Getting to Know Dr. Seuss

Theodor Seuss Giesel

Dr. Seuss

 

Dr. Seuss' real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel. His nick name was Ted. He was born March 2. 1904. He was born and grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. Even when he was a boy, Ted loved to draw gunny creatures. One of his favorite places to visit was the zoo. That is where he got ideas for the funny creatures that he drew. In high school, Ted started writing funny stories to go with his funny creatures.

After college, Ted wrote cartoons and funny articles for magazines. In 1936, on vacation on board a shop, Ted came up with the idea for the book, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" whild listening to the rhythm of the ships engines. This was Dr. Seuss' forst children's book.

In 1954, a report was published that sain that children were having trouble learning to read because their books were boring. So, Dr, Seuss picked 220 words that are important for beginning readers to learn and wrote "The Cat in the Hat". Kids and parents loved the story. Dr. Seuss made learning to read fun!! In 1960, a friend challenged Ted to write an entire book using only 50 words. The result was "Green Eggs and Ham".

Theodor Seuss Geisel died on September 24, 1991. He was 89 years old. Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 48 books for children in his lifetime.

 

After you have read about the funtabulous Dr. Seuss, print this page and answer the questions. Turn them in to your teacher for a grade.

What was Dr. Seuss' real name? ____________________________________

Which was Ted's first children's book? (mark one)

The Lorax

Fox in Socks

And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street

Why did Dr. Seuss write "The Cat in the Hat"?

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Why do you think writing an entire book with only 50 words was a challenge

for Dr. Seuss?

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