Theodor Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss, revolutionized children’s books with his catchy rhymes and whimsical characters. Children across the nation will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2 by participating in Read Across America Day. We wanted to honor his contributions to child development and literacy by highlighting some of our favorite books by the one and only Dr. Seuss.

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

“I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny.” To date, Cat in the Hat is one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, and it’s no surprise. Launching Dr. Seuss into literary fame, this book was written to help children learn to read. Add in the elements of turning around a rainy day with the help of a mischievous cat, and this book wins the top of our list.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from the store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Whether you’ve seen one of the movie adaptations or read the book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the timeless tale that teaches children to see the holiday magic beyond gifts and things.

3. Green Eggs and Ham

“I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.” You’ve probably heard a similar refrain at your dinner table. The familiar rhymes of this book make it easy to read and love. The words might be silly, but the message to be willing to try new things is a good one for kids and adults!

4. The Lorax      

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr. Seuss wrote The Lorax long before concerns for climate change and caring for the earth were in fashion. Leave it to a furry orange creature with a yellow mustache to teach kids that their actions make a difference.

5. Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” The perfect gift for all graduates, we love the way Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs and encourages his readers to find the silver lining no matter the circumstances. Here’s a fun tradition to start for your kids: at the end of each school year, ask your child’s teachers to sign your copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By the time your child graduates, they’ll have a collection of all the educators who helped shape them. Dr. Seuss would approve!

We wish we could include all of his books! What are some of your favorites?