A List of the Best Books by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss wrote our childhoods! We all have those fuzzy memories of learning to read with his wacky words and colorful characters.
His books have been selling and making millions, with some even getting translated into tons of languages. And even after he passed away, new stories based on his ideas kept popping up; that’s the power of a good storyteller, right?
If you want to spark the love for reading to your own kids, I recommend introducing them to Dr. Seuss’s literature (they will fall in love with books). Below are the top 5 best books by Dr. Seuss to start with:
Top 5 Best Dr. Seuss Books
1. Green Eggs and Ham
In Green Eggs and Ham, we meet a character who is the champion of saying “NO” to new foods. Enter Sam-I-am, the most persistent friend ever, who keeps offering a mysterious dish: green eggs and ham. Will our picky eater cave? Will Sam-I-am finally give up?
This book is perfect for parents who are pulling their hair out at mealtimes and toddlers who are stuck in a rut. The bright pictures, silly scenarios (eating green eggs and ham in a train? on a boat?), and catchy rhymes will have everyone saying “We do so like green eggs and ham!” by the end.
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2. Dr. Seuss’s ABC
Trying to find the best book for a little one can be a challenge, but Dr. Seuss might have nailed it with the alphabet book Dr Seuss’ ABC. What I really like about this book is that it goes beyond just teaching alphabets, it adds phonetics to help kids connect sounds to letters, making reading a breeze.
Dr. Seuss’s ABC book is a lifesaver! It’s filled with wacky characters, from the mysterious Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz to Aunt Annie’s alligator. You’ve also got a lazy lion with a lollipop and an ostrich giving an owl an oil massage (weird, but hey!). Seriously, learning the alphabet with Dr. Seuss is like having a feather on your… well, you get it. It’s silly, it’s fun, and it gets the job done!
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3. Fox in Socks
Let me tell you, this book is hilarious! This crazy character, Fox in Socks, is on a mission to teach Mr. Knox some tongue twisters that will have your tongue in knots (adults included!). Seriously, when I first started reading, there were moments I felt just as baffled as Mr. Knox.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will have your little ones giggling and maybe even leave you a little tongue-tied yourself, Fox in Socks is a must-have!
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4. Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
This Dr. Seuss classic isn’t just for kids! Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is a heartwarming and thought-provoking book that talks about life’s journey. It reminds us of the twists and turns that life throws our way. There will be ups and downs, unexpected detours, and maybe even some grouchy Grinks along the path. But the most important message? You’re in charge!
With your brain as your guide and your feet ready to move, you have the power to navigate your own path. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is filled with Dr. Seuss’s signature silly rhymes and wacky illustrations, making it a fun read for all ages.
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5. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, just celebrated its 60th birthday, but it’s still a laugh riot. Seriously, it’s been around for six decades and it’s still a bestseller! This wacky adventure takes kids on a journey filled with silly rhymes, bright colors, and all sorts of goofy characters — singing Yings, boxing Goxes, even seven-hump Wumps!
It’s the perfect gift for any kid, no matter their age. Younger ones can snuggle up with mom and dad while you read about this zany world, and bigger kids who are starting to read on their own will have a blast too.
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Dr. Seuss Best Selling Books
Sometimes the best books don’t become best sellers, but sometimes they do. You will see below that only two of the best books made it to the list of the best sellers. Here are Dr. Seuss’s best books by the numbers of copies sold:
1. Green Eggs and Ham (1960): This breakfast battle royale takes the crown! With over 8 million copies sold, it’s no surprise this silly story about a persistent pal and green eggs is a favorite. And let’s be honest, who can resist saying “I do not like green eggs and ham” in that sing-song voice?
2. The Cat in the Hat (1957): This mischievous feline needs no introduction! He’s practically a pop culture icon, thanks in part to the fun movie adaptation. With over 7 million copies sold, this chaotic classic proves that a rainy day with a wacky cat can be an unforgettable adventure.
3. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (1960): Get ready for a tongue-twisting trip through a world of colorful characters and silly rhymes! This playful book has sold over 6 million copies, making it a must-have for any Seuss collection.
4. Hop on Pop (1963): This one might leave you a little tongue-tied, but it’s a fun challenge nonetheless! With over 5 million copies sold, Hop on Pop proves that Dr. Seuss wasn’t afraid to play with words and keep us guessing.
Dr. Seuss Books that Were Banned
Dr. Seuss might have been some of the best children books authors of all time. But he was not spared from controversy and scrutiny even posthumously. And yes, some of Dr. Seuss’s books have been causing a stir just recently. Here are some of Dr. Seuss’s books that have been pulled from the shelves by the Seuss estate because they’re seen as having some pretty hurtful and outdated stereotypes:
- On Beyond Zebra!
- McElligot’s Pool.
- And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
- If I Ran the Zoo
This was a big move, sparking all kinds of debate about “cancel culture” and what we should preserve from the past. Some folks are all for updating Seuss’s legacy to reflect today’s values, while others are upset, saying it’s erasing a piece of childhood nostalgia.
But this isn’t just about Dr. Seuss. It’s part of a larger conversation about representation in children’s literature. People are asking questions about who gets to tell these stories and whose voices are being heard. Well, despite the wokes’ sentiments, Dr. Seuss’s books remain the best children’s books even in our age.
