The Lorax

Seuss, Dr.

ISBN 10: 0881034185 ISBN 13: 9780881034189

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 1999

Synopsis

""UNLESS someone like you...cares a whole awful lot...nothing is going to
get better...It's not."" Long before saving the earth became a global
concern, Dr. Seuss, speaking through his character the Lorax, warned against
mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty. His
classic cautionary tale is now available in an irresistible mini-edition,
perfect for backpack or briefcase, for Arbor Day, Earth Day, and every day.

About this title

Review

When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amid the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the Earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

The now remorseful Once-ler--our faceless, bodiless narrator--tells the story himself. Long ago this enterprising villain chances upon a place filled with wondrous Truffula Trees, Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba- loots, and Humming-Fishes. Bewitched by the beauty of the Truffula Tree tufts, he greedily chops them down to produce and mass-market Thneeds. ("It's a shirt. It's a sock. It's a glove. It's a hat.") As the trees swiftly disappear and the denizens leave for greener pastures, the fuzzy yellow Lorax (who speaks for the trees "for the trees have no tongues") repeatedly warns the Once-ler, but his words of wisdom are for nothing. Finally the Lorax extricates himself from the scorched earth (by the seat of his own furry pants), leaving only a rock engraved "UNLESS." Thus, with his own colourful version of a compelling morality play, Dr. Seuss teaches readers not to fool with Mother Nature. But as you might expect from Seuss, all hope is not lost--the Once-ler has saved a single Truffula Tree seed! Our fate now rests in the hands of a caring child, who becomes our last chance for a clean, green future. (Ages 4 to 8)

Review

"[Dr. Seuss] has...instilled a lifelong love of books, learning and reading [in children]" - The Telegraph "Dr. Seuss ignites a child's imagination with his mischievous characters and zany verses" - The Express "The magic of Dr. Seuss, with his hilarious rhymes, belongs on the family bookshelf" - Sunday Times Magazine

Edition details

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0881034185
• ISBN 13: 9780881034189
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 72