as making one’s way in the world and growing old, but like his children’s books, they are written and illustrated with humor.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, published in 1990 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
This book is perfect for the recent high school or college graduate who is entering the “real” world. The story describes life’s many obstacles, while encouraging the reader on his/her way.
You’re Only Old Once!, published in 1986 (available in the CH Public Library and SILS)
This book pokes fun at the sometimes trying experiences that accompany old age.