Oh, the Places You'll Go!

by Dr. Seuss

Published: January 1990
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Hardcover
ISBN: 9780679805274

Synopsis of Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Illus. in full color. "Don't be fooled by the title of this seriocomic ode to success; it's not 'Climb Every Mountain,' kid version. All journeys face perils, whether from indecision, from loneliness, or worst of all, from too much waiting. Seuss' familiar pajama-clad hero is up to the challenge, and his odyssey is captured vividly in busy two-page spreads evoking both the good times (grinning purple elephants, floating golden castles) and the bad (deep blue wells of confusion). Seuss' message is simple but never sappy: life may be a 'Great Balancing Act,' but through it all 'There's fun to be done.'"--(starred) Booklist.

Children's Literature

Celebrating the wisdom of the beloved Dr. Seuss, this 20th anniversary edition of the book first published one year before his death at age eighty-seven reminds readers that life has challenges, but they are not insurmountable. Best of all, life also has joys. Whereas most of Seuss's books are primarily cherished by young children, this one has become a modern classic and remained a bestseller because of its appeal to older audiences. Although some youngsters have been given the book as they complete kindergarten, it is also popular as a graduation gift for students of all ages as they complete high school, college, or university degrees. And the book is commonly given to new retirees as they venture into their new life experiences. We can all identify with Seuss's "Everyman" with brains in his head and feet in his shoes as he decides which direction to choose. Seuss's signature zany illustrations in pastel colors remind us of some of life's absurd situations, but we know in the end, we will succeed (98 and ? percent guaranteed). Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.

About the Author, Dr. Seuss

It s difficult to imagine the children s book landscape without Dr. Seuss, who is, almost half a century after The Cat in the Hat, the best-recognized children s book writer in the country. But until Dr. Seuss -- a.k.a. Theodor Seuss Geisel -- reinvented the genre with his colorful and exuberant Sneetches, Grinches, Zaxes, and Zooks, children s books were often little more than literal-minded lessons and cautionary tales intended to transform young readers into productive citizens.