Title: Happy Birthday to You!
Author: Dr. Seuss
First published August 12, 1959
64 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780394800769 (ISBN10: 0394800761)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
“Step right up and celebrate the day you were born! Dr. Seuss invites you to the ultimate party in ‘Happy Birthday to You!’ This whimsical picture book is bursting with color and cheer, as the Great Birthday Bird takes you on a journey of self-discovery. With each turn of the page, you’ll learn to embrace your uniqueness and celebrate yourself every day of the year.
Whether you’re one or 101, this book is the perfect gift to commemorate your special day. Dr. Seuss’ hilarious stories, zany pictures, and riotous rhymes have been inspiring children to read for over 50 years.
Join the celebration and discover the true meaning of birthdays!”
About the Author
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1925, he attended Oxford University to earn a doctorate in literature.
It was at Oxford where he met Helen Palmer, whom he married in 1927. Upon returning to the United States that same year, Geisel began submitting cartoons and humorous articles to various publications, including Judge, Life, Vanity Fair, and Liberty.
Some of his works even included references to an insecticide called Flit, which eventually led to a 17-year contract to draw comic ads for the product. This association earned him national attention and created the popular catchphrase “Quick, Henry, the Flit!”
In 1936, while on a trip to Europe, Geisel was inspired by the rhythm of the ship’s engines and created his first children’s book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. However, it was rejected by the first 43 publishers he shared it with.
A friend eventually published the book in 1937, which achieved moderate success.
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was stationed in Hollywood. He wrote for Frank Capra’s Signal Corps Unit and created documentaries, winning both the Legion of Merit and Academy Awards for his work.
He also developed a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing, which won him another Academy Award.
In 1954, Life magazine published a report on illiteracy among school children, stating that children found their books boring. This inspired Geisel’s publisher to send him a list of 400 important words and asked him to create a book using only 250 of them, which he did.
The result was The Cat in the Hat, published in 1957, which became an instant success.
In 1960, Bennett Cerf challenged Geisel to write a book using only fifty words. Geisel accepted the challenge and wrote Green Eggs and Ham, but Cerf never paid him the $50 bet.
Geisel’s first wife Helen passed away in 1967, and he later married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. Theodor Seuss Geisel passed away on September 24, 1991.
He also wrote under the pen name Dr. Seuss.
Editoral Review
Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss is a classic children’s picture book first published on August 12, 1959. Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Geisel, is a beloved author of numerous children’s books known for their charming illustrations, witty humor, and whimsical characters.
Happy Birthday to You! is no exception. The book follows a young boy and his magical birthday adventure as he celebrates his special day with the Birthday Bird in the fantastical land of Katroo.
The boy is treated to a once-in-a-lifetime birthday extravaganza that is filled with outlandish creatures, wacky sights, and a boat that can sail on dry land. The adventure is enhanced with Seuss’s distinctive rhymes, playful language, and unique illustrations.
Happy Birthday to You! is a fun and entertaining read, but it also speaks to the importance of celebrating life and individuality. The book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and to find joy in being themselves.
The themes of self-discovery and celebration of life are just as relevant today as they were when the book was first published. Dr. Seuss’s writing style is engaging and accessible, using vivid and imaginative language that captures the attention of young and old readers alike.
Happy Birthday to You! is also a visual treat, with colorful and distinctive illustrations that perfectly complement the text. However, some may find the book repetitive and overly extravagant in its depiction of the birthday celebration.
Additionally, some may argue that it lacks the depth and social commentary found in other works by Dr. Seuss. Overall, Happy Birthday to You! is a delightful and timeless classic that is perfect for children and adults who are young at heart.
It is a testament to Seuss’s skill as a children’s author, and the illustrations are just as vibrant and captivating today as they were over 60 years ago. Rating: 4/5 stars.
While not Seuss’s most groundbreaking work, Happy Birthday to You! is a charming and whimsical celebration of life that is sure to bring joy to readers of all ages.
