The 10 Best Dr. Seuss Books
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in February of 2018. From lighthearted and lilting rhymes that make learning to read fun for young ones, to silly-sounding, but provocative, treatments of cultural diversity, environmental conservation, tolerance, and other serious issues, the enduring magic of Dr. Seuss lies in the ability of his stories to engage multigenerational audiences and inspire a passion for books in people of all ages. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Beginner Book Collection
2. You're Only Old Once!
3. The Lorax
Editor's Notes
May 26, 2020:
Dr. Seuss books have been beloved by those of all ages for decades, and have been lauded for their repetitive rhyming and simple wordplay that helps young readers sharpen their skills, as well as thoughtful treatment and presentation of contentious issues. We wanted this list to provide a well-rounded sampling of his work, with old and lesser-known stories, classic favorites, and tales that appeal to adults that can function as tried and true children's books at the same time.
To that end, you'll find everything from The Butter Battle Book, an allegory for the Cold War that high schoolers and adults can appreciate to How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, a heartwarming tale perfect for reading to children during the holidays. We decided to add The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories for those who are used to the classics and crave more obscure works. This story collection features an enlightening introduction that traces the history behind each tale and explores how Seuss played with recurring themes, like the perils of greed and the importance of imagination.
We also wanted to bring on another adult-oriented book to balance out the children's offerings you'll find in the Beginner Book Collection, and so we added You're Only Old Once!. This one is bursting with tongue-in-cheek humor and is exceptionally witty. It can serve as a lighthearted gift for a senior or help kids understand a new perspective, and it's inspired by Seuss dealings with doctors and clinics as he suffered a series of illnesses that required hospitalization. It was fittingly released on his 82nd birthday.
Special Honors
Signed Cat in the Hat First Edition Originally published by Random House in 1957, The Cat in the Hat went on to become one of Dr. Seuss's most celebrated stories. This first edition, first issue copy features original illustrated unlaminated boards and is inscribed by the author, “For Ruth! Dr. Seuss.” It's in fine condition in a well-preserved dust jacket with light wear. All issue points are present and the book contains a single signature and a message on the final page before the endpaper contained in an outline of the cat’s hat and head. raptisrarebooks.com
4. Oh, the Places You'll Go!
5. Ultimate Horton Collection
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
7. The Sneetches and Other Stories
8. The Butter Battle Book
9. Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories
10. The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.