Top 10 Books by Dr. Seuss

Here’s the perfect picture book to learn how to read, with smart poems, nice artwork, and new vocab words guaranteed. From Aunt Annie’s Alligator to Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, alphabetic adventure is clearly abuzz. It’s an educational book that sticks with kids for sure, and its fundamental lessons are bound to endure. Its premise is basic, and youngsters learn tons, while happily having oodles of fun. Do you like to read, then reading you’ll do! You’ll learn words like David Donald Doo, quacking quaker-oo and Kangaroo, too. And, you’ll swiftly surpass reading level two!

Seuss’ second kids’ book lacks his trademark rhymes and colors, but it’s a must-read read for all small first grade scholars. The pictures are mainly in white and in black, but make some great use of a standout red hat. It marks the debut of Bartholomew Cubbins, a boy who has hats on his head by the dozens. There’s more to this boy and his hats than you’d think; they drive the strong king really mad, to the brink. With a timeless, great story and hats, hats galore, it feels like it comes straight out of folklore.

While “Gertrude McFuzz” and “Big Brag” are great stories, “Yertle the Turtle” takes all of the glory. The king is a turtle who spends his time stacking, his subjects below him; his king skills are lacking. With simple, smart themes, it’s a straightforward story, but it also contains a mature allegory. It could really show Hitler’s rise and his fall, pleading for some equal freedom for all. The subject sounds heavy for young ones to bear, but its morals and characters please every creature, everywhere.

If you’re lacking a purpose, a point, a direction, gaze at this book and see your reflection. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” plots the long road ahead, showing high times and low times from point A to point Zed. Even when faced with an uncertain fate, you can still make the most of what’s piled on your plate. Or if numerous obstacles get in your way, you can still make the most of your life, every day. It’s fitting this tale would beSeuss’s swan song, as it tells of life’s journey, at once short, and yet, long.

This sweet, thoughtful elephant first did appear, in “Horton Hatches the Egg” – but we love him most here. And if you are ready for book number two, pick up a copy of “Horton Hears a Who.” Just Horton’s ears hear the Whos’ yells and cries, encouraging readers to look out for little guys. Let’s take heed of this tale and never ignore, those in need of our help – we must rise up and roar! Some may not believe you and will show resistance, but “Horton” proves the smallest voices can make a difference.

The personal fave of the Doctor himself, is a tale of a boy and an Earth-minded elf. A teachable tale of respecting our Earth, “The Lorax” asks questions on capitalism’s true worth. The careless, old Once-ler chops down all the trees, and shows us how all can be taken by greed. If the Lorax’s words go completely unheeded, sadly we’d lose all the trees our Earth needed. Some argue that Seuss preached right straight to the choir, but his words and his message we should truly admire. With an ending ambiguous and creatures complex, “The Lorax” says much more than you would expect.

While this colorful book is a bit light on plot, it’s a classic and kids will reread it a lot. A book teachers love and share with their small students, a quick thumb through this one is never imprudent. Filled with strange, different beings that two children meet; one has lots of fingers, and another six feet. These key building blocks help kids tell red from blue, and old from new and one from two. Inspiration is drawn from this book’s silly rhymes; many lessons are learned, one-by-one, in due time.

Now this story draws us back in every year; our annual dosage of warm Christmas cheer. Every Who down in Whoville likes Christmas a lot, but one cranky, grumpy, mean green dude does not. His plot to serve Christmas its one fatal bludgeon, makes this Grinch our most favorite Christmas curmudgeon. Stealing presents and stockings and the yummy roast beast, he desperately tries to make Whos’ great joy cease. This green antihero learns his lesson, however; much like this great book, Christmas spirit lasts forever.

This challenge might seem just a bit too absurd: write a book using only just 50 different words. Not 500; not 5,000; just 50, it’s true. But if anyone could do it, Dr. Seuss it could do. By accepting this dare, Seuss was in quite a jam. He won the bet, though, writing “Green Eggs and Ham.” Dr. Seuss makes the most of his tiny word choice, with fun characters, food and a lively, great voice. When faced with new things, you may run, you may cry, but Sam I Am hopes you give green eggs a try.

Before we give our top pick undivided attention, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Hop on Pop” (1963)
- “If I Ran the Zoo” (1950)
- “Fox in Socks” (1965)

With a super tall hat striped in white and bright red, this mischievous cat pops right into our heads. A Dr.Seuss creature that’s tricky and fun, he’s top of our list at place number one. Where most kids are trained to obey all the rules, this feline taught lessons outside of a school. He taught of rebellion, of cool games, not decorum; he taught us that rain was no reason for boredom. Shaping childhoods and minds and the book scene forever, reading “Cat in the Hat” is always a pleasure. Penned by a man name of Theodor Geisel; a man whose great vision could never be stifled. No one can rhyme just as well as the master; ‘cause when we do try it’s a f*cking disaster.

Do you agree with our list? Are there any beloved Dr. Seuss books that we missed? For more wubbulous Top10s published all day long, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.