Author Bio: Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel

Yes, boys and girls, the week has come
For us to review a Dr. Seuss tome.
But first we must peek into his life
And discuss his childhood, his work, and his wife.
So come and see, come and behold,
The story of Dr. Seuss's life shall be told.

Born Theodore Geisel in March of 1904,
He wrote as Dr. Seuss, Theophrastus, LeSieg, and more.
In college, he was caught drinking too much gin,
So he had to adopt a name-of-the-pen.

He was told to give up all extracurriculars, including writing
for the school's humor paper, so he started writing as Seuss.

His first cartoon was in Saturday Evening Post;

Writing cartoons turned out to be what he loved most.

His first children's book was published in 1937,

It was originally rejected how many times? Some say 27.

Seuss's first book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street

Then came the beginning of World War II,

And Geisel/Seuss wrote political cartoons.

He was critical of isolationism (and also of Hitler)

But also depicted Japanese Americans as morally littler.

After the war, he moved to the Golden State

And kids' book after kids' book did he create.

In 1967 he remarried after his wife's suicide;

He never had children with either bride.

He famously said, "You have 'em, I'll entertain 'em."

When he died of throat cancer in 1991,

Many books had he written, and awards had he won.

A memorial sculpture garden of many of his creations

Stands in Springfield, Mass. (to many fans' elation).

Many of his stories and many of his rhymes

Taught lessons and morals (you'll hear more about that in time).

Over his lifetime, Seuss published over 60 books,

But did you know you're all mispronouncing his name, you schnooks?

(Four additional lines on pronunciation,
From Seuss himself, regarding your dictation:

You're wrong as the deuce

And you shouldn't rejoice

If you're calling him Seuss.

He pronounces it Soice!     )