The Cat in the Hat: Green Back Book (Dr Seuss - Green Back Book) [Paperback]

What would I do without the cat?
Where would I be without the hat?
I do not know, I can not say
I wouldn't want to see that day

For in this book, so short and sweet
is such, for all, a great big treat
The cat of mischief, cat of wise
Cat with gleaming knowing eyes

And of the hat!
What's up with that?
Where did those stripes come from?
Yes I know

Poor grammar, oh,
I'm really not that dum!

I would the world would know the cat
I hope the world will wear the hat
Can such a book be left alone?
Can such a tale be overblown?

I thinkest not, I thought antiquely
For this is writing most uniquely
And such will never come again
To grace the page with such a pen

To give us such unbridled joy
To please and, yes, and to annoy
But in the end to satisfy
With merriment and laughing sigh

For on this day we give our thanks
For treasure that is not in banks
But on the printed page before us
Thank you, oh dear Dr. Seuss!

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I wrote this in honour of Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, on the anniversary of his birthday. Using a vocabulary of a mere 223 words, 'The Cat in the Hat' has become a standard children's classic throughout the English-speaking world. I remember as a child delighting at the discovery of rhyming words and what fun they could be, and when coupled with the imaginative drawings and simple yet engaging plot lines, Dr. Seuss became my favourite almost instantly.

The plot of 'The Cat in the Hat' is simple yet meaningful.... A cat, a perfect creature for exhibiting independence and mischief, is befriended by children who express delight, astonishment, and occasional disapproval of their be-hatted feline. Children learn behaviour in a humourous and touching way by relating to the children.

However, all of Seussian literature was almost not to be. Geisel had literally dozens of rejections for his early works, from publishers who doubted the appeal or the marketability. Fortunately for us, Geisel continued to pursue both writing and publication, which he continued up to the time of his death in 1991. He still had a book on the bestseller list at that time.

Long Live Dr. Seuss! Read more ›

However, the initial concept of this book: specifically intended to be a unique teaching aid should never be overlooked.

When Dr Seuss designed this book, the words he chose were no accident. He deliberately set out to construct a story using a strictly limited vocabulary of short, easily recognisable words ... repeating them at regular intervals. In the hands of a lesser author the result could have been deadly dull, but Dr Seuss creates a story with a real page-turning plot, a vibrant central character and a great ending! As the simple words are read over and over again, the deveoping young reader soon starts recognising them.

The rhyming format was no coincidence either. Once a young reader can identify a word such as POT, it is a simple step for them to attempt deciphering the likes of NOT, HOT and LOT etc. The cunning use of rhyming couplets also enables the inexperienced reader to make a calculated guess at some words even if they can only identify the first letter or two ... and as an inevitable result, their confidence in reading for themselves is swiftly increased.

I have used this book with struggling young readers and watched their progress with delight. The slick wittiness of the text and illustrations will even prevent older children with reading difficulties from feeling they are attempting something too babyish.

For the very youngest (not reading yet but following the finger along as they are read to out loud) the repeating rhymes encourage them to join in too ...... and gradually the words on the pages start to become recognisable.

I recommend following this book up with 'Green Eggs and Ham' another Dr Seuss specifically designed to work in the same way. Read more ›