Title: I Am Not Going to Get up Today!
Author: Dr. Seuss
First published January 1, 1987
48 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780394892177 (ISBN10: 0394892178)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
“A whimsical tale that will surely tickle your funny bone. ‘I am not getting up today, even if the sun is up and the birds are chirping,’ declares a lazy boy, and no amount of tricks, not even a marching band or a parade of clowns, can make him budge from his bed! The delightful rhymes and hilarious illustrations will keep young readers engaged and entertained.
This book is a perfect addition to any children’s library.” -Publisher’s Weekly.
About the Author
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1925, he pursued a doctorate in literature at Oxford University where he met and married Helen Palmer in 1927.
Upon returning to the United States later that year, Geisel began submitting cartoons and humorous articles to Judge, a leading American humor magazine. He also submitted work to publications such as Life, Vanity Fair, and Liberty.
In some of his pieces, he referenced an insecticide called Flit, catching the attention of the company and leading to a 17-year contract to draw comic ads for them. This collaboration gained national exposure and produced the catchphrase “Quick, Henry, the Flit!”
During World War II, Geisel joined the army and was sent to Hollywood where he wrote for Frank Capra’s Signal Corps Unit, winning the Legion of Merit. He also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing, which earned him an Oscar.
Geisel’s book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, inspired by the rhythm of a ship’s engines during a vacation in Europe, was rejected by 43 publishers before a friend finally published it in 1937 to moderate success.
In 1954, a report by Life on illiteracy among school children inspired Geisel’s publisher to ask him to write a book using only 250 of a list of 400 important words. Nine months later, using 220 of the words, Geisel published The Cat in the Hat, which became an instant success.
In 1960, Bennett Cerf bet Geisel $50 that he couldn’t write a book using only fifty words. Geisel won the bet with Green Eggs and Ham, but Cerf never paid up.
After the death of Helen Palmer Geisel in 1967, Theodor Geisel married Audrey Stone Diamond in 1968. He passed away on September 24, 1991.
Geisel also worked under the pen name Dr. Seuss, which has become synonymous with his unique and imaginative style of storytelling.
Editoral Review
I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! is a classic children’s book written by Dr. Seuss and originally published on January 1, 1987. This charming story is perfect for young readers who are just starting to discover the joys of reading, and it is sure to delight children of all ages with its fun characters and exciting plot.
In this delightful tale, we meet a young boy who has decided that he simply does not want to get out of bed. No matter what his mother or his friends say, he remains determined to stay in bed all day long.
As the day wears on, he finds himself feeling more and more tired, but he still refuses to get up. However, when his mother makes a surprise announcement, he suddenly finds himself with a new reason to get out of bed and face the day.
The author’s writing style is lively and engaging, with vivid descriptions and clever word play that will capture the imagination of young readers. The story is filled with charming illustrations that perfectly capture the whimsical tone of the book, and the characters are all endearing and relatable.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to teach children important life lessons in a fun and accessible way. The importance of getting out of bed and facing the day, even when we don’t necessarily feel like it, is a valuable message that is conveyed with humor and warmth.
The book also teaches children the importance of listening to their parents and showing respect to others, without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. Despite its many strengths, there are a few limitations to this book that are worth mentioning.
Some readers may find the plot to be a bit predictable, with the story following a fairly standard formula for children’s books. Additionally, some of the language and cultural references in the book may feel outdated to modern readers, although this is a minor nitpick that shouldn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! is a wonderful children’s book that is sure to enchant young readers with its lively characters, engaging plot, and important life lessons. I highly recommend this book to parents who are looking for a fun and educational way to introduce their children to the joys of reading.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give this book an 8, based on its charming writing style, engaging plot, and strong themes.
