Imagine That!: How Dr. Seuss Wrote the Cat in the Hat

"1954 was a great year to be a kid, unless you were trying to learn how to read," quips Sierra in this look at how Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, endeavored to create a beginning reader "so exciting that couldn't stop turning the pages." It took Geisel more than a year to get The Cat in the Hat just right; although Sierra writes mostly in prose, she occasionally slips into Seussian rhyme, as if to channel the pieces coming together in Geisel's mind. Amid representational portraits of Geisel, Hawkes dives headlong into the wooly world of the books he created, blending imagination and reality--in one scene, Geisel walks up a swoopy staircase to his studio, trailed by furry and feathery nonsense creatures. It's an engrossing and amusing glimpse of creativity in action and the making of a children's book classic. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

Gr 1-3--The 1950s was a boring time for beginning readers in the United States. After a critic wrote about the lack of fun books in this category, Seuss was determined to write one of his very own. Limited by the words that could be used for such a book, he created the classic The Cat in the Hat. Adults and children alike will enjoy reading about Seuss, his funny hats, and all the work that went into making one of the most well-known children's book characters of all time. Hawkes adeptly uses Seuss-like illustrations to tell his story, incorporating famous Seussian words, characters, and the man himself throughout. Children will love to learn more about this renowned author and how he came up with such a simple but ingenious book. Educators could use this work for various writing activities and lessons. Also Sierra's focus on how long it took Seuss to finish his masterpiece will communicate to young readers the stamina it takes to create. VERDICT An easy addition to any elementary school nonfiction collection.--Molly Dettmann, Moore Public Library, OK