Little Known Facts About Dr. Seuss

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, I thought I'd share some little known facts about Dr. Seuss. He's easily my all time favorite children's author.

• Dr. Seuss was not his real name and he was not a doctor. His real name was Theodore Seuss Geisel. Seuss was his mother's maiden name and he started using it as a pseudonym while attending College. He added the doctor part because Theodore's father always wanted him to get his doctorate and become a professor.
• He was afraid of children. He never had any children of his own and was actually slightly afraid of them. His wife said that he was always wondering what they'd do or say next. She added that he couldn't just sit down and play with children.
• He didn't become famous easily. His first book, "And to think that I saw it on Mulberry Street" (my childhood favorite) was turned down by 27 publishers before someone finally picked it up. He almost burned the book, because he was so frustrated.
• Green Eggs and Ham was written on a bet. Dr. Seuss' publisher bet him that he couldn't write a book with only 50 words. Green Eggs and Ham was the result. These words are, in order of appearance: I am Sam; that; do not like; you green eggs and ham; them; would here or there; anywhere; in a house with mouse; eat box fox; car they; could; may will see tree; let me be; train on; say the dark; rain; goat; boat; so try may; if; good; thank. 
• His greatest work wasn't a book. When asked what his greatest life work was, he responded that it wasn't a book or an illustration. It was the Lion Wading Pool at Wild Animal Park in San Diego, which he donated in 1973. 
• One of his books didn't have an ending. His most controversial book, The Butter Battle Book, which was published in 1984 was loosely based on the arms race between the American's and the Russians. The story ends with a blank page, allowing readers to imagine the result of the rising tensions for themselves.
• It's not Seuss at all. He actually pronounced "Seuss" like "Soice" (rhymes with voice).
• Dr. Seuss wasn't his only pen name. He also went by  Theo LeSieg, Rosetta Stone, and Theophrastus Seuss.
• He served in the War Effort. During World War II, Seuss served as the commander of the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces.
• Dr. Seuss received many awards for his writing. Dr. Seuss’s honors include: two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, and the Pulitzer Prize.  
• He tackled many social and political issues with his books. Dr. Seuss's books were more than morality tales for kids, they were outlets for Geisel to comment on social issues. "The Lorax" was about environmental conservation, "The Sneetches" tackled racism, "Horton Hears a Who" was anti-isolationist, "The Butter Battle Book" commented on the arms race (as previously mentioned) and "Yertle the Turtle" was inspired by Hitler's rise to power.