FOR THE LOVE OF SEUSS

by Margie Senechal

When the Wranglers decided to do a literary theme for March, I jumped at the chance to celebrate Dr. Seuss, whose legacy is cemented in grade schools and book stores across the country every March.

When I learned to read, it was from the primer series, Dick and Jane. Oh, how I hated those boring blonde moppets. I started school in Virginia and then spent next couple of grades in a military school on the base in Keflavik, Iceland. So, we really didn’t have “new” reading material. The Boxcar Children Mysteries cemented my love of reading and those books were originally published in the twenties.

Then Dad retired and we settled in the Pacific NW. By then, I was reading—well, anything I could get my hands on.

My youngest sister, Wendy, is eight years younger than me and when she was a toddler, my parents subscribed her to a Dr. Seuss book club and guess who was the main read-alouder? Yep, I got that honor.

And the book Wendy loved the most? Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go NOW!

I read that book so many times, I can still quote parts of it. “The time has come. The time is now…” Although when I quote this, people just give me a blank look, “Well, what time is it?”

Back to Wendy, I’d tell her we could read two other books or one Marvin K Mooney and she’d choose Marvin every single time. To this day, neither of us can explain her love, but she stands by her childhood affection. I brought her to near tears when I gifted her with a Kohl’s version of Marvin stuffed animal. Although, it was that stuffed animal that made us realize that Marvin is just a yellow terrier in purple pj’s.

Being a mother and a former daycare provider, I read Dr. Seuss aloud for years.  I have to say that while Marvin holds a place in my heart, I find Fox in Socks my favorite one to read aloud and The Lorax for the message.  

As I writer, Dr. Seuss taught me to play with words, to experiment with rhythm and pedometer, and imagery.  

Take your blasted book,

Read it in the nook
For all I care,
Read it anywhere

But, go you must,

Let me see your dust.

Okay, so it’s still a work in progress.

Thank you, Dr. Seuss for the genius you brought to children, teaching us to experiment with words, and the messages of empowerment you gifted us all with.