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Top 10 Lessons We Can Learn From Dr. Seuss Books

Monday, March 2nd is National Read Across America Day. This day coincides with the Birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. The National Education Association created this day in 1998 to celebrate reading across the U.S. For this special day, hold a Seuss-a thon, write your own stories or read books at the local library. Share your ideas for the day at http://www.readacrossamerica.org/. For our part we offer you a look at 10 lessons everyone can learn from Dr. Seuss books!

  1. The Tooth Book- The Lesson: We are all the same, all struggling to fit in. As we read this book, we are reminded of many good tips to save our teeth like “Don’t break your teeth untying knots!” and “Don’t try to chew off bottle tops”. But, an overall lesson we can learn is that every one of us has an image to uphold and we are all dealing with some of the same problems.
  2. And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street- The Lesson: Everyone feels the need to exaggerate sometimes in order to make their lives seem more interesting. In this tale, Marco really wants to see some amazing things so he makes up a great story to tell his dad. But, when his dad asks him what he saw, he sticks with the boring truth. The point is, your friends and family will accept you for who you are, without any wild stories.
  3. The Cat In The Hat- The Lesson: Even the darkest days can bring some sunshine. The Cat In The Hat shows two little kids that even a gloomy day indoors can bring unexpected happiness. With magic, games and new friends, fun still shines through. We can start off our day feeling the same way. But, once we realize we can make this day anything we want it to be, everything seems brighter.
  4. Mr. Brown can Moo! Can You?- The Lesson: We are all born with unique gifts. In this book, we discover that Mr. Brown is pretty amazing. He can do pretty much anything including “go dibble, dibble, dopp, dopp”. Everyone is good at certain things. Rather than be jealous, we can learn from each other as we teach one another new things. I bet you can even dibble, dibble, dopp, dopp!
  5. Green Eggs and Ham- The Lesson: Never give up! The main character in this fable is continually pestered by Sam I Am. He keeps asking “Do you like green eggs and ham?” even though the answer is always NO (“not in a box, not with a fox!”) But Sam I Am won’t quit. The main character finally gives in and tries the green eggs and ham. Guess what, he DOES like them! All of us moms are just like Sam I Am, trying to get the kids to try new things. One day, it’s going to work!
  6. Dr. Seuss’s ABC- The Lesson: Words are important! Dr. Seuss gives us a vocabulary lesson from A-Z. Oh, how many interesting words are out there (okay, some of his are made up). But still, the more we know, the more we can teach our kids and the better stories we can tell!
  7. There’s a Wocket in my Pocket!- The Lesson: Life’s uncertainties can make us feel anxious. In this story, the character’s imagination has gotten the best of him. He believes hidden things are everywhere including a “vug under the rug”. In the end, he realizes there is nothing to be afraid of. Rather than worry about the unknown, we need to face each day with confidence.
  8. Great Day for Up- The Lesson: The world doesn’t stop turning. From this book, we are shown that each day, the animals awaken, the sun rises and the fanfare begins. This will happen whether you get up or not. SO, if you bury your head in the covers, you are going to miss out on something great. Get up! And get out there.
  9. One fish two fish red fish blue fish- The Lesson: There is humor in everything. Dr. Seuss tells us “every day, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” Now, you just have to open up your eyes to see them. Don’t get too busy to marvel in the simplicities of life and don’t be too serious to chuckle at the humor.
  10. The Sneetches- The Lesson: You are perfect just the way you are. In this classic tale, all the sneetches want to be the best on the beach. Only those with stars on their bellies are accepted. That is, until McBean makes a machine that puts stars on bellies without them. Now, bellies without stars are the elite. This continues until they realize all sneetches are great and so are you.

About the author...Jolene graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Sociology. She lives in Montana with her husband and two daughters. You can visit her website A+ Activities at http://www.aactivities.com/