14 Hidden Gems from Dr. Seuss

This month marks the birthday of Dr. Seuss, born in 1904. The rhyming wizard and free-wheeling illustrator authored some of the most popular children's books of all time. His first, And to Think That I Saw it On Mulberry Street, came out in 1937. We've all chuckled at The Cat in the Hat's antics, mused about what goes into Green Eggs and Ham, bristled at the mistreatment of Horton, and wondered at the silliness of those Sneetches. But fans might be surprised to learn that Seuss, who died in 1991, wrote a plethora of winning books and stories you may never have heard of. Here are fourteen of Dr. Seuss's hidden gems.

The Shape of Me and Other Stuff (1973)

"The shape of you, the shape of me, the shape of everything I see . . . a bug, a balloon, a bed, a bike. No shapes are ever quite alike." A whimsical tribute to the shape we're in, the shapes we see all around us—and some shapes that could only come from the imagination of Seuss, himself. (Ages 3 and under)

Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog? (1975)

"Would you rather be a clarinet . . . a trombone . . . or a drum? (How would you like to have someone going boom-boom on your tum?)" Beginning readers are asked to ponder these—and a host of other odd choices—in this charming book that encourages children to let their imaginations fly. (Ages 2–5)

Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! (1972)

Marvin K. Mooney has worn out his welcome. His exasperated host invites him to leave by every conceivable means of transportation. He can leave by lion's tail or stamp himself and go by mail. By stilts or Crunk-Car or Zumble-Zay, it's time that Marvin was on his way. Will he ever get the hint? (Ages 2–5)

Wacky Wednesday (1974)

From a shoe stuck on the ceiling to tigers at school to flying cars, this is no normal Wednesday! Kids will love counting up the crazy things they see on every page in this search-and-find activity book featuring the madcap magic of Seuss's rhymes, and hilarious illustrations from George Booth. (Ages 3–7)

Oh Say Can You Say? (1979)

"Bed Spreaders spread spreads on beds. Bread Spreaders spread butter on breads.
And that Bed Spreader better watch out how he's spreading . . . or that Bread Spreader's sure going to butter his bedding." This riotous collection will delight kids of all ages who enjoy silly tongue twisters. (Ages 3–7)

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins (1938)

Bartholomew Cubbins is a young boy (also featured in the Caldecott-winning Bartholomew and the Oobleck) who must deal with unjust treatment at the hands of a king. The book addresses a subject Seuss was passionate about throughout his life: the abuse of power (Ages 4–8)

The King's Stilts (1939)

In the Kingdom of Binn, King Birtram works very hard to ensure the kingdom is running smoothly. But when the workday ends, it's time to play, which for Birtram, means racing around town on a pair of red stilts. But sour, old Lord Droon doesn't think that this kind of fun befits a king. (Ages 4–8)

McElligot's Pool (1947)

The first Seuss title to feature full-color art on every other page, this adventurous picture book tells of Marco, as he daydreams of all the possibilities that await him while he fishes in McElligot's Pool. Optimistic and exciting, this fish-tastic favorite is the perfect bait to hook readers young and old. (Ages 4–8)

Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose (1948)

Poor Thidwick's generosity proves the adage that no good deed goes unpunished, and soon everyone, from a tiny Bingle Bug to a huge bear, is taking advantage of our antlered hero. This tale of a kindhearted moose introduces young readers to the invaluable concept of self-respect. (Ages 5–9)

Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories (1958)

"I'm ruler," said Yertle, "of all that I see. But I don't see enough. That's the trouble with me." A small burp causes the downfall of a foolish king in one of three modern fables in this collection of thought-provoking stories offering timeless lessons on the dangers of greed, vanity, and pride. (Ages 5–9)

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? (1973)

"When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad . . . you should do what I do." So begins the terrific advice of the wise old man in the Desert of Drize. This book provides the perfect antidote for readers of all ages who are feeling a bit down in the dumps. (Ages 5–9)

What Was I Scared Of? (1997)

What's a pair of empty green trousers doing by itself in the woods? Or riding a bike through town? This narrator does not want to find out. Perfect for slumber parties and perusal by flashlight, this spooky and silly story delivers a timeless message about fear and tolerance. (Ages 5–9)

The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories (2011)

This collection includes seven stories that had previously been published only in magazines in the early 1950s. An introduction by Seuss scholar Charles D. Cohen traces the history of the stories, the emergence of the writing style we now associate with Dr. Seuss, and recurring themes. (Ages 5–9)

You're Only Old Once!: A Book for Obsolete Children (1986)

It's not too surprising that this is one of Seuss's later publications. Readers of all ages will laugh along with the parade of medical madness as an elderly patient is poked, prodded and ogled during his stay at the "Golden Years Clinic on Century Square for Spleen Readjustment and Muffler Repair." (Ages 7 and up)

5 fun facts about Dr. Seuss

• His first book was rejected 27 times before it was published.
• He wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a bet.
• Seuss had several pseudonyms and published one book under the name Rosetta Stone, Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo!!, in 1975.
• During World War II, he took a hiatus from children's literature to illustrate political cartoons, working in the animation department of the US Army.
• His art has been sought after by many American pop art galleries.

Let us know in the comments if you have any Dr. Seuss deep cuts to recommend!

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