Dr. Suess was born on this day in 1904. And I don’t have to mention how he revolutionized children’s books along with their imagination. The very first memory I have is of reading a Dr. Suess book with my mother. My very first recollection of my life starts with thee wordphiliac himself.
Some wordphiliacs, or word nerds, as we are sometimes called might be interested in knowing that Dr. Suess is credited with inventing the word nerd. The word nerd first appeared in Dr. Suess’ “If I Ran the Zoo” in 1950.
Even more interesting, is behind the simple rhymes and wild characters, it is said that Dr. Suess not only hid his morals to his stories (he said a kid could smell a moral a mile away) but he has been accused of sliding in his world views. It is suggested that “Marvin K. Mooney Please go Now” is about president Nixon. His character Yertle the turtle was said to represent Hitler. “The Butter Battle Book” was pulled from the shelves of libraries because of the war messages and reference of the cold war.
Think it’s hype? Think it’s people just looking to far into things? Think people are always looking for a good conspiracy? Well why don’t you pick up some of your favorite Dr. Suess books and read them to child and see if things sound a little differently to you now.
After all, it is Read Across Amercia Day. A day that generates enthusiasm for reading and all of its benefits, celebrated on the birthday of the most befitting man.
Happy Birthday Dr. Suess. You made my imagination run loose. And helped to create in every way the wordphiliac that you see to day.
lol- Hey, there is only one Dr. Suess
