Dr. Seuss
Controversy was sparked in 2021 when Seuss Enterprises announced that they were ceasing publication of several of Dr. Seuss's works, claiming that the books in question "portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong." As with any problematic literature, these works should be contextualized and discussed properly, and the harmful images supplemented with more enlightened, inclusive alternatives. The works that we've listed here on the right employ many of the same elements found in the Seuss works on the left. Lower down, you'll find Seuss works that celebrate differences, and even promote anti-racist ideas. As Philip Nel said, "Seuss wasn’t aware that his visual imagination was so steeped in the cultures of American racism," which is why some of Seuss's books perpetuate the very ideas that he criticizes in others.
Dr. Seuss Books with Problematic Content
The Cat in the Hat by Call Number: J F G31CIt has been argued that the Cat's appearance and mannerisms are derived from racist minstrel show traditions. This book has been banned/challenged in the past, but Seuss Enterprises has not ceased production of it.
And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Call Number: J F G31ANContains images of people of color drawn from racist caricatures; earlier versions of the book even included the offensive term "Chinaman;" subsequent printings edited it to "Chinese Man." Seuss Enterprises ceased printing of the book in 2021.
If I Ran the Zoo by Call Number: J F G31IFIContains offensive references to Asian people "who wear their eyes at a slant" as well as depictions of African characters drawn from racist caricatures of the 20s and 30s. Frequently banned/challenged since the 1980s, Seuss Enterprises ceased printing of the book in 2021.
Scrambled Eggs Super! by Call Number: J F G31sContains stereotypical depictions of Inuit people. Seuss Enterprises ceased printing of the book in 2021.
On Beyond Zebra! by Call Number: J F G31OContains an image of "the Nezzir of Bezzir," who resembles racist caricatures of Middle Eastern people. Seuss Enterprises ceased printing of the book in 2021.
McElligot's Pool by Contains images of "Eskimo fish" with features drawn from racist caricatures of the time. Seuss Enterprises ceased printing of the book in 2021.
Inclusive Dr. Seuss Books
The following books serve as examples of the inclusive and antiracist work by Seuss.
Horton Hears a Who! by Call Number: J F G31HOPromotes inclusion and elevation of minority voices and perspectives. Horton's motto of "a person's a person, no matter how small" is intended as a rallying cry for protecting human rights.
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Call Number: J F G31SNServes as a satire of racial and cultural discrimination (and anti-Semitism in particular). NATO distributed copies of the book in Bosnia & Herzegovina during the Bosnian War to promote tolerance.
Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Call Number: J F G31YOriginally written as a criticism of Hitler specifically, Yertle the Turtle serves as a larger criticism of authoritarianism and promotes equality.
The Butter Battle Book by Call Number: J F G31BUHighly critical of war and paints the disagreements that lead to war as petty and even silly. Promotes inclusion and celebration of differences.
Similar, More Inclusive Books
Ada Twist, Scientist by Call Number: J F B369adAda has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don't go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious. Uses fun rhymes and metric patterns that many of Seuss's works are known for.
One Love by Call Number: J F M347onA young girl enlists her friends, family, and community to transform their neighborhood for the better. Relies on repetition like that found in Green Eggs & Ham
In the Small, Small Pond by Call Number: J F F598IIllustrations and rhyming text describe the activities of animals living in and near a small pond as spring progresses to winter. Uses alliteration similar to that found in Fox in Socks.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Call Number: J F D276dWhen Duncan opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: his crayons have had enough! They quit! Teaches colors like Dr. Seuss's Color Book.
Anno's Counting Book by Call Number: J F A615AIntroduces counting and number systems by showing mathematical relationships in nature. Similar to One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.
Antiracist Baby by Call Number: J F K33anIllustrations and rhyming text present nine steps Antiracist Baby can take to improve equity, such as opening our eyes to all skin colors and celebrating all our differences.
What Do You Do with an Idea? by Call Number: JF Y19idA boy has an idea which makes him uncomfortable at first but he discovers it is magical and that, no matter what other people say, he should give it his attention. Contains themes similar to Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Call Number: J F M378c2When all the letters of the alphabet race on another up the coconut tree, will there be enough room? Teaches the alphabet.
The King of Kindergarten by Call Number: J 813.6 B261kInstilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Call Number: J F Q7pThis book is a young girl's love letter to her hardworking dad and to memories of home that we hold close in the midst of change.
