Last year for Dr Seuss’ birthday we put together a list of ways for families to celebrate. With this being such a Seuss-centric week and in honor of the highly anticipated animated big-screen debut of one the author’s most favored books, The Lorax, we have something a little different for you all.
The Brook Jackman Foundation* has put together a list for our readers consisting of the Top 5 Seuss books that are more than just stories. These tales teach children how to handle challenging situations and open their minds to something a little more:
- The Lorax
– Teaches children the need to be environmentally conscious
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
- (one of my personal all-time favorites) – Teaches children how to remain positive when faced with adversity
- The Cat in the Hat
– Teaches children about responsibility and honesty
- I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
– Teaches children that reading is a useful tool to acquire knowledge
- And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
– Teaches children to be imaginative
With these books, children are provided with various examples of how they can be independent and self-confident all while taking care of the world around them. Having read these stories to my own children on a daily basis, I know first-hand how they have generated questions and meaningful discussions on various life circumstances. You are never too young to learn!
*The Brooke Jackman Foundation was created in 2001 to honor Brooke Jackman, a bright and compassionate 23-year-old avid reader who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks before achieving her dream of becoming a social worker. Brooke’s passion and commitment to literacy and helping children spurred the Jackman family to create the Foundation as her living legacy – turning tragedy and despair into hope for a better world. Since its inception, the Brooke Jackman Foundation has donated over 100,000 books and 15,000 “Brooke Packs,” backpacks filled with books and school supplies, to children and families in need. In addition to an annual Read-a-thon, BJF has established four libraries, as well as a number of after school literacy programs, at sites across all five boroughs, including homeless shelters and Family Justice Centers for victims of domestic violence and crime in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
