The Cat in the Hat

The tension between words and illustrations, sustain the reader's interest by forcing you to think about the relationship. For example, when The Cat in the Hat enters the children's home, the umbrella is colored blue on a mostly black and white page, however the text on the page says "I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny. But we can have lots of good fun that is funny."  Not once did he use umbrella, which is one of the main illustrations that catches your eye and is found on several pages throughout the book.


I've read this book since I was a child and never, not once, noticed that the main character is a good guy or a bad guy.  I always assumed he was a good guy.  Reading it again, with a different perspective, it is very clear that the main character uninvitedly goes into the house with children when no one is home.  It also has a hidden message that teaches children maybe they don't have to tell the truth if they don't have to.  I'm baffled.

I was also very unaware that Dr. Seuss was inspired by an article complaining about the reading material used in schools.  He created books that could be used to teach reading, were gender neutral, timeless with almost no realistic details that portray the era in which he wrote the book. (Unlike Dick and Jane)

Dr. Seuss's readers, are unlike any other fan base out there for "beginning reader" books.  

Every one of Dr. Seuss' children's books still appeal to children today!  They delight in celebrating his birthday, and dress as his characters for Halloween!  I can not think of a contemporary book that has the same tension as The Cat in the Hat, however I'm sure there are many that are teaching our children to accept changing social norms.  This has opened my eyes to be more aware of what I read.