Children's Lit Book Reviews

Sunday, April 4, 2010
































The Cat In The Hat
By: Dr. Seuss
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 1957
Pages: 74
Reading Level: 4-8
Genre: Picture book/Fiction
"The Cat in the Hat came to play one rainy, nothing-to-do afternoon. His hilarious antics are "recommended for all libraries."
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School Library Journal

Summary: Two children are moping indoors on a rainy day when in strolls the Cat in the Hat. The cat declares, as he bursts inside the home, that he knows it is wet and that the sun is not shining, but that they could still have lots of good fun. Just as the Cat in the Hat was about to begin his fun, suddenly, the fish in the bowl boldy declares to the little children that he shouldn't be inside the house, especially with their mother gone out of the house. The Cat then replies that his tricks are not bad and lifts up the fish and begins to balance the fish and other things while he stands on a ball. Suddenly the cat falls on his head and everything comes crashing down making a huge mess. Fish, falling into a pot, once again declares that the Cat in the Hat should not be inside of the home. With a cunning reply, the Cat in the Hat tells the fish that he really enjoys being inside of the home and tells the children that he has another trick to show the children. The Cat in the Hat brings in a large crate, and out pops Thing 1 and Thing 2. The children worry about what to do, shake their hands, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 run around the house reeking havoc upon the house. Suddenly, the fish tells the children that the mother is drawing near and that they must get Thing 1 and Thing 2. They take a net and catch both Things before their mother walks into the door. However, there is still quite a mess. Then the Cat in the Hat returns and puts everything back together the way that it was. When the Cat drives out the door, their mother walks in and the house is nice and clean.
Who would benefit from reading this book? I think that this is a great book for all children to read. It is a book that has rhyme and would be a great beginner book for children in both the first and second book. It would also be a fine book for parents to read to the children as a read along book, helping parents ingrain within the mind of children the love of books and the humor that comes from them.
What problems/concerns could this book potentially cause? I don't think that there are any problems with this book. However, it could potentially teach children to go against what conscience tells them to do--or a fish, in this case.
My reaction: I remember reading this book as a small child, and it brought back memories of my first reaction. I remember laughing while reading this book, and it was definitely a book I never put down. I love Dr. Seuss and think that this book is fantastic. While the illustrations are simple, the text is very rich and easy for children to comprehend. I recommend this book to all whowill take the time to read it.
posted by Jon Dale at 2:06 PM

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