A lively new picture-book biography of the most beloved children’s book author of all time: Dr. Seuss!
Have you ever wondered how the great Dr. Seuss wrote his most famous book? Did you know that for
The Cat in the Hat, he wasn’t allowed to make up the fun words he was known for—like OOBLECK and IT-KUTCH and HIPPO-NO-HUNGUS? He was only allowed to use words from a very strict list!
This bouncy account of the early career of Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Ted Geisel) proves that sometimes limitations can be the best inspiration of all.
Kid-friendly prose (with Seussian rhyme for Ted’s dialogue) and whimsical illustrations by award winner Kevin Hawkes recall the work of Dr. Seuss himself. Writing tips from Dr. Seuss and exclusive letters from the author and illustrator, detailing how they created this book, are included!
JUDY SIERRA has written over thirty-five books for children, many of which have won awards, received glowing reviews, and made bestseller lists. Before she became a full-time writer, Judy worked as a children’s librarian, a puppeteer, and a college professor. She grew up in Falls Church, Virginia, and now lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, Bob Kaminski, and their dog, Keiko. Visit her on the Web at judysierra.net.
KEVIN HAWKES is the illustrator of over forty acclaimed picture books and chapter books, including
Chicken Cheeks, Library Lion, The Librarian Who Measured the Earth, Weslandia, and
Sidewalk Circus. His vibrant colors, unusual perspectives, and dry sense of humor are hallmarks of his work. He lives with his charming wife and children in southern Maine, where he can often be found wandering aimlessly in his garden. When forced indoors, he works quite happily painting cobalt-blue skies, imaginary landscapes, and flying pianos. Visit him on the Web at kevinhawkes.com.
"Buoyantly told, rich in insights into the creative process as well as the crafts of writing, illustrating, and storytelling."—
Kirkus Reviews starred review
"It’s an engrossing and amusing glimpse of creativity in action and the making of a children’s book classic."—
Publishers Weekly starred review
