Lizz

Theodor Geisel, more commonly known to most as Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. Given his incredibly prolific repertoire of children's books, this day signifies a celebration of reading to many, including many formal organizations like Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, who have dubbed it Fraternity Day of Service, furthering their philanthropic efforts centered around the promotion of literacy. While many know about Dr. Seuss' intense work ethic or his many children's books written with the help and support of his wife, here are a few things you might not know... -Dr. Seuss was never a doctor (nor a Seuss - this was Geisel's mother's maiden name). Instead, he chose to add this title to his name as a whimsical, lighthearted way to give his characters added credibility. -Geisel had terrible stage fright, dating back to a presentation of medals by Theodore Roosevelt to children who sold large amounts of war bonds in support of WWI. Ten boys, including Geisel, were selected to receive this medal, but only nine medals were present at the ceremony, leading President Roosevelt to ask what young Geisel, the last boy in line to receive a medal, was doing on stage. -Geisel's career began illustrating for magazines and advertisements, where he experienced much success, despite having been described as a "mediocre" college student at Dartmouth. He then shifted to Hollywood film making, while dabbling in writing on the side. It wasn't until much later that his focus shifted more fully to writing books. -Geisel's artwork was heavily influenced by the surrealist movement, which he was particularly fascinated by when in Paris in the 1920s. -As part of a documentary film-making team, Geisel traveled with troops during WWII and ended up briefly being caught behind enemy lines in the beginnings of what would come to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. -Between the years of 1957 and 1976, Geisel regularly produced two to three books a year, in addition to making movies. He was incredibly involved in the publishing choices for these books, down to the very colors that were used in printing. -Geisel's last book, Oh the Places You'll Go!, was published in 1990. Recently (2015), a book he had drafted but never published, What Pet Should I Get?, was published posthumously. For more information on the life and impact of Theodore Geisel, visit: https://www.earlymoments.com/dr-seuss/The-Life-and-Times-of-Dr-Seuss/ http://www.drseussart.com http://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-dr-seuss

Posted : Nov 25, 2016 08:44