"Children's books" is a misnomer. His books have lessons for all of us.
My church, FUMC, Winter Park, is doing a summer series on The Lorax. This was Dr. Seuss' favorite. Written in 1971, it's about creation care. We obviously haven't yet received his message.
And Pastor David, on Sunday, reminded us that God told us in Genesis to "have dominion" over the earth, by caring for every for every living thing. It's about creation care. We obviously haven't yet received his message...either.
I love Dr. Seuss' books. I read many of them to my kids and we all memorized entire books. I think I can still recite "One Fish, Two Fish."
But that's not all. I, occasionally used Dr. Seuss' books when speaking to large groups of adults. The only book I've kept is "The Sneetches." There are at least three stories in this book that we adults can fully relate to. The story about the Sneetches has to do with our need to feel superior toward others and how we are easily taken advantage of due to this need.
Now, the Star-Belly Sneetches
Had bellies with stars.
The Plain-Belly Sneetches
Had none upon thars.
Another story is about how we make the same poor decisions over and over again.
Did I ever tell you that Mrs McCave
Had twenty-three sons and she named them all Dave?
Well, she did. And that wasn't a smart thing to do.
You see, when she wants one and calls out, "You-Hoo!
Come into the house, Dave!" she doesn't get one
All twenty-three Daves of hers come on the run!
The third story in this book that I used occasionally with adults has to do with our refusal to change. These two creatures named Zax are at an impasse due to their inability to compromise with each other or anyone else.
Never budge! That's my rule. Never budge in the least!
Not an inch to the west. No an inch to the east!
I'll stay here, not budging! I can and I will
If it makes you and me and the whole world stand still!"
Dr. Seuss was a very wise man.
